Frozen Margarita Cocktail Drink

Frozen Margarita

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you’re craving a cool cocktail, this Frozen Margarita recipe has your name on it! It’s a breeze to make, blending simple ingredients into a flavorful drink.

Best Frozen Margarita Recipe

Chill out with this effortless Frozen Margarita recipe! Crafted with tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and ice, this refreshing Frozen Marg is a summer essential.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

2 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

187 kl

Ingredients

  • oz Tequila
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • ½ oz Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • Salt, for rimming the glass
  • Lime wheel and salt rim, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Wine Glass or Margarita Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Add Simple syrup: Pour½ oz simple syrup in a blender.
  • Add lime juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lime juice.
  • Add Cointreau: Add ½ oz Triple Sec or Cointreau to the mix.
  • Add tequila: Pour 1½ oz Tequila in the blender.
  • Blend: Add 1 cup crushed ice and blend the mixture until smooth.
  • Prep Glass: Wet the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, and then rim your glass with salt.
  • Pour: Pour the blended mixture into the prepared glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: I've used mezcal when I wanted a smokier flavor. It adds a different dimension to the drink.
  • Cointreau: I've substituted other orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier it adds a rich, citrusy flavor.
  • Lime Juice: I've used bottled lime juice when fresh limes are scarce. It's not as fresh, but it does the trick.
  • Simple Syrup: I’ve used agave nectar. it pairs perfectly with tequila.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of tequila, 8 oz of lime juice, 4 oz of triple sec, 4 oz of simple syrup and 8 cups of ice cubes.
  • Mix: In a large blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual salt-rimmed margarita glasses, garnish with lime wheels, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute or a simple syrup as a base.
  • Triple Sec Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic triple sec or orange extract mixed with simple syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This recipe is inherently vegan. Just ensure that the tequila and triple sec you are using are vegan-friendly, as some brands may use animal products in their production processes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
187
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.02
g
0
%
Sodium
 
22
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
17
g
6
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
15
g
17
%
Potassium
 
47
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Vitamin A
 
14
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
9
mg
11
%
Calcium
 
13
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Frozen Margarita Cocktail Drink

Best Frozen Margarita Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Chill out with this effortless Frozen Margarita recipe! Crafted with tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and ice, this refreshing Frozen Marg is a summer essential.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 2 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 187

Ingredients
 

  • oz Tequila
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • ½ oz Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 1 cup crushed ice
  • Salt - for rimming the glass
  • Lime wheel and salt rim - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Wine Glass or Margarita Glass
  • Measuring Jigger

Instructions

  • Add Simple syrup: Pour½ oz simple syrup in a blender.
  • Add lime juice: Measure and pour 1 oz lime juice.
  • Add Cointreau: Add ½ oz Triple Sec or Cointreau to the mix.
  • Add tequila: Pour 1½ oz Tequila in the blender.
  • Blend: Add 1 cup crushed ice and blend the mixture until smooth.
  • Prep Glass: Wet the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, and then rim your glass with salt.
  • Pour: Pour the blended mixture into the prepared glass.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: I've used mezcal when I wanted a smokier flavor. It adds a different dimension to the drink.
  • Cointreau: I've substituted other orange liqueurs like Grand Marnier it adds a rich, citrusy flavor.
  • Lime Juice: I've used bottled lime juice when fresh limes are scarce. It's not as fresh, but it does the trick.
  • Simple Syrup: I’ve used agave nectar. it pairs perfectly with tequila.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 12 oz of tequila, 8 oz of lime juice, 4 oz of triple sec, 4 oz of simple syrup and 8 cups of ice cubes.
  • Mix: In a large blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual salt-rimmed margarita glasses, garnish with lime wheels, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute or a simple syrup as a base.
  • Triple Sec Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic triple sec or orange extract mixed with simple syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This recipe is inherently vegan. Just ensure that the tequila and triple sec you are using are vegan-friendly, as some brands may use animal products in their production processes.

 

What is a Frozen Margarita?

A Frozen Margarita is a tequila-based cocktail combining lime juice, triple sec, and ice into a refreshing drink. People often associate this cocktail with summertime and festive occasions due to its cool and revitalizing qualities. The name directly reflects the icy blend of its ingredients, making it a straightforward yet delightful option for those looking to enjoy a classic beverage.

