Homemade margaritas take a tiny bit of effort but the payoff is big. While store-bought mixes are convenient, they don’t quite live up to fresh lime juice and tequila. Make a batch for sharing—and be prepared to pour a second round with our margarita pitcher recipe.
On the rocks or blended?
True margarita aficionados drink their margaritas on the rocks. You get to taste the quality ingredients instead of mostly ice. If you’ve only had blended margaritas, this recipe is the perfect opportunity to try it on the rocks.
When it comes to margaritas, high-quality ingredients are a must. Invest in a decent bottle of tequila Blanco and orange liqueur that you like the taste of. Also, always use fresh-squeezed lime juice. Bottled lime juice will make your margarita taste bitter and off.
Margarita Pitcher Recipe Ratio
| Tequila | Orange Liqueur | Lime Juice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Serving | 1 1/2 oz. | 1 oz. | 1/2 oz. |
| 2 Servings | 3 oz. | 2 oz. | 1 oz. |
| 4 Servings | 3/4 cup | 1/2 cup | 1/4 cup |
| 8 Servings | 1 1/2 cups | 1 cup | 1/2 cup |
| 12 Servings | 2 1/4 cups | 1 1/2 cups | 3/4 cup |
When it comes to margaritas, you can rely on the 3-2-1 ratio, no matter what size cocktail you’re mixing. (That’s the first rule in our margarita guide.) For a single serving, that means 1-½ ounce tequila, 1 ounce orange liqueur and ½ ounce lime juice. This scaled-up, big-batch recipe makes about 12 drinks.
Margarita Pitcher Ingredients
- Lime wedges
- Kosher salt
- Crushed or cubed ice
- Tequila
- Orange liqueur
- Lime juice
Directions
Step 1: Prep the glasses
Grab your margarita glasses and moisten the rims with the lime wedges. Then, pour the salt onto a small plate and dip the edges of the glass into the salt until the rim is completely covered. Fill each glass about halfway with crushed or cubed ice.
Step 2: Mix
In a large pitcher, beverage dispenser or punch bowl, combine the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. Add ice and stir with a large spoon until the cocktail is chilled and the outside of the pitcher has formed condensation.
Step 3: Serve
Divide the pitcher of margaritas evenly between the prepared glasses and enjoy.
Margarita Pitcher Tips
How do I stop ice cubes from splashing when I pour?
To prevent the ice cubes in the pitcher from splashing into the glasses, use a spoon to hold the cubes back. Or use a pitcher with a lid that prevents the ice from pouring out.
Can I make this margarita pitcher recipe sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter margarita, add simple syrup (or agave nectar) during step 2. You can also add flavorings like fruit puree, fruit juice or other ingredients for a margarita variation.
