Margarita Bar & Drinkware

Real Lime, Skinny or Frozen: The Best Margarita Mix

Real lime, skinny, zero sugar, frozen or packets: the margarita mixes worth buying, what's in each bottle, and how to pick one for your party.

A salt-rimmed margarita beside a basket of tortilla chips and salsa
A margarita on the rocks with chips and salsa.

A margarita has three parts: tequila, lime and something sweet, usually orange liqueur. A bottled margarita mix replaces the lime and the sweetener, and sometimes the orange too, so all you add is tequila and ice. Done well, it saves squeezing a bag of limes for a party. Done badly, it tastes of syrup and food coloring, and no amount of good tequila rescues it.

The mixes on the shelf differ more than the bottles suggest. Some are mostly lime juice and agave, some are sweetened with cane sugar, some use sucralose to reach zero sugar, and some are powders or frozen concentrates made for slushie machines. This guide sorts them by style, names the ones worth buying, and explains how to read the label before you pour.

Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a working Mexican restaurant looks for in a margarita, the makers’ own ingredient lists and product information, and the Amazon listings, which we cite.

Quick verdict: which margarita mix to buy

For most home bars, the best margarita mix is Fever-Tree Classic Margarita Mix: it is made with Mexican limes, agave and a touch of sea salt, in a glass bottle sized for one gathering. If you want fewer calories without artificial sweeteners, choose LAVA Premium Skinny Margarita Mix, made with key lime juice and raw blue agave. For a big batch on a small budget, Mr & Mrs T Margarita Mix comes in a four-pack of 1-liter bottles, and for frozen margaritas from a machine, Margarita Man concentrate is built for the job.

Every mix on this page is non-alcoholic until you add the tequila, so each one also works as a mocktail base. The rest of the page explains which one suits the way you serve.

Five margarita mixes at a glance

Our five standout mixes side by side, one for each kind of host, with the details each maker or listing states. All nine mixes are reviewed in full below.

Margarita mix Style Sweetener Size Buy on Amazon
Ready to pour, real lime Agave and cane sugar 25.4 fl oz glass bottle View on Amazon
Classic sweet-and-sour lime Cane sugar and agave nectar Four 33.8 fl oz bottles View on Amazon
Low calorie, key lime Raw blue agave, no artificial sweeteners 33.8 fl oz bottle View on Amazon
Frozen concentrate Pure cane sugar, no HFCS 64 fl oz, makes 75 frozen drinks View on Amazon
Single-serve powder Fructose and stevia 12 packets, one drink each View on Amazon

Product images from Amazon. Ingredients and sweeteners are as stated by each maker or listing; formulas change, so check the label on the bottle you buy.

Our picks for the best margarita mix

These nine mixes cover the ways people actually make margaritas at home: a good bottle for a weekend, a lighter mix, a zero-sugar option, a gallon for a party, a concentrate for a slushie machine, a freezer bag that needs no blender, and single-serve packets for travel. Each pick below explains what is in it, who it suits, and one honest reason to skip it.

1. Fever-Tree Classic Margarita Mix, 25.4 oz – Real Lime, Agave and Sea Salt

Best overallFever-Tree Classic Margarita Mix

Fever-Tree built its name on tonic water, and its margarita mix follows the same idea: the mixer is most of the drink, so it should taste of real ingredients. The listing says it is made with Mexican limes, agave and Spanish sea salt, which is close to what a bartender reaches for when making a margarita from scratch. The salt is a small touch, but it rounds off the sourness the way a salted rim does.

It comes in a 25.4 fl oz glass bottle. Retailer pages that reproduce the label suggest 1.5 oz of tequila to 4 oz of mix over ice, which makes about six drinks per bottle: right for a dinner, too small for a backyard party. Shake the bottle before pouring, because real juice settles.

The label lists cane sugar as well as agave, so this is not a low-sugar mix; Fever-Tree sells a separate Light version for that. What it does well is taste balanced without tasting artificial, and it makes a good mocktail on its own over ice with a splash of soda water, which the listing also suggests.

