Ready to drink (RTD) margarita mixes have become increasingly popular in recent years as convenient cocktail options. However, there is often confusion around whether these pre-made mixes contain alcohol or not. The short answer is that some do while others are non-alcoholic, so it depends on the specific brand and product. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what exactly RTD margarita mixes are, the differences between alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions, and some factors to consider when choosing one.
What are RTD Margarita Mixes?
RTD margarita mixes provide a quick and easy way to make margaritas. They come pre-mixed with most or all of the necessary ingredients besides the alcohol. Typical RTD margarita mixes contain:
- Lime juice – The tart lime juice is essential for a margarita’s flavor.
- Sweetener – Things like sugar or agave nectar to balance out the tartness.
- Salt – Margaritas are traditionally served with a salted rim.
- Flavorings – Mixes may contain orange liqueurs, lemon or lime flavors, etc.
- Preservatives – To extend shelf life.
- Water – To achieve the right consistency.
The main convenience of RTD margarita mixes is that you don’t have to gather all the ingredients and mix them yourself—the work is already done for you. To make a margarita, all that’s usually required is combining the mix with tequila (and sometimes an orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec). You can also rim the glass with salt if desired. This makes RTD margarita mixes fast and simple to use.
Alcoholic vs. Non-Alcoholic Versions
The key distinction between RTD margarita mixes is whether they contain alcohol or not.
Alcoholic Margarita Mixes
Some RTD margarita products are pre-mixed with tequila or other spirits. These are convenience products meant to be ready to pour and drink as-is, or served over ice. Since they already contain alcohol, no additional spirits need to be added.
Common alcoholic percentages for pre-mixed margaritas range from around 13-20% ABV (alcohol by volume). They provide a quicker, easier cocktail while still packing an alcoholic punch.Keep in mind that even though these mixes contain alcohol, they are still diluted as compared to drinking straight spirits.
Some examples of popular pre-made alcoholic margarita mixes include:
- Jose Cuervo Authentic Margarita Mixes
- Chi-Chi’s Margaritas
- Margaritaville Classic Lime Margarita
- On The Rocks Premium Cocktails Margaritas
Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mixes
Meanwhile, non-alcoholic RTD margarita mixes contain no spirits at all. They are meant to be used as cocktail bases that you add tequila or other alcohols to after purchasing. The convenience is having the other margarita ingredients pre-mixed and ready to go.
Non-alcoholic mixes allow control over the type and amount of alcohol used. They can be made as strong or mild as preferred. For parties, non-alcoholic mixes also allow guests to customize their drinks to taste.
Well-known non-alcoholic margarita mixes include:
- Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix
- Margaritaville Margarita Mix
- Maggie’s Mix
- Mr & Mrs T Margarita Mix
So in summary, if a RTD margarita mix contains alcohol, it will be apparent on the packaging and should have an ABV percentage printed. Non-alcoholic mixes will not contain alcohol and will specifically state they require tequila to be added.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Mix
There are a several factors to take into account when selecting an RTD margarita mix:
Alcohol content
As discussed above, the main decision is whether you want a pre-mixed alcoholic version or a non-alcoholic base. Pre-mixed alcoholic mixes are quicker and require no work, but limit customization. Non-alcoholic mixes require adding spirits yourself, but allow you to control the alcohol level and flavors.
Ingredients
Check the mix’s ingredients list to understand what is included. Many mixes strive for more natural, high quality ingredients these days. Watch out for margs loaded with corn syrup or artificial flavors. Also look for fresh lime juice rather than concentrate for better flavor.
Sugar content
Margarita mixes can vary widely in sweetness. Very sweet mixes may overpower the lime flavor. Check sugar content on the nutrition label if this is a concern. Also note if the mix uses natural sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Flavors
Most standard margarita mixes have a lime base, but you can also find interesting fruit flavors like mango, strawberry, peach, etc. Flavored margaritas can be refreshing but more processed mixes can taste artificial.
Price
As with most products, cheaper RTD mixes tend to be lower quality with more artificial ingredients. Premium or 100% agave tequila brands also produce more natural, high quality margarita mixes. But they come at a higher price point. Consider your budget and needs.
Making Margaritas from a Mix
Using a RTD margarita mix to make cocktails is very simple:
With Pre-mixed Alcoholic Mixes
If using an alcoholic ready to drink mix:
- Pour mix over ice in a rocks glass or margarita glass.
- Garnish with lime if desired.
- Can add more tequila to adjust alcohol content.
That’s it! The convenience of pre-batched margaritas is that no mixing is required.
With Non-Alcoholic Mixes
If using a non-alcoholic mix that requires adding tequila:
- Combine mix with tequila and orange liqueur in a shaker.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Can adjust ratios to achieve preferred sweetness and strength.
- Garnish glass with lime and salt on rim if desired.
This provides flexibility to control the ingredients and ratios used in your margarita.
Conclusion
In summary, whether a ready to drink margarita mix contains alcohol or not depends entirely on the specific product. Some RTD margarita mixes are pre-batched with tequila and spirits, while others are non-alcoholic bases requiring alcohol to be added. Reading the packaging closely will make it clear if a mix is alcoholic or non-alcoholic. Factors like ingredients, sweetness, flavors, and price point are also useful considerations when choosing an RTD margarita product. With the wide variety available today, you can find both convenient pre-made options or customize your cocktail exactly how you like it.