Chi Chis margarita is a popular ready-to-drink cocktail that can be found in grocery stores, liquor stores, and bars across the United States. It’s made by mixing tequila, triple sec liqueur, and margarita mix together in a convenient, premixed bottle. But is it really ready to drink right away? There are a few things to consider when evaluating if a bottle of Chi Chis is ready to enjoy immediately or if some extra preparation is needed.
What is in Chi Chis margarita?
The main ingredients in a bottle of Chi Chis margarita are:
– Tequila – The base spirit that provides the signature agave flavor. Chi Chis uses lower-quality tequila to keep costs down.
– Triple sec – An orange-flavored liqueur that provides sweetness and citrus notes.
– Margarita mix – A blended juice containing lime juice, sweeteners, and sometimes natural flavors. The margarita mix is what makes the drink tart and tangy.
– Preservatives – Potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, and other preservatives are added so the margarita can be shelf-stable.
So a bottle of Chi Chis contains everything needed for a margarita – distilled spirit, sweetener, citrus juice, and flavorings. But there are a few other factors that determine if it’s ready to drink right away.
Does it need to be refrigerated?
Chi Chis margarita does not need to be refrigerated before drinking. It is formulated to be shelf-stable, so it will maintain its safety, quality, and taste at room temperature. However, chilling Chi Chis for a few hours in the refrigerator will make it extra cold and refreshing. The optimum serving temperature for Chi Chis is about 40°F, right out of the fridge.
Does it need to be shaken or stirred?
Shaking or stirring is not required before enjoying Chi Chis margarita straight from the bottle. The company’s proprietary process blends and emulsifies the ingredients together during production. This creates a smooth, uniform mixture that does not need additional blending or agitating. However, some people like to give the bottle a quick shake or stir right before pouring just to fully incorporate any settlement.
Does it need to be diluted with ice?
Chi Chis is formulated to be consumed straight from the bottle, poured over ice, or blended with ice in a margarita maker. The standard alcohol percentage is 13.5% ABV, which provides a good balance of spirit intensity and drinkability. If desired, you can dilute it by adding ice cubes or crushed ice to moderate the strength. But this is not required, it comes down to personal taste preferences.
Can you drink it straight from the bottle?
Absolutely! One of the convenient features of Chi Chis margarita is that it can be enjoyed directly from the bottle without any additional preparation. The bottle functions as a ready-to-drink cocktail, so you can simply open it up and start sipping whenever the urge for a margarita strikes. It’s bottled at the proper ratios and balances to deliver solid margarita flavor in each sip.
Should salt and lime be added?
Adding a salted rim and lime wedge is completely optional with Chi Chis. The margarita already contains lime juice in its formula, so the tart citrus flavor is built right in. And the level of saltiness is preset to optimal levels. However, some people like to rim their glass with salt or squeeze a lime wedge into the drink to enhance those flavors and make it taste even more like a restaurant-style margarita. So while not required, it can customize and elevate the experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Chi Chis margarita is engineered to be enjoyed straight from the bottle without requiring any mixing, chilling, blending or further preparation beforehand. But for an optimal drinking experience, it doesn’t hurt to give the bottle a quick chill in the refrigerator and shake before serving. Customizing it with added ice, a salted rim, or lime wedge comes down to personal preferences. The convenience of Chi Chis is that it can be simply opened and poured over ice for instant margarita satisfaction. So next time you’re in the mood for a ready-made margarita, you can confidently grab a bottle of Chi Chis and enjoy it as-is, knowing it’s ready to drink.
Nutrition Facts
Here are the nutrition facts for a standard 250mL bottle of Chi Chis margarita:
| Nutrient | Per Bottle (250mL) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 228 |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Sugar | 16 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Sodium | 4 mg |
As you can see, a bottle of Chi Chis contains 228 calories and 16 grams of sugar, mostly coming from the margarita mix. It has minimal fat, protein, and sodium. Overall the nutritional value is comparable to other ready-to-drink cocktails. Consuming alcohol should always be done responsibly.