Why we like it

  • Made with Mexican limes, agave and Spanish sea salt, per the listing
  • Glass bottle sized for one evening
  • Works as a mocktail or a sparkling drink on its own
  • Retailer label pages list no artificial sweeteners

Key specifications

Size 25.4 fl oz (750 ml) glass bottle
Count 1 bottle
Main ingredients Water, lime juice, cane sugar, agave, citric acid, orange extract, sea salt (label as reproduced by retailers)
Sweetener Cane sugar and agave
Allergens/diet Not stated in the listing
Prep Shake; about 1.5 oz tequila to 4 oz mix over ice
Storage Refrigerate after opening (retailer label pages)
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want a margarita that tastes of lime first and sugar second, without juicing a pile of limes. It suits a dinner for four to six people and anyone who mixes with a decent blanco tequila and wants the tequila to come through.

Skip it if you are making margaritas for a crowd or counting sugar. One bottle makes only about six drinks, and the label lists cane sugar alongside the agave.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Real lime and agave
  • Balanced with a touch of sea salt
  • Good as a mocktail

Cons

  • About six drinks per bottle
  • Contains cane sugar
  • Glass bottle is heavier to carry

Check price on Amazon

2. Tres Agaves Organic Lime Margarita Mix, 750 ml (6-pack) – Four Organic Ingredients

Best organicTres Agaves Organic Lime Margarita Mix – Award-Winning 90 Point Cocktail Mixer with Agave Nectar & Real Lime Juice – Low Calorie

Tres Agaves keeps its ingredient list short. The listing names four ingredients: agave nectar, lime juice, filtered water and vitamin C. Retail label pages show the lime as organic lime concentrate. There is no added cane sugar, no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial flavor, and the mix is USDA certified organic, according to the listing.

That short list makes it the closest bottled mix to a “Tommy’s” style margarita, the version made with tequila, lime and agave and no orange liqueur. The listing says it pairs with 100% agave tequila and works for drinks on the rocks or frozen, and notes a 90-point score from the Beverage Testing Institute.

This listing is a six-pack of 750 ml bottles, which suits a household that makes margaritas often or a host stocking up for a season of gatherings. Note that the listing’s size field reads 33.8 fl oz per bottle while the title says 750 ml; go by the title and the photos, and check what arrives.

Why we like it

  • Four ingredients: agave nectar, lime juice, water, vitamin C
  • USDA certified organic, per the listing
  • Gluten-free, vegan and non-GMO, per the listing
  • No high fructose corn syrup or preservatives

Key specifications

Size 750 ml bottles (listing title)
Count 6 bottles
Main ingredients Organic agave nectar, organic lime juice, filtered water, vitamin C
Sweetener Organic agave nectar only
Allergens/diet Organic, gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO
Prep Add tequila and ice; on the rocks or frozen
Storage Not stated in the listing
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you read labels and want a mix you could almost make yourself: lime, agave and water. It suits cooks who like a tart, clean margarita and buy organic where they can.

Skip it if you want orange in your margarita or need just one bottle. The listing is a six-pack, and the mix has no orange element, so add a splash of orange liqueur if you miss it.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Short, organic ingredient list
  • Sweetened only with agave
  • Gluten-free and vegan

Cons

  • Six-pack only on this listing
  • Bottle size is listed two ways
  • No orange flavor in the mix

Check price on Amazon

3. Mr & Mrs T Margarita Mix, 1-liter (4-pack) – The Familiar Classic, by the Case

Budget pickMr & Mrs T Margarita Mix

Mr & Mrs T has been making drink mixers since 1960, according to the listing, and this is the sweet-and-sour margarita most people picture from a grocery store shelf. The listing describes a tangy lime blend with a squeeze of orange flavor, finished with agave nectar and made with cane sugar.

The value is in the format. Four 1-liter plastic bottles is a lot of margarita mix, enough for a large party or a summer of weekend drinks, and plastic is easier than glass to take to a pool or a tailgate. The mix is ready to use straight from the bottle, and the listing points out that it works as a virgin margarita too.

