Should You Be Making Margaritas In Advance?

Margaritas are the most popular cocktail in America, and with good reason: They're simple in their construction but full of flavor and potent tequila. The punch of bright lime makes them the perfect partner for Mexican food, since the acidity cuts through the heavier flavors in your typical tacos and guac. Margaritas pair with more than Taco Tuesday — they're a refreshing beverage for poolside summer days or capping off a long week.

Considering how widely margaritas are consumed across the U.S., there's a fair chance that at your next margarita-centric gathering you might find yourself stuck behind the bar mixing them for guests when entertaining. There's a way to avoid that trap, and it's as simple as making those margs ahead of time. You read that correctly — you can make those delicious frosty drinks before your party. What's more, both the standard drink and the frozen version can be made ahead.

Margaritas are super easy to make, and they're a cocktail that is perfect for batch-making and storing in advance. The classic margarita mix is simple: lime juice, orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec, and tequila. Blanco tequila is the traditional choice for its smooth flavor, but there's nothing stopping you from using something bolder, like a reposado or añejo tequila instead.

The basic ratio for a margarita is three parts tequila to two parts liqueur to one part lime juice. It's easy to scale up for a group, and a pitcher of homemade margarita mix will last in the fridge for two to three days. If you're a fan of frozen margaritas, you're still in luck. After blending them together, store them in the freezer in a container or freezer bag. The tequila and orange liqueur will keep it from freezing solid, so they'll be slushy when you need them. When you're ready to serve, simply blend the mix for an even consistency and pour into glasses. 

The margarita came to be in the first part of the 20th century, though its specific origin is a bit muddled. One rumor has it being the creation of bartender Carlos Herrera in 1938, the result of trying to personalize a cocktail for showgirl Marjorie King. Another attributes it to socialite Margaret Sames a decade later. The truth, according to cocktail historian David Wondrich (via Wine Enthusiast), is that it's probably a variation on an older, well-established cocktail: the daisy. The original recipe called for some familiar ingredients: lime, tequila, and orange liqueur, while also adding soda water to make it fizzy.

It's a drink with many origin stories, but it's also one with myriad variations. The base recipe is one that is extremely easy to expand on, so feel free to experiment by adding some heat with jalapeños, or going a fruity direction with mango or strawberry puree. Whichever flavor you choose, margaritas are a surefire choice for a drink you can make in advance so you have more time for what's important — your guests.