There’s nothing quite like sipping a cold, frosty Frozen Margarita on a warm afternoon. It’s tangy, sweet, and just strong enough to make you feel like you’re on vacation—even if you’re just in your backyard. I’ve made this drink countless times, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips to make it extra smooth and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just treating yourself, this classic Frozen Margarita hits the spot every time.
Frozen Margarita
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink | Prep time: 5 minutes
You’ll need:
– 2 oz (60 ml) blanco tequila
– 1 oz (30 ml) triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice (about 1 large lime)
– ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup (or agave nectar)
– 1 heaping cup (about 240 ml) ice cubes
– Lime wedge, for rimming the glass
– Coarse salt, for the rim
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Equipment
– Blender (high-speed works best for a smoother texture)
– Margarita glass or a stemless wine glass if you’re going casual
– Small plate (for salting the rim)
Method
- Salt the rim: Run a lime wedge around the edge of your glass. Dip it into a plate of coarse salt to coat the rim. Set the glass aside.
- Blend the drink: In your blender, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup (or agave), and ice. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and slushy. It should look like a snow-cone in a glass—icy but pourable.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wheel on the rim or a small wedge tucked inside the drink.
Tips
– Use fresh lime juice—it makes a big difference in flavor.
– If your limes are extra tart, add a touch more syrup.
– Crushed ice blends more easily than large cubes and gives a smoother texture.
– For a boozier drink, bump up the tequila to 2½ oz (75 ml).
– Want it less sweet? Cut the simple syrup down to ¼ oz (7 ml) or skip it entirely if your triple sec is sweet enough.
Make-Ahead and Storage
You can blend Frozen Margaritas ahead of time and freeze them for up to an hour. Just give the mix a quick stir or re-blend it to bring back the slushy consistency. It’s best to serve them fresh, though—ice starts to separate after a while.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Substitutions:
– No triple sec? Use Cointreau or even a splash of orange juice in a pinch.
– Swap simple syrup with agave nectar or honey for a natural sweetness.
– No margarita glasses? Any short wide glass will work—just keep it chilled.
Flavor Variations:
Strawberry Frozen Margarita
– Add ½ cup (75 g) frozen strawberries to the blender.
– Reduce the ice slightly to balance the texture.
Mango Frozen Margarita
– Toss in ½ cup (75 g) ripe mango chunks—fresh or frozen.
– Use lime and mango together for a tropical twist.
Spicy Frozen Margarita
– Infuse your tequila with sliced jalapeños for 1-2 hours.
– Blend as usual for a drink with a little kick.
Virgin Frozen Margarita (Non-Alcoholic)
– Blend 1 oz (30 ml) lime juice, 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice, ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup, and a cup of ice.
– Garnish with a salted rim and lime wheel for the full experience.
What to Serve With It
Frozen Margaritas are bold and citrusy, so they pair beautifully with foods that balance or enhance those flavors.
Tacos
Whether it’s fish, chicken, or veggie tacos, the drink’s acidity cuts through richness perfectly.
Grilled Shrimp or Fish
The lime and tequila bring out the smoky, charred flavors in grilled seafood.
Spicy Dishes
Got something with heat? A Frozen Margarita cools things down in the best way.
I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-work rituals: I’ll throw together a quick batch of these, whip up some chips and guac, and just sit outside for a bit. It’s the kind of simple pleasure that always feels like a mini vacation.
Common Questions
Can I make this without a blender?
Not really. You need a blender to get that signature slushy texture. If you don’t have one, you can shake the ingredients with crushed ice, but it’ll be more like a Margarita on the rocks.
What’s the best tequila to use?
Stick with a good-quality blanco (silver) tequila. It’s clean and smooth, and it won’t overpower the lime.
How do I make a big batch for a party?
Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want. Blend in batches and keep it in a large pitcher in the freezer. Stir or re-blend right before serving.
How do I keep the consistency just right?
Use crushed ice and don’t over-blend. It should be thick and slushy, not watery or too chunky. If it’s too thin, add more ice. Too thick? A splash of water or lime juice helps.
How can I make it healthier?
Use agave nectar or skip the sweetener entirely if you like it tart. You can also add a splash of fresh orange juice for natural sweetness.
Frozen Margaritas are easy to love and even easier to make once you’ve got the hang of it. Whether you keep it classic or mix in some fruit or spice, it’s a drink that brings people together—and cools you down in the most delicious way.