Expect a sweeter margarita than the agave-and-lime mixes above. Retailer label pages for the original margarita mix list water, cane sugar, citric acid and agave nectar near the top, so much of the sourness comes from citric acid rather than juice. A squeeze of fresh lime in each glass makes a noticeable difference.

Why we like it

  • Four 1-liter bottles for parties
  • Made with cane sugar and agave nectar, per the listing
  • Lime with a squeeze of orange flavor
  • Shatter-resistant plastic bottles

Key specifications

Size 33.8 fl oz (1 liter) plastic bottles
Count 4 bottles
Main ingredients Lime blend with orange flavors, cane sugar, agave nectar
Sweetener Cane sugar and agave nectar
Allergens/diet Not stated in the listing
Prep Ready to mix with tequila and ice; also a virgin margarita
Storage Not stated in the listing
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it for big gatherings where volume matters more than nuance, or if you like the classic sweet margarita you grew up with. The four-pack keeps a party supplied without repeated trips to the store.

Skip it if you want a fresh, tart margarita. It is sweeter than the real-juice mixes, and its sour edge comes mostly from citric acid.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Lots of mix for a party
  • Cane sugar, no corn syrup listed
  • Plastic bottles travel well

Cons

  • Sweeter than real-juice mixes
  • Sourness mostly from citric acid
  • Four liters to store

Check price on Amazon

Bottles of spirits, fresh limes and salt-rimmed margarita glasses on an outdoor table by the sea
Bottles, limes and glasses set out for a round of margaritas.

4. LAVA Premium Skinny Margarita Mix, 1-liter – Lighter Without Artificial Sweeteners

Best skinnyLAVA Premium Skinny Margarita Mix by LAVA Craft Cocktail Co.

Most “skinny” mixes cut calories by swapping sugar for sucralose or stevia. LAVA takes a different route: the listing says the mix is made with key lime juice and raw blue agave, with no artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors, and states 17 calories per ounce. That puts it between a full-sugar mix and a zero-sugar one.

Key limes are smaller and more aromatic than the Persian limes in most supermarkets, and they bring a sharper, more floral sourness. The listing describes the balance as “not too sweet or sour”, and the mix is ready to use: add tequila and ice.

The 1-liter bottle makes enough for a small party. LAVA’s own ingredient list beyond the key lime juice and agave was not available when we checked, so read the label if you need the full list.

Why we like it

  • Key lime juice and raw blue agave, per the listing
  • No artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors
  • 17 calories per ounce, as stated by the listing
  • Ready to use; just add tequila

Key specifications

Size 33.8 fl oz (1 liter) bottle
Count 1 bottle
Main ingredients Key lime juice, raw blue agave (full list not stated)
Sweetener Agave; no artificial sweeteners
Allergens/diet Not stated in the listing
Prep Ready to use; add tequila and ice
Storage Not stated in the listing
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want a lighter margarita but do not like the aftertaste some people notice with sucralose or stevia. It suits hosts who want one bottle that works for guests counting calories and guests who are not.

Skip it if you need a sugar-free mix. Agave is a sugar, so this is lower in calories, not free of sugar, and the full ingredient list is not published in the listing.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Real key lime juice
  • No artificial sweeteners
  • Lower calorie than classic mixes

Cons

  • Not sugar-free
  • Full ingredient list not in the listing
  • Single bottle only

Check price on Amazon

5. Jordan’s Skinny Mixes Sugar Free Margarita Mix, 32 oz – Zero Sugar per Serving

Best zero sugarJordan's Skinny Mixes Sugar Free Margarita Mix

If sugar is the thing you are cutting, this is the mix that gets to zero. Jordan’s Skinny Mixes lists 5 calories, 2 grams of carbohydrate and 0 grams of sugar per serving on its own product page, and the sweetness comes from sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The base is water and clarified lime juice concentrate, with citric acid for sourness.

Be clear about what that means for the glass. The mix has almost no calories, but the tequila still does. The maker suggests 1.5 oz of tequila with 3 to 5 oz of mix over ice, and the listing adds that it works for spicy, frozen and non-alcoholic margaritas as well.