Chi Chis Margarita Varieties
Chi Chis offers their margarita in several delicious flavors:
Classic Margarita
The classic version features traditional lime margarita flavor. It’s crisp and refreshing, perfect for sipping on a hot day. This original flavor is highly popular.
Strawberry Margarita
Made with real strawberries, this vibrant red margarita delivers sweet berry flavor with a tangy lime kick. It’s like drinking a liquid strawberry daiquiri.
Mango Margarita
The mango margarita combines smooth mango puree with lime juice for a tropical twist. The sweet mango balances the tartness.
Peach Margarita
Real peach puree gives this variety a sweet, juicy peach taste that mingles with fresh lime notes. It’s perfect for warm weather sipping.
Pineapple Margarita
Pineapple and lime is a classic flavor pairing, and Chi Chis pineapple margarita showcases it well. Sweet pineapple complemented by lime’s zesty kick.
Watermelon Margarita
This seasonal flavor is made with real watermelon for a fresh melon taste. Notes of lime and mint balance out the sweetness.
So whether you like classic lime, sweet fruit flavors, or both – Chi Chis has a margarita variety for you. All the flavors deliver that authentic restaurant-quality taste in a convenient ready-to-drink format.
How Chi Chis Margarita is Made
Chi Chis is not just a premixed margarita – it’s made using a specialized process perfected by the brand. Here are some key facts about how it’s made:
- Uses 100% blue agave tequila as the base spirit. This provides an authentic, pure agave flavor.
- Lime juice is sourced from fresh, ripe Mexican Key limes. This ensures tart, citrusy flavor.
- The margarita mix contains cane sugar for sweetness, not high fructose corn syrup.
- Natural flavors like fruit purees are added for delicious complexity in the flavored varieties.
- Chi Chis uses a proprietary emulsification process to perfectly blend the oil, water, and alcohol molecules so the mixture has a smooth consistency.
- The margarita is bottled at the peak of flavor immediately after mixing.
- Preservatives allow shelf-stability without refrigeration required.
So unlike some cheaper ready-to-drink margaritas that are full of artificial ingredients, Chi Chis is carefully crafted for restaurant-quality taste. The natural ingredients and meticulous production methods result in a margarita that’s as close as you can get to a freshly blended cocktail.
How Long Does Chi Chis Margarita Last? Shelf Life and Storage
An unopened bottle of Chi Chis margarita will maintain optimal taste and quality for up to 18 months at room temperature. The preservatives allow it to keep well on the shelf without refrigeration.
Once opened, it’s best to finish the bottle within 5-7 days. Keeping it refrigerated after opening will help it last longer.
For proper storage:
– Store unopened bottles at room temp away from direct sunlight.
– Refrigerate opened bottles and use within one week.
– Do not let opened bottles sit at room temp for long periods as this accelerates deterioration.
– Keep tabs on the best by/expiration date printed on the bottle.
– Avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
Following these storage guidelines ensures you get the best tasting Chi Chis down to the last drop!
Where to Buy Chi Chis Margarita
Chi Chis can be purchased at the following locations:
- Grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Albertsons, etc. Check larger stores and liquor departments.
- Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, WaWa, QuikTrip
- Liquor stores and bottle shops
- Big box stores such as Target, Walmart, Costco, Sam’s Club
- Some drugstores like Walgreens and CVS
- Specialty drink shops and gourmet markets
- On-premise locations like restaurants, bars, casinos, resorts
- Online via delivery services like Drizly, Instacart, Amazon, etc.
Chi Chis can be purchased in single bottles or in multi-packs. Pricing averages $2-4 per 250mL bottle. It’s one of the most widely available pre-made margarita brands. Use store locators online to find Chi Chis near you.
