There are a few easy ways to improve store-bought margarita mix and make it taste more like a cocktail you’d get at a bar or restaurant. The premixed margarita liquids you find at the grocery store are convenient, but often lack in fresh flavor. With the right additional ingredients and tweaks, you can easily doctor up that mix and make Margaritas with a homemade taste right at home.
Do you need to add alcohol to store bought margarita mix?
Yes, you need to add alcohol to store bought margarita mixes. Premade margarita mixes contain no alcohol. They are essentially just sweet and sour concentrate designed to be mixed with tequila and orange liqueur. You’ll need to add your own tequila and triple sec/orange liqueur to the store bought mix. Vodka can also be substituted for the tequila if preferred.
What is the best ratio for margaritas made from mix?
The classic ratio for making margaritas using a premade mix as the base would be:
- 1 part store bought margarita mix
- 1 part white tequila or silver/blanco tequila
- 1 part triple sec or other orange liqueur
This equal parts ratio keeps the sweetness of the mix in balance with the alcohol. Adjust to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness. Many find a ratio closer to 2 parts mix to 1 part each of tequila and triple sec makes a better balanced and less syrupy drink.
Should you add extra lime juice?
Adding some fresh squeezed lime juice can really maximize the fresh citrus taste. Many store bought mixes tend to be high on sugar and low on real lime. Just adding 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice per drink can punch up that lime flavor. Adjust to taste based on how strong the lime flavor is in your particular mix.
What about adding extra simple syrup?
You may want to skip adding simple syrup, as store bought mixes already contain a high amount of sugar and sweeteners. Unless the mix you have is unusually tart, extra simple syrup likely isn’t needed. If you do want a sweeter margarita, just adjust the ratio to be heavier on the premade mix.
Should you use 100% agave tequila?
Yes, 100% agave tequila is highly recommended for making any margarita, whether from scratch or using a mix. Lower quality tequilas with added sugars will thin out the flavor. Añejo, reposado or silver/blanco 100% agave tequilas will give you the cleanest, purest agave flavor.
Is frozen margarita mix better?
Not necessarily – shelf-stable and frozen margarita mixes each have pros and cons:
Shelf-stable mix:
- Can keep unused portions stored at room temp
- Lower sugar content in some brands
- Easier to tweak flavor
- Don’t need ice to blend
Frozen mix:
- Designed to be thicker and slushy
- May contain more natural juices
- Needs ice to reach proper consistency
- Can separate if left unfrozen
Choose your mix style based on if you want a thinner or slushy frozen drink.
Should salt be added to the rim?
Rimming the glass with salt is traditional for Margaritas and can enhance the flavor. However, it’s optional and comes down to personal taste. Try it with and without to determine if you like that extra salty edge or not. If rimming with salt, lime juice is usually used to “prime” the rim and make the salt stick. Kosher salt or coarse sea salt gives the best flavor.
What other ingredients can punch up store bought margarita mix?
- Fresh limes or lemons: For wedges, garnish, and extra fresh juice
- Fruit purees: Strawberry, peach, mango, etc for flavor
- Jalapeño: For a spicy kick
- Agave nectar: To slightly tame sweetness
- Bitters: Orange or Angostura add complexity
- Fresh herbs: Mint, basil, rosemary infused into simple syrup
- Pineapple juice: For a tropical twist
Get creative with produce and pantry items to make your own signature margarita flavor.
What are some easy twists on basic margaritas from a mix?
- Strawberry Margarita – add strawberry puree
- Jalapeño Margarita – muddle jalapeño into drinks
- Fruit Margarita – use pineapple, peach, mango, etc juice
- Skinny Margarita – use sparkling water to thin out
- Spicy Paloma Margarita – add grapefruit juice and jalapeño
The possibilities are endless for putting your unique stamp on a basic margarita.
Should margaritas be shaken or stirred?
Shaking is generally the preferred method, as it properly blends the ingredients and chills the margarita down. Since Margaritas are not served over ice, the shake chilling is important. That being said, stirring over ice works too and is easier for batch servings.
What are some serving suggestions?
- Serve in classic Margarita or cocktail glasses, ideally chilled
- Offer lemon and lime garnishes
- Provide sangrita as a non-alcoholic accompaniment
- For parties, serve Margaritas in pitchers for easy pouring
- Salt the rims by providing a dish of lime juice for dipping
Making servings easy and providing garnishes makes for a polished Margarita experience.
Conclusion
With just a few simple tweaks and ingredients, boxed Margarita mix can be transformed into a cocktail that rivals the flavor of homemade. Pay attention to the ratios, boost the lime, use quality booze, and add your own signature twists. The options for improving store bought Margarita mix are endless, so have fun experimenting until you create a combination that suits your taste and style. Any Margarita lover can easily mix up customized, crave-worthy cocktails without the fuss. ¡Salud!