The maker says the mix is made in the USA, gluten free and kosher, and the listing also calls it non-GMO and keto friendly. Note that Jordan’s sells several margarita mixes with similar names, some sweetened with monk fruit and stevia instead; this listing is the sucralose version.

Why we like it

  • 0 g sugar and 5 calories per serving, per the maker
  • Made in the USA, gluten free and kosher
  • Works on the rocks, frozen or as a mocktail
  • Full ingredient list published by the maker

Key specifications

Size 32 fl oz plastic bottle
Count 1 bottle
Main ingredients Water, clarified lime juice concentrate, citric acid, natural flavor, preservatives
Sweetener Sucralose and acesulfame potassium
Allergens/diet Gluten free, kosher; listing adds non-GMO, keto friendly
Prep 1.5 oz tequila with 3–5 oz mix over ice
Storage Not stated
Made in USA

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want the lowest-sugar margarita you can make from a bottle, or a lime base for sparkling water on alcohol-free nights. It is also the easiest pick for guests who avoid sugar.

Skip it if you avoid artificial sweeteners or preservatives. The maker lists sucralose, acesulfame potassium, potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate, and if that matters to you, LAVA or Tres Agaves are the better choice.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Zero sugar per serving
  • Made in the USA
  • Flexible for frozen or mocktails

Cons

  • Artificial sweeteners
  • Contains preservatives
  • Similar-named versions can confuse

Check price on Amazon

6. Finest Call Premium Margarita Mix, 1 gallon – A Bar-Size Jug for a Crowd

Best for a crowdFinest Call Premium Margarita Ready-to-Use Drink Mix

Finest Call is a bar brand: its mixes are made for busy bars and catered events, and this is the format you see behind the counter. One gallon of ready-to-use mix in a jug with a grip handle is enough for dozens of drinks, which makes it the practical choice for a graduation party, a backyard wedding or a big game.

The listing describes Mexican lime juice with a touch of real juice, agave nectar and aromatic orange essential oils. That orange oil is the detail that makes it taste more like a finished margarita than a plain sour mix. It needs no dilution: pour it with tequila over ice, or into a blender.

The listing says to shake it before using and refrigerate it after opening, so plan fridge space for a gallon jug. If a gallon is more than you need, the same mix is sold in 1-liter bottles.

Why we like it

  • One gallon of ready-to-use mix
  • Mexican lime juice, agave nectar and orange oils, per the listing
  • No dilution needed
  • Jug with a grip handle for easy pouring

Key specifications

Size 128 fl oz (1 gallon) jug
Count 1 jug
Main ingredients Mexican lime juice, real juice, agave nectar, orange essential oils
Sweetener Agave nectar (full sweetener list not stated in the listing)
Allergens/diet Not stated in the listing
Prep Ready to use; shake well, no dilution
Storage Refrigerate after opening
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it when you are serving twenty or more people, or running a frozen margarita machine all afternoon. A single jug is easier to manage than a row of small bottles.

Skip it if you make margaritas a few at a time. Once opened, a gallon needs refrigerating, and that is a lot of mix to finish before it loses its freshness.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Party-size volume
  • Orange oils for a rounder flavor
  • Ready to pour

Cons

  • Needs fridge space once open
  • Full ingredient list not in the listing
  • Too much for small households

Check price on Amazon

Three red and orange fruit margaritas in salt-rimmed glasses with citrus garnishes on a wooden bar
Fruit margaritas in salt-rimmed glasses on a bar top.

7. Margarita Man Margarita Mix Concentrate, 64 oz – Made for Slushie Machines

Best for frozen machinesMargarita Man® Margarita Mix Concentrate

Frozen margaritas need a different kind of mix. A slushie or granita machine freezes the drink as it churns, and the sugar content controls how soft or icy the result is. Margarita Man makes concentrates specifically for those machines, and the listing says this one works in any slushie, granita or frozen drink machine, or in a blender.