Chi Chis Margarita Cocktail Recipes
While delicious on its own, Chi Chis also works great as a base for unique cocktails. Try these fun recipes:
Frosted Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Chi Chis margarita
- 1 cup ice
- 1⁄4 cup lime sherbet
Directions:
- Scoop lime sherbet into a blender
- Add Chi Chis and ice
- Blend until smooth
- Pour into salt-rimmed glass
- Garnish with lime slice
The lime sherbet gives it a frozen foam topping!
Spicy Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Chi Chis margarita
- 2 tablespoons jalapeño simple syrup
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
Directions:
- Fill glass with ice
- Pour in Chi Chis and jalapeño syrup
- Gently stir to combine
- Garnish with jalapeño slices
The syrup and peppers provide a nice kick of heat!
Sangrita Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle Chi Chis margarita
- 1⁄4 cup sangrita mix
- 1⁄4 cup fresh orange juice
Directions:
- Fill glass with fresh ice
- Pour in Chi Chis, sangrita mix, and orange juice
- Stir gently to incorporate
- Garnish with an orange slice
The sangrita gives it a savory, peppery twist!
Feel free to get creative and use Chi Chis margarita as a building block for custom cocktails. Its versatility allows for many delicious possibilities.
Serving Chi Chis Margarita at Parties
Chi Chis ready-made margarita is the perfect party cocktail! Here are some tips:
- Chill bottles overnight so they are frosty cold for guests.
- Provide a margarita station with bottles, lime wedges, salt, ice, and optional fajita bar fixings.
- Set up a help-yourself style dispenser with a spout and chilling sleeve so people can access it easily.
- For a slushy machine effect, pour Chi Chis into a blender with ice and let guests self-serve.
- Infuse bottles with fresh fruit like muddled strawberries or peach slices for a pop of flavor.
- Rim glassware ahead of time with salt or sugar for a festive look.
- For shots, pour Chi Chis into test tube style vials with a salted rim.
- Provide cocktail napkins, citrus slices, chili salt, chili-lime powder for customizing.
With minimal effort, you can offer your guests delicious margaritas with Chi Chis. Its party-friendly format makes it simple to provide this classic cocktail that everyone loves. ¡Salud!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Chi Chis margarita:
Is Chi Chis gluten-free?
Yes, Chi Chis is certified gluten-free, so it can be safely consumed by those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Does Chi Chis have dairy?
No, there are no dairy ingredients like cream or milk in standard Chi Chis. However, some Chi Chis cocktail recipes do add small amounts of dairy.
Is Chi Chis margarita vegan?
Unfortunately no, Chi Chis contains small amounts of honey in the blend which means it is not considered vegan.
What is the alcohol content of Chi Chis?
Chi Chis contains 13.5% alcohol by volume. This equates to around 4.5 oz of 80 proof tequila per bottle.
Can you freeze Chi Chis margarita?
While not recommended for long term storage, you can freeze Chi Chis for a slushy, frozen margarita effect. Thaw before consuming.
What is the shelf life of Chi Chis after opening?
An opened bottle should be consumed within 5-7 days. Keep refrigerated after opening to help extend the shelf life.
What size bottles does Chi Chis come in?
Standard single serve bottles are 250mL. Larger 750mL and 1.75L bottles are also available for bigger groups.
Where is Chi Chis margarita made?
Chi Chis is produced and bottled by Demetrix, Inc. based in Corona, California.
Is Chi Chis safe for pregnancy?
No, Chi Chis contains alcohol and should be avoided during pregnancy. Even small amounts of alcohol can be unsafe.
In Conclusion
Chi Chis delivers authentic, restaurant-quality margarita flavor in a convenient, ready-to-drink format. With its all-natural ingredients and proprietary mixing process, each sip provides the perfect balance of crisp citrus and smooth agave. This shelf-stable cocktail can be enjoyed chilled, on the rocks, or blended for frosty fun. Thanks to the variety of flavors and versatile packaging options, Chi Chis simplifies sharing margaritas at any occasion. So next time the craving for classic lime or fruity mango strikes, you can bypass the bartending and mixing to instantly enjoy pre-made perfection courtesy of Chi Chis.