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Pitcher of Margarita

A refreshing classic margarita made in a pitcher with fresh lime and lemon juice, quality silver tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur. Perfect for gatherings and delivers consistent, balanced flavor with ease.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Cocktail
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 cups silver tequila 100% agave, mid to premium grade
  • 0.75 cup Cointreau or triple sec orange liqueur
  • 0.75 cup fresh lime juice about 8 to 10 fresh limes, squeezed
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice about 3 to 4 fresh lemons, squeezed
  • 0.25 cup agave nectar or simple syrup
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • Lime wedges or wheels for garnish
  • Coarse sea salt for rimming glasses optional

Equipment

  • 2-quart pitcher or larger
  • Measuring jigger or measuring cups
  • Citrus juicer or handheld reamer
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Bar spoon or long-handled stirring spoon
  • Small shallow dish for salt or sugar rim (optional)
  • Rocks glasses or margarita glasses
  • Ice cubes or crushed ice

Method
 

  1. Wash 8 to 10 fresh limes and 3 to 4 fresh lemons under running water, then pat dry. Roll them firmly on the counter before cutting to make juicing easier.
  2. Cut each lime and lemon in half, then squeeze out every drop using a handheld juicer or citrus reamer. Strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve to catch pulp and seeds.
  3. Measure out 0.75 cup of lime juice and 0.5 cup of lemon juice into separate small bowls.
  4. Pour 1.5 cups of silver tequila into your pitcher, followed by 0.75 cup of Cointreau or triple sec.
  5. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice and lemon juice to the pitcher with the tequila and orange liqueur.
  6. Pour 0.25 cup of agave nectar into the pitcher and stir for about 30 seconds with a bar spoon until fully dissolved.
  7. Add 2 cups of ice cubes to the pitcher and stir vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes to chill the mixture thoroughly.
  8. If desired, pour coarse sea salt into a shallow dish and run a lime wedge around the rim of each glass, then dip the rim into the salt.
  9. Fill each glass with fresh ice, then pour the margarita mixture into the glass until about three-quarters full.
  10. Garnish each drink with a lime wheel or wedge and serve immediately while cold and bright.

Notes

Make the pitcher an hour or two ahead and refrigerate without ice to keep flavors bright. Stir and add fresh ice before serving. Adjust sweetness or tartness to taste by adding more agave nectar or lime juice as needed.