Make-Ahead Freezer Door Margaritas

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Frozen margaritas are a classic cocktail and are simple to make with just a few key ingredients, so there is no reason to ever buy margarita mix again.

The full ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.

• Tequila. You don’t need to splurge here – stick with something reputable. Blanco or Respado are preferred as Añejo will be too smoky – save that for sipping neat.
• Orange Liqueur. You can get obsessive and make your own, but common brands like Cointreau or Grand Marnier are great. And they add far more character to your margarita than tired, old triple sec. You should splurge on this ingredient if you want the best margarita.
• Orange Bitters. This helps to keep the sweetness in check while still rounding out the citrus notes.
• Agave Nectar. This once was an exotic ingredient, but you should be able to easily find it next to the sugar or honey in any grocery store. Agave nectar amplifies the tequila flavor and balances the sourness of the citrus, so don’t skip it.
• Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice. You might be able to find freshly squeezed at your local grocery store, but when in doubt, get a dozen or so and start squeezing. The amount of lime juice you get from each lime will vary based on the size and juiciness of the lime.
• Lime Zest. This adds to the overall flavor profile and provides a confetti-like appearance in the presentation.

How to Make Freezer Door Margaritas

Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.

Pro tip: This frozen margarita recipe is easy to make but requires 18 hours in the freezer, so make a double batch. Bonus: there is no blender needed!

1. Combine Ingredients: Combine the lime juice, zest, agave nectar, tequila, orange liquor, and orange bitters in a 3-quart freezer-safe jar and stir well. Add the water to the mixture and stir again.

2. Freeze: Cover with the lid and place in the freezer for at least 18 hours before serving. Stir the margarita to get the perfect slushy consistency.

3. Serve: Stir frozen margaritas and serve with a salted rim and a wedge of lime. Perfect with homemade tortilla chips and spicy pico de gallo, or set up a nacho bar toppings spread for a party.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• The freezing point of tequila is about -100ºF while water freezes at 32ºF, so the ratio of water to tequila is important. The margarita mix needs to get slushy but not frozen.
• Use high-quality tequila and orange liquor.
• Don’t use frozen limeade or lime juice concentrate. Fresh juice is the only way to go.
• Simple syrup can be substituted for agave nectar, but since agave nectar is about twice as sweet as simple syrup, you will need to double the amount approximately. Add less than you think you will need and then taste, as it is easy to add more syrup if it isn’t quite sweet enough.

Frequently Asked Questions