A side shot of a Frozen Margarita cocktail in a margarita glass on a white marmol table surrounded by lime wedges and a shaker on the background.

What is a Frozen Margarita made of – The ingredients

For a Frozen Margarita, use these ingredients:

  • Tequila: Acts as the base spirit, providing a bold and robust flavor to the cocktail.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a zesty flavor, balancing the sweetness and enhancing the overall freshness of the drink.
  • Triple Sec: An orange-flavored liqueur that contributes a sweet and citrusy note to the cocktail.
  • Simple Syrup: Often used for a sweeter taste.
  • Ice Cubes: Create a slushy and frosty texture, refreshing and cooling the drink.

Tequila, lime juice, triple sec and simple syrup laid out on a white bar table.

How do you make a Frozen Margarita Cocktail?

Find out how to make a Frozen Margarita with our instructions:

1
<p>Pour simple syrup into your blender, adding a rich sweetness.</p>

Pour simple syrup into your blender, adding a rich sweetness.

2
<p>Add lime juice for acidity.</p>

Add lime juice for acidity.

3
<p>Pour Cointreau into the blender, adding a complex orange note.</p>

Pour Cointreau into the blender, adding a complex orange note.

4
<p>Add tequila ensuring the base spirit of the drink.</p>

Add tequila ensuring the base spirit of the drink.

5
<p>Add crushed ice.</p>

Add crushed ice.

6
<p>Blend the ingredients until they are blended to perfection.</p>

Blend the ingredients until they are blended to perfection.

7
<p>Wet the rim of a wine glass with a lime wedge.</p>

Wet the rim of a wine glass with a lime wedge.

8
<p>Rim the wine glass with salt.</p>

Rim the wine glass with salt.

9
<p>Pour the mixture into the glass, serving this slushy concoction.</p>

Pour the mixture into the glass, serving this slushy concoction.

10
<p>If desired, place a lime wheel on the rim of the glass for an extra touch of flair and flavor.</p>

If desired, place a lime wheel on the rim of the glass for an extra touch of flair and flavor.

11
<p>Enjoy your frozen Margarita!</p>

Enjoy your frozen Margarita!

Premade Frozen Margarita Mix

When it comes to pre-mixed Frozen Margaritas, convenience meets flavor, and several brands stand out. Jose Cuervo’s Golden Margarita combines the luscious flavors of lime and triple sec with a splash of Grand Marnier, offering a balanced and well-rounded taste. It’s a go-to for those who prefer a classic profile with a hint of luxury. Another notable option is the Skinnygirl Margarita. It’s a hit for those watching their calorie intake, delivering a light and refreshing taste without compromising flavor. However, if I had to pick a favorite, it would be the Cayman Jack Margarita. It’s crafted with natural cane sugar and organic lime juice and strikes the right balance between sweet and tart. It’s incredibly refreshing and comes in handy cans, making it a perfect companion for picnics, barbecues, or a chill day at the beach.

What is the difference between a Daiquiri, a Margarita, and a Frozen Margarita?

A Daiquiri and a Margarita, while similar, have distinct differences, and a Frozen Margarita adds another layer of variance. A Daiquiri primarily combines rum, lime juice, and simple syrup, offering a sweet and tart flavor profile with the rum’s richness shining through. In contrast, a Margarita blends tequila with lime juice and triple sec, delivering a robust and citrusy flavor with a hint of sweetness from the orange liqueur. The key difference between a Margarita and a Frozen Margarita is the texture and serving style; The Frozen version is blended with ice to achieve a slushy consistency, making it a frosty and refreshing option, especially in the heat.

Frozen Margarita without Triple Sec

Ditching the triple sec in a Frozen Margarita can open up a world of flavor customization. The drink leans on the tart and robust side without this orange liqueur, allowing the tequila and lime juice to shine. For those who find triple sec a bit too sweet, this is a welcome change, offering a crisper, more refreshing sip. A splash of simple syrup or agave nectar can be added to balance the tartness, giving you control over the sweetness level.

Easy Virgin Frozen Margarita

This version offers all the refreshing zest of its alcoholic counterpart without the tequila. It’s a blend of lime juice, triple sec, and ice, with the triple sec being a non-alcoholic version to keep the drink alcohol-free. To mimic the robustness of tequila, some recipes use coconut water or another flavorful non-alcoholic base, adding a layer of depth to the drink. A splash of simple syrup or agave nectar can be added to balance the tartness of the lime juice, making it a customizable and refreshing option.