It is a concentrate, so a little goes a long way. According to the listing, the 64 oz bottle makes 75 frozen cocktails, or 60 non-alcoholic slushies, at 8 oz per drink. It is made with pure cane sugar and organic lemon and lime flavorings, with no high fructose corn syrup.

The listing does not give the dilution ratio, so follow the directions on the bottle and your machine’s manual. If you are choosing a machine to go with it, our guide to the best margarita machine for home covers the options.

Why we like it

  • Designed for slushie, granita and frozen drink machines
  • Makes 75 frozen cocktails per bottle, per the listing
  • Pure cane sugar, no high fructose corn syrup
  • Works as a non-alcoholic slush too

Key specifications

Size 64 fl oz bottle of concentrate
Count 1 bottle (75 frozen cocktails or 60 slushies)
Main ingredients Pure cane sugar, organic lemon and lime flavorings
Sweetener Pure cane sugar; no high fructose corn syrup
Allergens/diet Not stated in the listing
Prep Dilute and freeze in a machine or blender; ratio on the bottle
Storage Not stated in the listing
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you own a frozen drink machine or plan to rent one for a party. The maker designed it for these machines, and one bottle covers a large crowd.

Skip it if you want fresh lime juice. The listing describes organic lemon and lime flavorings rather than juice, and the mix is built around sugar for a smooth freeze.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • High yield from one bottle
  • Made for frozen machines
  • Cane sugar, no corn syrup

Cons

  • Flavorings rather than juice
  • Dilution ratio not in the listing
  • Sweet by design

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8. Lt. Blender’s Margarita in a Bag – Frozen Margaritas Without a Blender

Best no-blender frozenLt. Blender's Margarita in a Bag - Margarita Mix - Each Bag Makes 1/2 Gallon of Frozen Margaritas – Non-GMO Cocktail Mix - No Margarita Machine Needed – Add Liquor

Margarita in a Bag solves a specific problem: frozen margaritas when you have no blender or machine to hand. The dry mix comes in a resealable bag. You add tequila and water, shake, put the bag in the freezer, and squeeze it into glasses once it turns to slush. The listing says each bag makes half a gallon, or 16 servings.

According to the listing, the mix is made from fresh lime, lemon and cane sugar, and it is non-GMO with no preservatives, artificial colors or flavors. Retailer pages that reproduce the label list sugar first, followed by lime juice solids, maltodextrin and citric acid, so expect a sweet, frozen-drink style margarita.

Plan ahead: the freezing takes hours, not minutes. Retailer directions give about three hours until slushy, and a review by The Nibble found it took closer to six. For an alcohol-free version, the listing suggests water or white grape juice in place of the tequila.

Why we like it

  • No blender or machine needed
  • Makes half a gallon, 16 servings, per the listing
  • Resealable bag goes back in the freezer
  • No preservatives or artificial colors, per the listing

Key specifications

Size One bag; makes 1/2 gallon
Count 1 bag (16 servings)
Main ingredients Sugar, lime and lemon juice solids, citric acid (label as reproduced by retailers)
Sweetener Cane sugar
Allergens/diet Non-GMO, per the listing
Prep Add tequila and water, shake, freeze, squeeze
Storage Freeze once mixed; refreeze leftovers
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it for camping, a beach house or a boat, anywhere with a freezer but no blender. It is also an easy make-ahead: mix it the morning of a party and it is ready by the evening.

Skip it if you need drinks within the hour, or if you prefer a tart margarita. It needs several hours in the freezer, and sugar is its first ingredient.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • No equipment needed
  • Portable and resealable
  • Works as a mocktail slush

Cons

  • Hours of freezing time
  • Sweet, sugar-first recipe
  • Needs freezer space for a full bag

Check price on Amazon

9. Craftmix Classic Margarita Mix Packets, 12-pack – One Drink per Packet

Best packetsCraftmix Classic Margarita Mix

Craftmix packets are powdered margarita mix in single servings. Craftmix’s directions are simple: pour 4 oz of still or sparkling water into a glass, add 1 oz of tequila if you want a cocktail, stir in a packet for 30 to 60 seconds and serve over plenty of ice. Each 7-gram packet makes one drink, and the box holds twelve.

