DIY Pitcher Margaritas
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No matter where you live, what your lifestyle is, who you hang with, having a DIY pitcher margarita method in your back pocket is ALWAYS going to be a good idea. If you stock your bar cart and party with a few super simple ingredients, you’ll be able to mix up a pitcher of margaritas last minute for pool days, brunch, and beach days.
Pitcher Margarita Ingredients
I’m giving you a very simple margarita recipe with 5 basic ingredients and tons of flavor variations so you can take the base recipe and switch it up for every season and occasion. These DIY pitcher margaritas are made with tequila or mezcal + juice + simple syrup + lime juice + Cointreau.
Tequila or Mezcal
Tequila is more traditional for margaritas, and more universally enjoyed, but mezcal is my personal favorite spirit of choice for margaritas. You can even do a 50/50 split of tequila and mezcal.
Tequila blanco is the tequila I use the most in my cocktail recipes. It’s clear in color and super smooth and bright in texture and flavor. Blanco is ideal for margaritas and Palomas. I love using LALO Blanco Tequila.
Mezcal is often compared to tequila because it is also made from agave, but it has a very different flavor profile. It is typically roasted in underground pits and fermented, so it has a smokier flavor compared to tequila’s crisp, citrusy flavor. Try this Mezcal Campante Joven.
Juice
The main way you’re going to be able to customize your pitcher margaritas is with different juices. The more seasonal the better! And there really are endless combinations of margaritas you can play with. If you don’t have a fancy juicer, it’s totally fine to buy a bottle of good juice at the store. I say “good juice” because these margaritas have so few ingredients that there’s no where to hide. So get the good stuff.
Summer Margarita Juices: mango, pineapple, tangerine
Fall Margarita Juices: cranberry, blood orange, pomegranate
Winter Margarita Juices: ginger, grapefruit
Spring Margarita Juices: carrot, cucumber, strawberry, blackberry, raspberry
Simple Syrup
The traditional margarita is made with agave syrup, which is one of the few syrups I recommend buying at the store. But if you want to make a flavored simple syrup, it truly could not be easier. If you can boil water, you can make simple syrup, trust me! All you do is heat equal parts sugar and water on the stove, stir until dissolved, and let cool. Tons of flavors can be added into the pot while it heats. Try these flavored simple syrups in your DIY Pitcher Margaritas.
Spicy Jalapeño Simple Syrup: Mix with mango, strawberry, or blood orange juice
Cinnamon Simple Syrup: Mix with cranberry, pomegranate, or orange juice
Cointreau
Margaritas are pretty much always made with some kind of orange liqueur, like triple sec. Cointreau is the most popular triple sec for margaritas and it’s what I use the vast majority of the time. So you yourself a favor and stock your bar with a bottle of Cointreau!
Lime Juice
This one’s simple. Always juice it fresh, no exceptions.
DIY Pitcher Margaritas
Ingredients
- 2 cups tequila or mezcal
- 1 cup lime juice
- 1 cup juice of choice
- 3/4 cup Cointreau
- 1/2 cup simple syrup (any flavor!)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a pitcher and stir well.
- Chill until ready to serve.
- Salt the rims of your glasses and pour about 4 oz per glass over ice.
- Garnish and enjoy!
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Where are those glasses from?
These are Viski glasses and so beautiful!
Hi Emmy! These gorgeous glasses and the pitcher is from Viski Glassware!