You’ll never need to run to the store again once you’ve mastered this Homemade Margarita Mix recipe.
While there’s nothing wrong with buying one of those giant plastic jugs of premade margarita mix, especially when all of your friends come over to hang out at the pool, I’ll take the “Pepsi Challenge” with that syrupy and sweet store-bought stuff any day of the week alongside tonight’s recipe. Our homemade margarita mix tastes just like the name implies and describes: homemade. The fresh and tangy citrus flavor of the lime juice bursts alongside sweet undertones of sugar… No additives, or preservatives, or ingredients you can’t pronounce, just a buoyant and tart mixer ready to make some of the best ‘Ritas you and your guests will ever taste.
That might sound like a stretch, and let’s be honest, it is, because the best is always a matter of opinion. But when one is used to drinking bottom-shelf spirits blended together with a liquid generically labeled ‘Margarita Mix’, having the same beverage made with more care and better elements is like night and day. If you’re skeptical—and you have the time—hit up your local grocer and purchase a decent bottle of mixer along with your favorite tequila, then make yourself a batch using today’s recipe below, and then try a Margarita made with both. See which one comes out on top.
You don’t need to play this game blindfolded, either. In fact, I would strongly suggest not doing ANY portion of the needed prep for this concoction blindfolded, especially when you need to drive to the store. Maybe just have a friend or two wear one when trying out the different drinks, after all the errands have been safely run without any visual impairment. But I think we know drinks made with the homemade margarita mix will win every time.
What is the best alcohol to use with homemade margarita mix?
As mentioned above, tequila is the traditional and preferred liquor to use when crafting any style of margarita, especially a clear, unaged and earthy blanco tequila. Since this mixer is just water, lime juice and sugar, other spirits like vodka and rum can also be used to whip up any number of citrusy and sweet tipples.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- To make the simple syrup, combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, just until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Once cool, pour the simple syrup into a mixing glass. Add fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt and stir well to combine. Store in a glass bottle.
- To make your margarita, add 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce triple sec and 1 1/2 ounces margarita mix in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt rimmed glass filled with fresh ice.
Nutrition
How to store the mixture
You’ll want a resealable Mason jar, glass bottle, or pitcher when storing your finished homemade margarita mix, and something sized nicely enough that it will fit comfortably in your fridge, as it will need to be chilled before and after each use.
Do you need to add the pinch of salt?
If you’re planning on only using this mixture for margaritas, then it is recommended to keep the salty element in the recipe. However, if you think you might want to use it in other cocktails as well, the salt is, of course, optional.
Other homemade recipes worth trying
Now that the margaritas you’ve made with tonight’s recipe have become a big hit amongst your family and friends, you’ve begun to wonder what other recipes are out there that you can make in the comforts of your own kitchen, while telling everyone that you created them from scratch. Twist & Toast has a few you can try this weekend.
- Homemade Sweet & Sour Mix – A must-have mixer for a dizzying array of cocktails.
- Coffee Liqueur Recipe – Impress everyone who sips on this homemade mélange.
- Rosemary Simple Syrup Recipe – A memorable and tasty variation on the classic mixed drink ingredient.
- Simple Syrup Recipe – Stop buying this at the store and start making your own.
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