Craftmix lists the ingredients as fructose, citric acid, lime juice powder, natural flavor, sodium citrate, beta carotene for color and stevia leaf extract. That works out to 25 calories and 5 grams of added sugar per packet, according to the maker. The listing adds that the mix is gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO, and contains no dairy or soy.

Packets make sense where bottles do not: a suitcase, a hotel room, a picnic, or a household where one person wants a margarita and nobody else does. They also make an easy alcohol-free drink with sparkling water.

Why we like it

  • Single-serve 7 g packets, twelve per box
  • 25 calories and 5 g added sugar per packet, per the maker
  • Gluten-free and vegan, per the listing
  • Easy mocktail with sparkling water

Key specifications

Size 7 g packet, one drink each
Count 12 packets
Main ingredients Fructose, citric acid, lime juice powder, natural flavor, sodium citrate
Sweetener Fructose and stevia leaf extract
Allergens/diet Gluten-free, vegan, non-GMO; no dairy or soy (listing)
Prep Stir into 4 oz water, add 1 oz liquor if wanted, serve over ice
Storage Not stated (shelf-stable packets)
Made in Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it for travel, for one drink at a time, or as a light lime drink when you are not drinking at all. Nothing goes stale in the fridge, because every packet is sealed until you use it.

Skip it if you want the body of a juice-based mix. A powder dissolved in water makes a thinner drink than a bottled mix with real lime juice.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Portable, no refrigeration
  • Low calorie per packet
  • No waste from open bottles

Cons

  • Thinner than a juice-based mix
  • Only 12 drinks per box
  • Uses fructose and stevia

Check price on Amazon

What makes the best margarita mix: how to choose

Start with how you will serve the drinks, then read the label. Five things separate a good mix from a sticky one.

1. Where the sourness comes from

A margarita should taste of lime. The mixes that name lime juice near the top of the ingredient list (Fever-Tree, Tres Agaves, LAVA, Finest Call) taste closer to a fresh margarita. Mixes that rely on citric acid and “lime flavor” taste more like a sour candy. Neither is wrong, but you should know which you are buying.

2. The sweetener

Sweeteners fall into three groups. Cane sugar and agave give the fullest body. Agave alone, as in Tres Agaves and LAVA, is lighter and pairs naturally with tequila, which is made from agave too. Zero-sugar mixes use sucralose, acesulfame potassium, stevia or monk fruit; they cut sugar but change the taste, and some people notice an aftertaste. Check the label rather than the word “skinny”, which is not a defined term.

3. Orange or no orange

A classic margarita includes orange liqueur. Some mixes build that in with orange oil or orange flavor (Finest Call, Mr & Mrs T, Fever-Tree’s orange extract), while others leave it out (Tres Agaves). If your mix has no orange, a small splash of orange liqueur makes it taste more complete.

4. Format and quantity

Match the format to the occasion. A 750 ml bottle serves a dinner; a four-pack of liters or a gallon jug serves a party; packets suit travel; a frozen concentrate suits a machine. Remember that juice-based mixes need refrigerating once open, so a big bottle you will not finish is no bargain.

5. On the rocks or frozen

Ready-to-pour mixes can go in a blender with ice, but for a frozen drink machine, look for a concentrate the maker sells for machine use and follow its dilution directions. Our guide to frozen vs. on-the-rocks margaritas explains the difference in more detail.

A bowl of cut lime wedges on a dark wooden table
Cut limes, the start of a from-scratch margarita.

Making a margarita from scratch instead

A mix saves time, but a from-scratch margarita needs only three ingredients, and it is worth knowing the ratio so you can judge a mix against it. The International Bartenders Association’s official recipe is 50 ml of 100% agave tequila, 20 ml of triple sec (orange liqueur) and 15 ml of freshly squeezed lime juice, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass, with salt on half the rim if you like.

