Yes, margaritas can come pre-made in cans. Canned margaritas provide a convenient and portable way to enjoy the classic tequila cocktail. Major brands producing canned margaritas include Jose Cuervo, BuzzBallz, Cutwater Spirits, and others. While the flavor and alcohol content varies by brand, most canned margaritas contain a similar blend of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice. They offer an easy alternative to making margaritas from scratch, allowing you to enjoy the drink anywhere without preparation. However, some argue canned versions lack the freshness and flavor complexity of margaritas made properly with quality ingredients. Overall, canned margaritas provide a convenient RTD (ready-to-drink) option, though homemade margaritas may offer a more authentic taste.
Popular Brands of Canned Margaritas
Here are some of the major brands producing canned and bottled margaritas:
- Jose Cuervo – The classic tequila brand offers canned margarita classics in flavors like Lime, Strawberry Lime and Mango Pineapple.
- BuzzBallz – This brand offers a wide variety of cocktails in can and bottle form, including their Chili Mango Margarita.
- Cutwater Spirits – Known for canned cocktails, their offerings include Lime and Tangerine Baja Margaritas.
- On The Rocks – They sell single-serve margaritas in flavors like Classic Lime, Pineapple and Mangonada.
- Lime-A-Rita – Anritsu Company offers this line of flavored margaritas including Strawberry, Peach and Watermelon.
- Milagro – Their ready-to-serve margaritas come in Silver and Organic Lime flavors.
- Margaritaville – The brand inspired by Jimmy Buffett offers flavors like Lime, Last Mango and Paradise Punch.
Typical Ingredients in Canned Margaritas
Most canned margaritas contain the same basic ingredients as the cocktail in its freshly blended form:
- Tequila – Typically silver/blanco tequila made from 100% blue agave.
- Orange Liqueur – Triple sec or other orange-flavored liqueurs like Cointreau.
- Lime Juice – Added for tartness and the classic margarita flavor.
- Salt – Lining the rim adds saltiness and balance.
- Sweetener – Sugar syrup or other sweeteners add sweetness and balance sourness.
- Fruit Flavors – Purees and juices like mango, pineapple, strawberry and peach are added to fruit variations.
- Agave Nectar – Sometimes used as an alternative sweetener.
The specific proportions vary by brand, but most aim for the perfect balance between sweet, sour and salty. Higher quality canned margaritas typically use 100% agave tequila.
Benefits of Canned Margaritas
Here are some of the major benefits that canned and bottled margaritas offer:
- They are extremely portable and convenient. You can take them anywhere without preparation needed.
- Long shelf-life. Properly canned cocktails can last 12 months or more unopened.
- No mixing required. Canned margaritas come pre-made so there’s no bartending needed.
- More consistent flavor. The factory-made cocktail has measured ingredients for consistent quality.
- Options for different flavors. Brands offer fruit variations beyond just lime margaritas.
- They are ready-to-drink and single-serve. Just crack one open and enjoy.
- No need for lots of ingredients. Great if you lack proper margarita mixers and garnishes.
So in summary, canned margaritas provide an easy, convenient way to get your margarita fix anywhere without the hassle of mixing.
Downsides to Canned Margaritas
However, there are some downsides to canned margaritas compared to their freshly blended counterparts:
- They lack freshness. Pre-made mixes sit on shelves for months before drinking.
- Less flavor complexity. Subtle flavors degrade over time in cans.
- Lower alcohol content. Most cans are 5-7% ABV compared to restaurant versions.
- Artificial taste. Preservatives and flavorings may produce artificial rather than fresh taste.
- Less customizeable. You get pre-determined flavors rather than tailoring your own recipe.
- More expensive. Per drink cost is higher than mixing your own from scratch.
- Waste. Cans produce more packaging waste than reusable bottle mixes.
So in summary, while convenient, canned margaritas sacrifice some freshness, strength and authenticity compared to their homemade counterparts.
Are Canned Margaritas Worth It?
Whether canned margaritas are “worth it” depends on your needs and preferences:
Canned margaritas are great for:
- Convenience – don’t have to mix and measure
- Portability – take them anywhere, no glassware needed
- Outdoor occasions – camping trips, beach, boat, picnic, poolside
You may prefer homemade margaritas for:
- Freshness – real lime juice and quality ingredients
- Strength – ability to adjust alcohol levels
- Flavor complexity – balance of sweet, sour and salty
- Cost – cheaper to make large batches yourself
So in summary, canned margaritas make sense for portable convenience, but homemade excels for freshness and flavor complexity. It depends on your priorities and the occasion. For picnics and the beach, cans are great. For celebrating at home, homemade has more appeal.
Tips for Choosing Canned Margaritas
If you opt for canned margaritas, here are some tips for choosing quality options:
- Check the ingredients and aim for real juices and 100% agave tequila.
- Read alcohol percentage and calorie count if these matter to you.
- Consider single-serve cans to control portions.
- Look for brands using quality materials and canning processes for freshness.
- Try different flavor varieties beyond just lime.
- Check New York Liquor Authority (NYLA) certification symbol for safety.
- Compare prices between brands and packages.
Higher quality ingredients and more careful production methods result in better tasting canned versions. So check that you’re getting real lime juice and agave nectar rather than artificial flavorings or high fructose corn syrup as sweeteners. Also look at alcohol content, as stronger versions around 12% ABV will taste closer to a restaurant-style margarita.
Conclusion
Canned margaritas provide a convenient ready-to-drink cocktail option in environments where mixing fresh margaritas is impractical. They offer portability and ease of use in exchange for some loss of freshness and authenticity. For a quick drink poolside or on a picnic, canned margaritas get the job done. But for a truly great tasting and customizable margarita experience, homemade reigns supreme. Just balance your priorities for convenience versus quality and choose canned or homemade margaritas accordingly. Either way, enjoy sipping a delicious lime tequila cocktail regardless of whether it comes from a bottle or a can!