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Here’s the ultimate frozen margarita recipe: refreshingly simple with just 4 simple ingredients! Blend up a party-sized pitcher in minutes.
The classic margarita is one the greatest cocktails of all time. The best way to dress it up for summer? Try this Frozen Margarita recipe!
Why we love this recipe: The frozen margarita is our favorite summer entertaining trick: it’s so simple to blend up 4 servings in minutes! Who can turn down the sweet tart goodness of a frosty margarita? It’s a great frosty, citrusy drink for the season, to serve as a summer cocktail, poolside beach drink, barbecue or cookout, and more.
Ingredients in this frozen margarita recipe
The margarita is one of the most popular classic cocktails of all time: it was invented in Mexico in the 1930’s and is just as popular today. The standard recipe is just three ingredients: tequila, Triple Sec or Cointreau, and lime juice. To make the frozen version of it, you’ll just add ice!
A hint of simple syrup balances out the tartness of the icy mixture. That’s right: there’s no need for a store-bought mix! Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need:
- Tequila
- Cointreau or Triple Sec
- Lime juice
- Simple syrup
- Ice
Best tequila for a frozen margarita
One tip: buy a quality tequila for this recipe! Since tequila is the main flavor in this frozen margarita, spending a few extra dollars is worth it for the flavor. Look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
- We like using tequila reposado for this recipe. This type of tequila is aged and has a nuanced flavor with vanilla and oak notes. Some brands we like are Casamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
- Tequila blanco is not aged and has a straightforward flavor. You can use either, but reposado adds the most flavor. Some tequila blanco brands we like are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.
How to make frozen margaritas
A good frozen margarita recipe is all about getting that perfect pureed frozen texture without sacrificing flavor. Will it stay frozen or melt within 2 seconds of pouring it into the glass? We tested a variety of methods and came up with the frozen margarita recipe here (go to the full recipe below for quantities):
- Step 1: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run it around the edge of a margarita glass. Dip the glass rim into kosher salt or sea salt.
- Step 2: Add tequila, Cointreau or Triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup to a blender. Add ice and blend until smooth.
Fun ideas for the salt rim
🍹 You can use kosher salt or chunky sea salt for the rim, like Himalayan pink sea salt. To make it look even more festive, use colorful margarita salt with orange and lime zest. You’ll already have the limes for when making this frozen margarita (just make sure to zest them first!).
Or, try a Tajín rim: it’s a Mexican seasoning blend of chili peppers, lime, and salt that adds a burst of tangy, spicy flavor.
Make ahead tip
To prep this frozen margarita in advance, we recommend mixing up the liquids prior to serving and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Blend up the drink right before serving. You can also freeze your glasses prior to serving to slow the drink from melting (freeze them 30 minutes to 2 hours in advance).
Margarita recipe variations
If you love this frozen margarita recipe, you’ll love our collection of margarita recipes, from Cadillac to virgin to pitcher margaritas. Here are a few favorites:
- Make our classic margarita recipe: a true family and fan favorite! Or whip up a margarita pitcher for a party.
- Try impressive variations like the mezcal margarita, or Cadillac margarita.
- Opt for a skinny margarita or virgin margarita.
- Make fruity variations like a pineapple margarita, strawberry margarita, or pineapple Margarita.
A few more frozen cocktails
Outside of this frozen margarita recipe, here are a few of our favorite frozen alcoholic drinks:
- A strawberry daiquiri or frozen daiquiri are so simple and delicious: no need to buy a mix again!
- This easy frozen sangria is sure to be a favorite: it’s wine-forward and just sweet enough, with a hint of citrus.
- Try frose (frozen rosé) for a refreshing puree built on wine and strawberries.
- Mix up a frozen mojito: minty fresh and delicious!
Frequently asked questions
No! While margarita machines are convenient, you can easily make delicious frozen margaritas at home with a regular blender.
If your frozen margarita is too icy, add a little bit more water or lime juice (a teaspoon or so), and blend again.
Yes, you can! Blend all the ingredients except the ice and store the mixture in the freezer for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, blend the mixture with ice until frozen.
Replace the ice in the recipe below with 4 cups frozen strawberries or diced frozen mango cubes.
Ultimate Frozen Margarita Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Here’s the ultimate frozen margarita recipe: refreshingly simple with just 4 simple ingredients! Blend up a party-sized pitcher in minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) tequila blanco or reposado
- 4 ounces (½ cup) Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) simple syrup
- 4 ½ cups ice
- For the rim: kosher salt or pink sea salt
Instructions
- Place the salt on a plate and wet the rim of the glasses (it’s easiest to cut a notch into a lime and run it around the glass). Dip the outside edge of the rims into the margarita salt.
- Place the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth and fluffy. Pour into the prepared glasses and serve*. If desired, garnish with lime wedges.
Notes
*Make ahead tip: To make this drink in advance, mix up the liquids prior to serving and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Blend up the drink right immediately serving. You can also freeze your glasses prior to serving to slow the drink from melting (freeze them 30 minutes to 2 hours in advance).
Fruity variations: Replace the ice in the recipe above with 4 cups frozen strawberries or diced frozen mango cubes.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
great recipe
Thanks for making!