Premade or ready-to-drink margaritas are a convenient option for those looking to enjoy the classic tequila cocktail without the hassle of mixing and measuring ingredients. Premade margaritas come in a variety of flavors and formats, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality margarita from the comfort of home. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common questions around premade margaritas:
What are some popular brands of premade margaritas?
Some of the most popular national brands of premade margaritas include:
- Jose Cuervo Margarita Mixes – Cuervo offers a classic lime margarita mix, along with flavors like strawberry, mango, and watermelon.
- Margaritaville Cocktail Mixes – Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand has both classic and flavored premade margarita mixes.
- Chi-Chi’s Margarita Mixes – Chi-Chi’s makes mixes for lime, strawberry, and mango margaritas.
- Mr. & Mrs. T Margarita Mixes – This brand offers mixes for traditional lime as well as skinny, strawberry, and mango margaritas.
- Calypso Margarita Mixes – Calypso provides mixes for lime, strawberry, and mango margaritas.
In addition to the national brands, many local distilleries and restaurants create their own proprietary premade margarita mixes as well.
Where can I find premade margaritas?
Premade margarita mixes and ready-to-drink margaritas can be found at:
- Grocery stores – Many grocery stores stock margarita mixers, often near the bar mixers section, along with individual ready-to-drink margaritas in the refrigerated section.
- Liquor stores – Most liquor stores have margarita mixes and ready-to-drink margaritas.
- Warehouse clubs – Warehouse stores like Costco and Sam’s Club carry margarita mixer packages along with ready-to-drink margaritas.
- Convenience stores – Many convenience stores now stock individual and variety pack ready-to-drink margaritas.
- Online – Premade margarita mixes and ready-to-drink margaritas can be purchased online through services like Amazon and Drizly.
The most common and reliable places to find a good selection are large grocery stores, liquor stores, and warehouse clubs. The offerings at convenience stores and online can vary.
How long does premade margarita mix last?
The shelf life of premade margarita mixes depends on the specific ingredients and preservatives used, but in most cases an unopened margarita mix will last between 9-12 months. Once opened, it’s best to use the mix within 4-6 months.
Always check the ‘best by’ date printed on the packaging and look for any changes in color or smell before using a mix that’s been opened for a while. Properly stored in a cool, dry place, an unopened margarita mix stays fresh longer. Refrigerating after opening can extend the shelf life for a few extra months as well.
What’s the difference between mixes and ready-to-drink margaritas?
Margarita mixes contain concentrated syrups and flavoring agents but still require the addition of tequila and triple sec liqueur before enjoying. Ready-to-drink margaritas come pre-mixed with tequila and liqueurs, ready to pour over ice or chill and serve.
Mixes allow you to control the strength of the margarita by adding more or less tequila. Pre-mixed margaritas provide convenience, but usually contain less alcohol (around 13.9% ABV) due to licensing requirements.
Are there low-calorie or diet premade margaritas?
Yes, many brands now offer lower calorie, low sugar, or “skinny” premade margarita options:
- Skinnygirl Margarita Mixes – Around 60 calories per serving
- Margaritaville Island Lime Margarita Mix – Around 65 calories per serving
- Jose Cuervo Margarita Light Mix – 120 calories per serving
- Calypso Light Margarita Mixes – Range from 100-150 calories per serving
These lighter mixes use sugar substitutes and lower calorie tequila to create better-for-you margaritas. Pre-mixed skinny margaritas are also available from brands like Skinnygirl and Margaritaville.
The Benefits of Premade Margaritas
What makes premade margaritas an appealing choice for many people? Here are some of the benefits of choosing ready-made margarita mixes and cocktails:
Convenience
Pre-mixed cocktails eliminate the effort of juicing fresh limes, measuring ingredients, and mixing a blended margarita. Just pour over ice for an instant margarita. Mixes allow you to quickly prepare margaritas without gathering multiple ingredients.
Consistency
Mixes and ready-to-drink margaritas provide a reliable, consistent result every time. You can be confident the flavor and strength will be the same with each batch or bottle. Fresh margaritas can vary depending on ingredient ratios.
Variety
The range of prepared margarita options allows you to enjoy new flavors like mango, strawberry, peach, and more. Mixes and ready-to-drink versions offer flavor variety without purchasing multiple ingredients.
Cost Effective
Premade margaritas can provide value in terms of cost per cocktail compared to purchasing all the components separately, especially if you don’t use them frequently.
