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Ultimate Frozen Margarita

Here’s the ultimate frozen margarita recipe: refreshingly simple with just 4 simple ingredients! Blend up a party-sized pitcher in minutes.…

Here’s the ultimate frozen margarita recipe: refreshingly simple with just 4 simple ingredients! Blend up a party-sized pitcher in minutes.

Frozen margarita in glass with salt rim and lime wheel.

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 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).

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.

Strawberry Margarita

Cadillac Margarita

Virgin Margarita

Classic Margarita Recipe

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

Do I need a special machine to make a frozen margarita?

No! While margarita machines are convenient, you can easily make delicious frozen margaritas at home with a regular blender.

My frozen margarita is too icy! How can I fix it?

If your frozen margarita is too icy, add a little bit more water or lime juice (a teaspoon or so), and blend again.

Can I make a frozen margarita ahead of time?

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.

What are some fun variations for frozen margaritas?

Replace the ice in the recipe below with 4 cups frozen strawberries or diced frozen mango cubes.

Ultimate Frozen Margarita Recipe

★★★★

4 from 1 review

Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4

Print Recipe

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

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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 frozen 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

Keywords: Frozen margarita recipe, Frozen margarita, How to make frozen margaritas, Best frozen margarita recipe

Cadillac Margarita

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita! It uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur for a smooth,…

Step up your margarita game with the Cadillac Margarita! It uses top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier liqueur for a smooth, sophisticated twist.

Cadillac margarita in margarita glass with salt rim.

Want a sophisticated spin on the margarita? When we have friends over and want to step it up a notch, we pull out the Cadillac! It’s of our favorite spins on this classic tequila cocktail using top quality tequila and Grand Marnier. It has a smooth, nuanced flavor that makes everyone say, “Wow! What’s in this?”

Why we love a Cadillac margarita: As two cocktail experts with over 300 cocktail recipes in our library and 25+ margarita recipes under our belt, the Cadillac is a tried and true favorite! The pop of citrus against the bitter orange, vanilla and oak notes in the Grand Marnier gets us every time. It’s a great way to step up your cocktail game with very little effort.

Ingredients in a Cadillac margarita

A Cadillac margarita is a version of the classic margarita using premium ingredients: best quality tequila and orange liqueur, with Grand Marnier floated onto the top of the drink. This luxurious spin on the classic is believed to have gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s in Southern California restaurant chains. Adding the nuanced, sophisticated Grand Marnier flavor takes this drink over the top. Here are the ingredients you’ll use:

Grand Marnier
Best quality tequila, reposado if possible
Cointreau
Lime juice

You’ll pour the Grand Marnier right onto the other ingredients so that it floats on top (though it gradually sinks to the bottom over time). If you prefer a margarita on the sweeter side, you can add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar. But we like it without added sweetener: the drink comes out perfectly balanced and the smooth, citrusy flavor makes it irresistible.

What’s Grand Marnier?

Grand Marnier is a French brandy liqueur made with Cognac, bitter orange, and sugar. The bottle you’ll most often see is called Cordon Rouge, the Grand Marnier brand’s most popular product. What does Grand Marnier taste like? You’ll taste bitter orange and brandy first, then the sip finishes with notes of vanilla and oak.

Grand Marnier bottle with Cadillac margarita.

Best tequila for a Cadillac margarita

Many margarita recipes use tequila blanco (unaged or “new” tequila). For the Cadillac margarita, we like it best with a tequila reposado (aged). We like how it gives the drink even more layers of flavor with notes of caramel, honey and vanilla.

Look for a mid-priced tequila. Try 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35.
Tequila reposado (aged) makes a smooth, sophisticated margarita. It’s aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels and has notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. Some brands we like are Casamigos, Milagro Reposado, and Suerte Reposado.
Tequila blanco also works. It has a straightforward agave-centric flavor and spicy finish. Some brands we like are Espolon Blanco, El Tesoro Blanco, Patrón Silver, and Casamigos.

How to make a Cadillac margarita: step by step

The Cadillac Margarita is comes together simply by shaking up a few ingredients, then floating the Grand Marnier over the top.

Step 1: Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt (or margarita salt).
Step 2: Place 1 ½ oz tequila, 1 oz Cointreau and 1 oz lime juice in a cocktail shaker, add 4 ice cubes, and shake until cold.
Step: Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Then carefully pour 1 oz Grand Marnier onto the top of the drink over an inverted spoon. Serve immediately, straight up in a margarita glass or on the rocks in a lowball glass with clear ice.

Cadillac Margarita with Grand Marnier bottle.

Rim variations: salt, Tajín, and more!

You can use simple kosher salt for the rim or step it up with colorful margarita salt with lime and orange zest. 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.

A few more great cocktails

This Cadillac Margarita is a hands-down classic! Here are a few more of our refreshing cocktail recipes you might also enjoy:

A Classic Mojito is perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.
The Paloma is relative of the classic margarita, this easy Mexican cocktail starring grapefruit instead of lime.
Here are the keys to the very best Gin and Tonic, the most refreshing 2-ingredient cocktail!

Classic Margarita Recipe

Classic Mojito

Best Gin and Tonic

40 Great Cocktail Recipes You Should Know

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a regular margarita and a Cadillac margarita?

A classic margarita uses tequila, lime juice, and sweetener, while a Cadillac margarita adds a splash of luxury with Grand Marnier, a French orange liqueur. This gives the Cadillac margarita a smoother, more complex flavor profile. Some Cadillac margaritas also use a premium tequila or a tequila reposado.

What type of tequila should I use for a Cadillac margarita?

For the best results, use a premium reposado tequila. This aged tequila has a smoother flavor that complements the Grand Marnier without overpowering it.

My Cadillac margarita is not sweet enough! How can I adjust it?

You can add a hint of simple syrup or agave nectar, to taste.

What’s the best way to rim a glass for a Cadillac margarita?

Simple kosher salt works well, or try mixing it up with margarita salt, a chili lime salt rim for a spicy kick, or a Tajín rim.