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Can I just tell you—there is nothing better than sitting on the back porch with a homemade margarita while the sunset does its thing. I mean, it’s practically my summer love language. Ever since I stumbled on a ridiculously easy homemade margarita mix recipe (straight from that amazing link over at Brazilian Kitchen Abroad), I’ve been obsessed. The bottled stuff? Left in the dust. Now I make a fresh, citrus-packed batch almost every barbecue. Kids running wild, dogs barking, grill smoking—that first icy sip? Sheer bliss. Party or not, I keep a jar ready just for those “me time” nights, or, let’s be real, a Taco Tuesday that needs a little extra sparkle.
Why You’ll Love This Margarita Mix
- Bursting with real citrus flavor—you actually taste the lime and lemon, not just sugar.
- No weird ingredients or preservatives. Everything’s fresh, easy, and pronounceable!
- Make-ahead magic! Prep once, mix up margs for a whole week of craving (or guests… who am I kidding—mostly me).
- Adaptable for cocktails or mocktails. It’s a total summer beverage Swiss army knife.
- It’ll make you feel like a backyard cocktail hero. No bartending skills needed, promise.
Ingredient Notes & Tips
You only need a handful of simple things—bet most of them are already in your kitchen. Here’s the scoop, plus a few little substitution tricks I’ve tried along the way:
- Fresh Lime Juice: Squeeze it yourself if you can! It really matters. If you’re in a pinch, that refrigerated bottled stuff is okay, but the flavor just isn’t as bright.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds sunny zip to balance all the lime. Go all lime if that’s what you have, but a mix is my happy place.
- Simple Syrup: Just sugar and water—heat until the sugar dissolves, let it cool, done. Store-bought simple syrup is fine, but it’s so easy to DIY.
- Optional—Orange Juice: A splash of fresh-squeezed orange can make your mix taste even more like those fancy restaurant margaritas. I go for this when I’m feeling extra.
- Tequila: Good blanco (silver) tequila is classic for margaritas, but honestly—use whatever you love drinking.
- Salt for Rimming: Not in the mix itself, but you know you want that salty-sweet sip! Coarse kosher or flaky sea salt is best.
Pro tip for the maximum juicy punch—roll your citrus on the counter before slicing. Seriously, your wrists will thank you and you’ll get every drop out.
How to Make This Easy Homemade Margarita Mix
Don’t blink or you’ll miss it—it really is that quick!
- Juice those limes and lemons: Grab a handheld juicer, or just squeeze with your hands (bonus points for recruiting someone to help and catching all the seeds). You want about ¾ cup lime juice and ½ cup lemon juice—the amounts are flexible, so it’s fine if you’re a little over or under.
- Prep your simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine equal parts sugar and water—a half cup each is good for this batch. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar completely dissolves. No need to boil. Pour into a bowl or jar and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Mix it up: In a big jar or pitcher (bonus if it has a lid), combine your fresh juices and cooled simple syrup. Add a splash of orange juice for extra sunshine flavor, if you like. Stir (or shake) well to mingle everything together.
- Chill: Pop your mix in the fridge so it’s nice and cold when you’re ready for margaritas. I like to make it early in the day so the flavors have a chance to mingle.
- Make your margarita: In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 ounces of tequila and 2 ounces of margarita mix over ice. Shake well—like, really shake it!—and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice. Adorn with a lime wedge. Sip, sigh, repeat.
If you’re making a pitcher for a party (and why wouldn’t you?), just multiply everything. I’ve quadrupled this recipe for backyard shindigs and honestly, the more, the merrier.
Tasty Variations & Flavor Twists
- Spicy Margarita: Add a few muddled jalapeño slices to your cocktail shaker before mixing. Total game-changer for spicy lovers.
- Frozen Margarita: Blend your margarita mix, tequila, and ice until slushy. Bonus if you toss in some frozen mango or strawberries for that fruity vacation vibe.
- Mocktail Version: Skip the tequila, pour over sparkling water or ginger beer for a zero-proof refresher—honestly, still craveable.
- Herbal Upgrade: Drop in some fresh cilantro or basil for a garden-fresh twist; or try a rosemary or thyme simple syrup if you’re feeling fancy.
- Mezcal Swap: Sub out the tequila for smoky mezcal if you like a little more adventure in your glass.
- Low-Sugar: Use a sugar substitute for the simple syrup—monkfruit or stevia are my top picks, but agave works too.
Serving Tips
Pouring yourself a perfect frozen or on-the-rocks margarita is just the beginning. Here’s how I like to dress things up for a little extra panache (or just because I can):
- Salt Rims: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass, dip in a plate of salt mixed with a hint of lime zest, for a real flavor punch.
- Fancy Ice: Oversized cubes keep your drink colder, longer—less watered down, more “ahhh.”
- Fresh Garnishes: Lime wheels, thin orange slices, fresh herbs, or even a few edible flowers if you want to show off (no shame in the extra).
And don’t forget—these margs are the perfect sidekick for BBQ tacos, chips and salsa, spicy wings, or pretty much anything you’d eat in the summer sun.
How to Store & Keep It Fresh
This homemade margarita mix is a true make-ahead hero. Pour it into a clean glass jar or lidded pitcher, and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and zippy for up to a week—maybe a smidge longer, but honestly, ours never lasts that long.
Give it a quick shake or stir before pouring since fresh juice can separate a little. If you’re using a cocktail shaker, that takes care of it. You can even freeze the mix in ice cube trays and stash the cubes in a zip-top bag—perfect for single-serve margs or cooling down a pitcher without dilution.
Oh, and if you’re making a margarita mocktail, try mixing the syrup, citrus, and water, then top each glass with club soda just before sipping. Keeps the bubbles lively and your drink as fizzy as you want.
Come Chat All Things Margaritas!
Okay, I might gush about this margarita mix a little too much—but it really is comfort in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a rowdy barbecue or just unwinding from a Tuesday workday, I hope you’ll find that same happy-in-the-sunshine feeling I do. Any special twists you like to add? Favorite tequila brands, quirky garnish ideas, or “oops, I spilled half the mix but it was still delicious” stories? Drop me a note below! Let’s talk all things cocktail magic and backyard fun. Cheers, friend—your perfect margarita is just a squeeze away.
Homemade Margarita Mix
Ingredients
- ¾ cup fresh lime juice
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup simple syrup
- orange juice optional
- 2 ounces tequila
- salt for rimming
Instructions
- Squeeze fresh lime and lemon juice to get approximately ¾ cup lime juice and ½ cup lemon juice.
- Heat equal parts sugar and water until dissolved to make the simple syrup. Let it cool.
- Combine fresh juices, simple syrup, and optional orange juice in a jar. Stir well.
- Refrigerate the mix to chill before using.
- Shake 2 ounces of tequila and 2 ounces of margarita mix over ice. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass.