A Frozen Margarita cocktail, shot from above, in a margarita glass on a white marmol table surrounded by lime wedges.

Strawberry Frozen Margarita

A Frozen Strawberry Margarita is a refreshing beverage that blends the classic elements of a traditional margarita—tequila, lime juice, and triple sec—with fresh or frozen strawberries. The strawberries infuse the drink with a natural sweetness and a vibrant red color, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the margarita. 

Flavor variations

Looking for other styles and flavors? Here are some we love.

  • Watermelon Frozen Margarita: Fresh watermelon is introduced, contributing a hydrating and subtly sweet nuance. The watermelon brings a light, refreshing quality, ideal for a hot day.
  • Pineapple Frozen Margarita: Pineapple chunks are featured, lending a tropical, tangy twist. Each sip is a refreshing journey, with the pineapple adding a lively, zesty character. The tanginess of the pineapple is incredibly refreshing, offering a perfect blend of sweet and tart.
  • Raspberry Frozen Margarita: Raspberries are infused, striking a balance between tartness and a berry-rich sweetness. The raspberries impart a vibrant color and a refreshing, tangy kick, contrasting nicely with the sweetness.
  • Blackberry Frozen Margarita: Blackberries are included, offering a harmonious mix of tart and sweet flavors. The blackberries add a colorful, fruity appeal, making it a visually appealing choice.
  • Peach Frozen Margarita: Juicy peaches are incorporated, giving a sweet, velvety touch. The peaches enhance the smoothness, adding a succulent, ripe flavor.
  • Passion Fruit Frozen Margarita: Passion fruit pulp is used, introducing an exotic, aromatic taste. The passion fruit elevates the beverage with a unique tropical flair, making it intriguingly flavorful.
  • Blue Curacao Frozen Margarita: Blue curacao is included, delivering a citrusy zest and a stunning blue hue. The blue curacao makes it visually striking, adding a playful twist with its vibrant color.
  • Mango Frozen Margarita: Ripe mangoes are combined, offering a lush, tropical sweetness that’s both invigorating and rich in flavor. The mangoes add a vibrant, fruity depth, making it a tropical delight. The lush sweetness of the mangoes is like a burst of sunshine in every sip.
  • Pomegranate Frozen Margarita: Pomegranate juice is mixed in, adding a sweet-tart quality and deepening the flavor with its rich red color. The pomegranate brings a sophisticated edge, enriching the taste experience.

History and Origins

The Frozen Margarita has a colorful history, origin tracing back to the 1940s. The creation of this refreshing concoction is often attributed to Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez. In 1971, Mariano faced a challenge with making consistent and quickly served margaritas in his restaurant. To solve this problem, he modified a soft-serve ice cream machine to churn out the slushy tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, giving birth to the cocktail we know today. This innovative approach allowed for serving the beverage quickly and efficiently, meeting the high demand in his bustling restaurant. The invention of the Frozen Margarita machine revolutionized how margaritas were served and enjoyed, making it a popular choice in bars and restaurants worldwide. Mariano’s original engine earned a place in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History highlighting its impact on beverage culture.

A side shot of a Frozen Margarita cocktail in a margarita glass on a white marmol table surrounded by lime wedges, with a strainer and a jigger on the background.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Frozen Margarita?
It typically contains around 200-240 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.
How strong is a Frozen Margarita?
It usually has an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of about 25%, making it 50 proof, depending on the ratio of the ingredients.
What alcohol is used in a Frozen Margarita?
Tequila is the primary alcohol used.
In which glass is a Frozen Margarita typically served?
It's typically served in a margarita glass or wine glass.
What does a Frozen Margarita taste like?
It tastes tangy, sweet, and refreshing, with the prominent flavors of lime and tequila shining through.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Frozen Margarita?
The classic ratio is 1½ oz of Tequila, 1 oz of Lime Juice, ½ oz of  Triple Sec or Cointreau with often a splash of simple syrup.
How is a Frozen Margarita served with ice?
It's served blended with ice, creating a slushy, frosty texture.
Can I make a Frozen Margarita with beer?
Yes, adding beer can create a Beer Margarita, offering a fizzy and unique flavor.

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