Many bartenders adjust that to taste, using more lime for a tarter drink, or swapping the orange liqueur for agave syrup in the Tommy’s style. Fresh lime juice tastes best the day it is squeezed, which is why a good lime squeezer earns its place on a home bar; see our guide to the best lime squeezer. The tequila matters too: a blanco is the usual choice, and our guide to tequila types explains the differences between blanco, reposado and añejo.

A word on strength. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism counts 1.5 fl oz of 80-proof spirits as one standard drink, and a margarita with orange liqueur contains more than that. Bottled mixes taste soft, which makes a strong drink easy to underestimate, so measure the tequila rather than free-pouring it, and keep an alcohol-free option on hand for drivers and guests who are not drinking. Every mix on this list works without the tequila.

How we chose these nine mixes

We started from what a Mexican restaurant bar looks for in a margarita: real lime flavor, a balance of sweet and sour, and a mix that lets the tequila come through. We then narrowed the field to mixes sold on Amazon in the United States that were in stock when we checked, and confirmed each one’s ingredients, sweetener, size and directions on the maker’s own website where it publishes them (Jordan’s Skinny Mixes and Craftmix) or on the brand’s Amazon listing. Where we quote a label as reproduced on grocery retailers’ pages, the review says so. We chose nine to cover every common style and occasion, including a zero-sugar mix, an organic mix, a party-size jug, a frozen concentrate, a no-blender bag and single-serve packets, rather than listing near-identical bottles. We left out mixes that were out of stock or nearly sold out, unbranded listings, and mixes whose listings contradicted themselves on what the product is. We have not mixed drinks with every product listed here; where we describe a flavor or texture, it follows from the ingredients or from the source we name. We do not state prices, which change often.

Sparkling mineral water being poured into a salt-rimmed glass mug with ice, beside cut limes on a yellow background
Sparkling water and lime over ice, an easy alcohol-free option.

Margarita mix questions, answered

What is the ratio of tequila to margarita mix?

Most makers suggest about 1.5 oz of tequila to 3 to 4 oz of mix. Jordan’s Skinny Mixes gives 1.5 oz tequila with 3 to 5 oz of mix, and retailer pages for Fever-Tree give 1.5 oz to 4 oz. Concentrates and packets differ, so follow the directions on the package.

Do you need triple sec with margarita mix?

Not usually. Many mixes include orange flavor already. If your mix has no orange in the ingredients, a splash of orange liqueur adds the depth a classic margarita has.

Does margarita mix go bad after opening?

Mixes made with real juice should be refrigerated once open: Finest Call’s listing says so, and retailer label pages for Fever-Tree say to refrigerate it after opening. Follow the storage line on your bottle. Unopened packets and dry mixes keep in the pantry.

Can you use margarita mix without alcohol?

Yes. Every mix here is non-alcoholic on its own. Pour it over ice with sparkling water for a lime mocktail, or blend it with ice for a slush. Craftmix and Fever-Tree both suggest this.

Is a skinny margarita mix sugar-free?

Not always. “Skinny” usually means lower in calories. LAVA’s skinny mix is sweetened with agave, which is a sugar; Jordan’s Sugar Free mix lists 0 g sugar per serving because it uses sucralose and acesulfame potassium. Read the label to see which you are getting.

What is the best margarita mix for a frozen margarita machine?

A concentrate sold for machines, such as Margarita Man, is the natural fit, since the maker designs it for slushie, granita and frozen drink machines. Ready-to-use mixes like Finest Call also work in a blender with ice.

The margarita mix we would pour first

For most people, Fever-Tree Classic Margarita Mix is the one to start with: real lime, agave and a pinch of salt, in a bottle sized for one evening. Choose LAVA if you want a lighter drink without artificial sweeteners, Jordan’s Sugar Free if zero sugar matters most, Mr & Mrs T or Finest Call for a crowd, and Margarita Man if you own a frozen drink machine. Whatever you buy, a squeeze of fresh lime in each glass makes any mix taste fresher. For glasses, shakers, salt and the rest of the setup, see our guide to margarita accessories, and for food that goes with it, what to drink with Mexican food.

And if you would rather have a margarita made for you, see the drinks menu or call to order food from the menu.

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