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These Pitcher Margaritas for a Crowd are the ultimate party drink! Made with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau, this easy recipe serves 24 guests.

Salt-rimmed margarita glass garnished with a lime wedge and filled with ice next to a pitcher

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Pitcher Margaritas For a Crowd

Hosting a party? Skip the single-serve cocktails and whip up pitcher margaritas instead. This simple margaritas for a crowd recipe makes 24 refreshing 4-ounce drinks, perfect for backyard BBQs, Cinco de Mayo, or any festive get-together. With tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave syrup, it’s easy to mix up and even easier to enjoy. You can even prep these make ahead margaritas for a crowd to keep the celebration stress-free.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • No blending or fancy equipment needed
  • Can be made ahead and chilled until serving time
  • Easily scaled up for larger groups
  • Balanced flavor with just the right amount of sweetness

🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions

  • tequila – Reposado is recommended. However, Blanco tequila works if you prefer a lighter taste.
  • Cointreau – or Triple Sec
  • freshly squeezed lime juice – Use bottled lime juice in a pinch, though fresh is best
  • agave syrup – Simple syrup can replace agave syrup if needed
  • ice, lime wedges, and salt for serving

✨ Variations

  • Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist
  • Swap agave for honey syrup for a deeper flavor
  • Stir in sliced jalapeños for a spicy version

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🔥 Tips

  • Chill all ingredients ahead of time for best results
  • Shake each serving with ice to get that restaurant-quality texture
  • Use a large pitcher or beverage dispenser for easy pouring
Group of margarita glasses filled with ice and garnished with lime wedges, ready to serve

❓ FAQs

➡️ Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, mix the margaritas and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Shake with ice before serving.

➡️ Do I have to use a cocktail shaker?

It helps with texture, but you can pour straight from the pitcher over ice if needed.

➡️ How strong are these Pitcher Margaritas for a Crowd?

Each 4-ounce serving is moderately strong. For lighter drinks, add a splash of soda water.

➡️ Can I rim all the glasses at once?

Yes, just rub each rim with lime and dip it in salt before your guests arrive.

➡️ Can I use bottled margarita mix instead of making my own?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as fresh or balanced. This homemade version is worth the extra few minutes.

➡️ How do I keep the margaritas cold at a party?

Store the pitcher in the fridge or place it in a bucket of ice. Avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher to prevent dilution.

➡️ Can I make this a frozen margarita recipe?

Yes! Blend 2 cups of the prepared mix with 1 to 2 cups of ice per batch. Serve immediately.

➡️ How can I make it less sweet?

Reduce the agave syrup to ¾ cup or even ½ cup, depending on your taste.

➡️ Can I turn this into a flavored margarita?

Sure! Muddle fresh berries, mango, or pineapple into the shaker before mixing. You can also infuse the tequila with fruit ahead of time.

➡️ What size pitcher do I need?

This recipe makes 13 cups, so a 4-quart (16-cup) pitcher or beverage dispenser works well.

➡️ Can I rim the glasses with sugar instead of salt?

Definitely, sugar works great for a sweeter touch, especially if you add fruit to the mix.

Several margarita glasses filled with ice and garnished with lime, with a pitcher in the background

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closeup of margarita in salt rimmed glass
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Servings: 24 servings

Pitcher Margaritas For a Crowd

By Jamie Sherman
Pitcher Margaritas for a Crowd are perfect for parties! This easy margarita recipe makes 24 drinks with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau.
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

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Equipment

Ingredients 

For the drink mixture:

  • 3 cups Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • 3 cups freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 6 cups tequila
  • 1 cup agave syrup

For serving:

  • ice
  • lime wedges
  • salt, optional for rimming glasses

Instructions 

Make the Margarita Mix:

  • In a large pitcher, combine the tequila, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), lime juice, and agave syrup. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve the Margaritas:

  • If desired, rim the glasses with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping into salt.
  • Fill each glass with ice.
  • Fill a cocktail shaker about three-quarters full with ice and add enough margarita mix to just cover the ice.
  • Shake well for 10 to 20 seconds.
  • Strain into the prepared glasses.
  • Repeat for additional drinks, refreshing the ice in the shaker as needed.
  • Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use Reposado Tequila, which adds a smooth, slightly oaky note that works beautifully in this large-batch recipe.
  • You can prep the mix a few hours in advance and keep it chilled until party time.

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz, Calories: 267kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 0.1g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.003g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 37mg, Fiber: 0.1g, Sugar: 13g, Vitamin A: 15IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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