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Sheela Prakash
Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor
Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.
Jan Valdez
Jan ValdezAssistant Recipe Producer at The Kitchn
I got into this field by spending 10 years working in Research & Development and Product Development test kitchens, testing new products and recipes. For nearly eight years, I was the Senior Culinary R&D Specialist at Weber headquarters, where all the grills are designed, engineered, and tested. I've helped launch numerous best-selling, top-rated grills across the globe (you should see my grill collection at home!).One of my proudest accomplishments happened years earlier, when I had the opportunity to visit the Good Housekeeping Institue in NYC after developing an award-winning Tropical Citrus Shrimp recipe that jumpstarted my career in test kitchens and food editing. Since then, I've worked at Serious Eats (one of my favorite food sites) and EatingWell as an updates editor.I'm passionate about both classic recipes and new, unique twists. I'm constantly learning and that's what makes food and cooking so fun (just ask me how to bake light and airy pavlovas on the grill – I've tested them countless times!).
updated Apr 10, 2024
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This big-batch margarita is ideal for serving a crowd — and requires just three ingredients!
Serves8 to 10Prep10 minutesJump to Recipe
Jump to Recipe
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Pitcher co*cktailsare smart party choices; they easily serve a crowd and don’t require you to be constantly shaking and stirring. These pitcher margaritas are even wiser than the rest, seeing as this recipe isn’t even a recipe — it’s a ratio. Just follow a ratio ofthree partstequila, two parts orange liqueur, and one part lime juice.
Commit it to memory and you’ll have an easy, crowd-pleasing co*cktail to stir up whenever friends drop by, which will probably be more often once they get wind of it. After all, few can resist the tangy, refreshing taste of a homemade margarita.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s nice and strong. But don’t worry! The ice helps mellow it out, which is why we like to let it sit for at least 5 minutes before serving.
- It’s so easy. Making margaritas aren’t complicated, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. If you have tequila, orange liqueur, and plenty of limes on hand, you have everything you need!
- The ratio is foolproof. Just follow the simple 3-2-1 ratio of three parts tequila, two parts orange liqueur, and one part lime juice.
Key Ingredients in Pitcher Margaritas
- Tequila: We recommend blanco tequila, also known as silver tequila. This variety of tequila is considered the purest form of tequila, as it’s typically bottled directly after distillation.
- Orange liqueur: Use your favorite orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec.
- Lime juice: Use freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 limes).
How to Make Pitcher Margaritas
- Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher. Place the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and ice in a large pitcher, and stir to combine. Top with the lime slices.
- Let sit for 5 minutes. This allows for some of the ice to melt and mellow the margaritas.
- Pour into glasses. Add more ice from the pitcher to each glass as needed. Scoop a couple of lime slices into each glass when serving.
How Strong Is This Pitcher Margarita?
The 3-2-1 ratio makes for a strong sip, but because margaritas are usually shaken, the ice mellows out the boozy bite as it melts. Since it’s a little impractical to shake a whole pitcher of margaritas, you’ll stir the ice directly into the pitcher, then let it sit for five minutes before serving so some of the ice starts to melt. Add more ice from the pitcher to each glass as needed.
How to Customize Your Pitcher Margarita
- For sweeter margaritas: If you prefer a sweeter drink, make a simple syrup and stir in a few spoonfuls to taste.
- For more tart margaritas: You can add more freshly squeezed lime juice, to taste.
Margarita Variations
- Spicy Margarita
- 3-Ingredient Watermelon Margarita
- Strawberry Pitcher Margarita
- Blood Orange-Jalapeño Margaritas
- 2-Ingredient Frozen Italian Ice Margaritas
- Cranberry Pitcher Margaritas
- Shish*to Pepper Margarita
- Frozen Margaritas
What to Serve with Pitcher Margaritas
- Classic Guacamole
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- Salsa Verde
- Crispy Chicken Taquitos
- Pineapple Salsa
- Shrimp and Avocado Tostadas
- Salsa Fresca (Fresh Salsa)
- Black Bean Tostadas
- Avocado Salsa
- Chicken Flautas
- Mango Salsa
Make-Ahead Tips
The pitcher can be made, without the ice and sliced limes, up to 1 day ahead. Cover and store in the refrigerator and add the ice and limes before serving.
Pitcher Margaritas Recipe
This big-batch margarita is ideal for serving a crowd — and requires just three ingredients!
Prep time 10 minutes
Serves 8 to 10
Nutritional Info
Ingredients
- 3 cups
blanco tequila
- 2 cups
orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1 cup
freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 limes)
Ice
- 3
medium limes, thinly sliced
Instructions
Place 3 cups blanco tequila, 2 cups orange liqueur, 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, and ice in a large pitcher, and stir to combine. Top with the lime slices. Let sit for 5 minutes to allow for some of the ice to melt and mellow the margaritas.
Pour into glasses, adding more ice from the pitcher to each glass as needed. Scoop a couple of lime slices into each glass when serving.
Recipe Notes
Make ahead: The pitcher can be made, without the ice and sliced limes, up to 1 day ahead. Cover and store in the refrigerator and add the ice and limes before serving.
Filed in:
Beverages
co*cktails
Dairy-Free
Drinks
easy
Gluten-Free