High Quality
Many top mix and ready-to-drink brands use premium tequilas and natural ingredients to create a bar-quality margarita experience at home.
Lower Alcohol Content
For some, ready-to-drink margaritas provide the flavor they’re looking for with a lighter alcohol content. Pre-mixed margs average around 13.9% ABV compared to 15%+ for a bar-made cocktail.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While premade margaritas present some clear advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well:
Freshness
Using freshly squeezed lime juice and other fresh ingredients can provide a more vibrant, fresh-tasting margarita than mixes or ready-made versions.
Preservatives
To extend shelf life, many mass-produced mixes and ready-to-drink margs contain preservatives like sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate. Look for “cleaner” brands or make your own for fewer additives.
Strength
It can be harder to control the alcohol strength of ready-made margaritas. Mixes allow adding more tequila for a boozier drink.
Cost
While cost effective for convenience, mixes and especially ready-to-drink margaritas often cost more per cocktail than mixing from scratch with value ingredients.
Waste
Unless you’re making drinks in bulk, mixes and smaller ready-to-drink bottles can lead to more packaging waste than buying ingredients in larger sizes.
Tips for Choosing the Best Premade Margaritas
Not all premade margaritas are created equal. Use these tips to select the best ready-made margaritas:
- Check the ingredients list and select mixes with no artificial flavors or colors.
- Look for mixes or cocktails made with 100% agave tequila for a smoother taste.
- Seek out ready-to-drink margaritas with less than 140 calories and under 15g sugar per serving for a lighter option.
- Watch alcohol content – some single serve bottles are under 10% ABV so check if you prefer higher proof.
- Avoid margs with high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners if possible.
- Select flavors that sound appealing to your tastes – go bold with mango or strawberry or stick to classic lime.
- Give premium craft brands a try for quality ingredients and unique flavors.
Checking out reviews of the various brands can also help determine the best ready-made margaritas based on taste and value.
How to Make Your Own Better-For-You Margarita Mix
For the freshest, healthiest margarita with no additives or preservatives, making your own mix is easy. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed from about 8 limes)
- 1 cup orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec
- 1/2 cup agave syrup
- Lime zest
Instructions
- Juice fresh limes by hand or using an electric juicer. Measure 1 cup of juice and pour into a pitcher or jar.
- Add 1 cup orange liqueur and 1/2 cup agave syrup to the lime juice.
- Stir to combine then taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
- Add a few strips of lime zest for extra flavor.
- Store sealed in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To make margaritas, pour 2 oz mix over ice and add 1.5 oz blanco tequila. Adjust ratios to taste.
You can also create your own flavors by adding ingredients like muddled berries, jalapeno, or fresh herbs to the basic mix.
Mastering the Perfect Margarita
While mixes and ready-to-drink margaritas provide convenience, the very best margs are hand-crafted. Use these expert tips for a top-notch homemade margarita:
Ingredients
- Tequila – Always 100% agave blanco/silver tequila for the cleanest taste.
- Cointreau – The preferred triple sec orange liqueur for margaritas.
- Limes – Freshly squeezed juice from Persian or Key limes.
- Ice – Good quality ice, preferably cubed.
- Salt – Coarse kosher salt for the rim is ideal.
Ratios
- 2 parts tequila
- 1 part Cointreau
- 1 part fresh lime juice
Technique
- Chill glasses by placing in freezer for 15 minutes before making drinks.
- Juice fresh limes by hand or use a citrus press.
- Always shake ingredients over ice or blend – never serve on the rocks.
- Moisten rim and dip in salt for a perfect salty-sweet balance.
- Use a quality shaker, blender, or margarita machine for proper mixing and chill.
- Garnish with lime wedge or wheel.
With quality ingredients and the right technique, you can craft an authentic restaurant-caliber margarita at home. But when convenience is key, don’t hesitate to grab premade margaritas and mixes to satisfy your craving!
Conclusion
Premade margarita mixes and ready-to-drink cocktails provide a tasty, convenient way to enjoy margaritas without the fuss. While they may contain more preservatives and less alcohol than homemade, brands using quality ingredients deliver delicious flavor. Consider trying cleaner options or make your own mix for full control over additives and taste. Whichever you choose, look for 100% agave tequila and fresh lime juice for authentic margarita enjoyment without all the measuring and mixing. Salud!