Big Batch Margaritas for a Crowd
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The classic margarita recipe can be made ahead to prepare for a crowd. It consists of 4 simple ingredients: tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave.
My husband and I frequently host gatherings and making individual cocktails can get time consuming when trying to entertain guests! I prefer to make pre-batched cocktails and keep them in a jug or carafe in the refrigerator so they can simply be given a quick stir and served over ice. This recipe is based on my individual margarita recipe found here. I don’t add the ice until just before serving so the cocktails don’t get watered down. Pour a small tester of the margaritas to give it a taste and see if any adjustments need to be made based on preference.
Big Batch Margaritas for a Crowd
Table of contents
Key Ingredients in This Recipe
- Tequila – When choosing a tequila, I use tequila blanco, also known as silver tequila, in my margaritas. Look for a higher end brand (trust me it will help with your hangover the next morning) – the label should say 100% agave. I like Espolòn, Casamigos and La Gritona.
- Triple sec – Triple sec is a sweet, clear, orange liqueur made with 15%-40% alcohol from sweet and bitter orange peels. Cointreau is a type of triple sec. It’s a higher end label with a higher alcohol content than most other triple secs.
- Lime juice – While I prefer freshly squeezed lime juice, bigger batch cocktails can require a lot of limes and a lot of patience squeezing them, so I forgive the use of bottled lime juice in this situation!
- Agave – Agave syrup is a natural sweetener. It’s the base ingredient fermented to make tequila so it naturally complements the cocktail.
- Salt – Coarse salt (I use kosher salt) is best for rimming glasses. Rub the glass with a wedge of lime and dip the glass into a shallow bowl or small plate of salt.
How to Make Margaritas for a Crowd
Step 1: Add ingredients to a pitcher.
Add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave into a large pitcher or carafe and stir to combine.
Step 2: Chill.
Refrigerate the pitcher or carafe until ready to serve.
Step 3: Prepare glasses.
When ready to serve, prepare the glasses. Add kosher salt to a shallow bowl. Rub the edge of the cocktail glass with the lime wedge then dip the glass in the salt.
Step 4: Serve.
Give the margarita a quick stir. Fill the glasses with ice cubes and pour the margaritas over the top.
Tips and Tricks for This Recipe
Swaps and substitutions
- If you don’t have agave, swap it for either simple syrup or maple syrup.
- Honey will do but it doesn’t combine quite as well as the other options.
Variations on the Classic Margarita
- Mezcal – For a smokier margarita, use half tequila and half mezcal or swap all the tequila for mezcal in the recipe.
- Infused tequila – If you prefer more flavor in your margarita, try using an infused tequila (homemade or store bought)! I like using tequila infused with jalapeños for more spice, prickly pear for a pretty pink color or ginger for a different kind of kick.
- Juice – Add ½ cup (118ml) of your favorite juice (pineapple, orange, pomegranate etc.) to subtly mix up the flavors.
- Rim – Rather than using salt to rim the glasses, try switching it up with sugar or a flavored salt like Tajin.
Other Recipes to Try
If you enjoy this big batch margarita recipe, give these cocktails a try and follow me on Instagram for more updates:
Big Batch Margaritas for a Crowd
Ingredients:
- 2 cups silver tequila
- 1 cup triple sec
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ cup agave
- Coarse kosher salt, as needed
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
- Add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave into a large pitcher or carafe and stir to combine.
- Refrigerate the pitcher or carafe until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, prepare the glasses. Add kosher salt to a shallow bowl. Rub the edge of the cocktail glass with the lime wedge then dip the glass in the salt.
- Give the margarita a quick stir. Fill the glasses with ice and pour the margaritas over the top.
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