How to Make a Pitcher of Margaritas That Stays Fresh

Whether it's Tuesday or not, summer is the perfect time to treat you and your friends to a pitcher of margaritas and a platter of tacos. Margaritas are fairly easy to make, with traditional recipes requiring only three ingredients — tequila, orange liqueur (such as triple sec), and lime juice. Or, if you're in a pinch, you can use store-bought margarita mix.

With these simple tips for keeping the pitcher fresh, you won't have to play bartender the whole night or worry about some sad, watered-down slosh. Plus, we'll share some of our favorite margarita recipes that can be used as big-batch cocktails, so you'll have delicious margaritas on-hand all night long.

How to Make a Pitcher of Margaritas

First, and most importantly, how do you make a margarita? There are several ways to make margaritas — on the rocks, frozen, or with margarita mix. Not all margaritas are created equally, but the most basic thing to remember is the 3-2-1 ratio.

So, in a margarita recipe for two servings you would use 3 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of orange liqueur, and 1 ounce of lime juice — and this ratio can be adjusted for different serving sizes depending on your pitcher. (Margarita recipes on Allrecipes.com can be automatically adjusted using the "servings" button.)

How to Make Margaritas on the Rocks

A margarita on the rocks is the most traditional way to enjoy a margarita, and the best margarita to serve in a pitcher. It's typically enjoyed in a glass rimmed with salt and garnished with a lime wedge.

The easiest recipe combines tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice with fresh ice in a cocktail shaker. However, some people like to balance out a margarita by replacing the orange liqueur with simple syrup, which will cut the tartness of the drink. Shake it all together and serve.

Try our favorite margarita on the rocks recipes:

• Pitcher Perfect Margaritas
• The Perfect Margarita
• Margaritas on the Rocks

How to Make Frozen Margaritas

Frozen margaritas are easy to make and perfect for a hot summer day. They are an instant crowd pleaser, as long as you have access to a freezer because you don't want to have to man the blender at your next party.

To make frozen margaritas, combine tequila, orange liqueur, and frozen lime concentrate with ice in a blender. You want to use lime concentrate because frozen margaritas require more ice, which will take away the tartness of fresh lime juice.

Ready to make frozen margaritas? Try these recipes:

• Bucket of Margaritas
• Easy Frozen Margaritas
• Margaritas

How to Make Margaritas Using Margarita Mix

Of course, homemade margaritas are always the best choice, but margarita mix can work if you're pressed for time. To make a margarita with a store-bought mix, you will only need tequila because most mixes are already lime flavored.

Follow the recipe printed on the margarita mix, or use a ratio of 3 ounces of mix to 1 ½ ounces of tequila. Combine this in a shaker with ice, shake, and serve.

Can You Make Margaritas Ahead of Time?

Yes, margaritas on the rocks, homemade or made with mix, will stay fresh up to three days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store the margaritas without ice so it doesn't water down your cocktail.

If you want to serve a pitcher of frozen margaritas, blend them and leave them in the freezer. Because they contain alcohol, they will stay a slushy consistency. Frozen margaritas will last in the freezer for up to two weeks.

Tips for Keeping Margarita Pitchers Fresh

1. Chill your pitcher beforehand

Chill your pitcher in the freezer before you fill it up with your margaritas. This will keep them cool for longer.

2. Use large cocktail ice in your pitcher

Fill your pitcher with large circular or cubed cocktail ice that will melt slowly and prevent your margaritas from getting watered down throughout the evening.