Margaritas are a classic tequila-based cocktail that have been popular for decades. The key ingredients in a margarita are tequila, orange liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec, and lime juice. Many people enjoy making margaritas at home, which requires gathering these key ingredients and mixing them together in the right proportions. However, there are also pre-made margarita mixes available at grocery stores and liquor shops that provide some convenience in margarita preparation. This raises the question – does margarita mix come with alcohol included, or is it simply a non-alcoholic juice mixture that requires adding tequila separately?
What is Margarita Mix?
Margarita mix is a premixed, non-alcoholic concentrate that is designed to be combined with tequila to create margaritas. It typically contains lime juice or other citrus flavors, sweeteners, and sometimes salt or other seasonings. The advantage of using a margarita mix is that it combines all the necessary ingredients except the alcohol ahead of time, making it faster and easier to prepare margaritas. Most margarita mixes are non-alcoholic, meaning they do not contain any tequila, orange liqueur, or other spirits. The alcohol must be added separately when making the drinks.
Some key facts about margarita mix:
– Does not contain alcohol or spirits – the tequila must be added separately
– Comes pre-mixed with lime juice, sweeteners, salt, etc.
– Available in concentrated “just add tequila” format or ready-to-serve mixes
– Shelf-stable at room temperature until opened
– Sold in cans, bottles or powdered mix packets
– Brands include Jose Cuervo, Margaritaville, Chi-Chi’s, Mr & Mrs T
So in summary, margarita mix itself does not contain alcohol. It provides the non-alcoholic ingredients in a convenient format to which tequila must be added to make a complete margarita cocktail.
Common Ingredients in Margarita Mixes
While ingredients can vary between brands, most margarita mixes contain some key components:
Citrus Juice
Lime juice is a primary ingredient, providing the tart, sour flavor. Lemon, grapefruit or other citrus juices may also be used. The citrus juice is typically concentrated for a stronger flavor.
Sweeteners
Sugar, corn syrup or other sweeteners are added to balance out the sourness of the citrus and provide a well-rounded flavor. The level of sweetness varies between brands.
Water
Water helps reconstitute frozen concentrates or powdered mixes and provides volume for ready-to-serve mixes.
Natural and Artificial Flavors
In addition to citrus juice, companies may use natural and artificial flavorings to achieve the expected margarita taste.
Salt
Margarita mixes may be salted or unsalted. Salt enhances the classic margarita flavor.
Colorings
Food colorings may be added for aesthetic reasons and to standardize appearances between batches. Coloring is more common in ready-to-serve mixes.
Preservatives
To extend shelf life, preservatives such as potassium sorbate or sodium benzoate may be used. This is more applicable to ready-to-serve margarita mixes.
So in summary, common ingredients provide the flavors, sweetness, and other qualities users expect in a margarita, minus the alcohol.
Typical Alcohol Content When Made
Since margarita mix itself does not contain alcohol, the final alcohol content of the cocktails made with it will depend on the type and amount of alcohol added:
Tequila
The most common spirit added is tequila of the white/silver/blanco variety, usually 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume). A standard margarita made with 2 oz tequila will have around 17% alcohol by volume.
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueurs like Cointreau or triple sec are often added and typically have an alcohol content around 40% ABV. They will boost the alcohol level in the final drink.
Other Spirits
Vodka or rum could also be substituted for tequila, or additional spirits may be added on top of tequila, increasing the alcohol content.
So the alcohol level can range quite a bit depending on the specific recipe, but a standard margarita made from mix will end up in the 15-20% ABV range. Keep in mind that commercial pre-blended margarita products sold in bottles and cans may have different alcohol contents.
Are There Any Non-Alcoholic Margarita Mix Options?
For those looking to avoid alcohol entirely, there are some non-alcoholic margarita mix products available:
Mocktail Margarita Mixes
Brands like Tellicherry Tequila Mocktails and Pablo’s Perfect Margarita offer non-alcoholic mixes designed to mimic the margarita flavor without any spirits. They contain citrus juices, sweeteners and salt.
Non-Alcoholic Spirits
Some newer brands offer non-alcoholic tequila and orange liqueurs that provide the flavor without the alcohol. These can be added to mixes for a drink that tastes like a margarita but is alcohol-free.
Make Your Own
It’s also easy to mix lime juice, orange juice, sugar syrup and salt at home for a DIY alcohol-free margarita mix.
So while most traditional margarita mixes require adding alcohol, there are some products designed for alcohol-free enjoyment of this classic cocktail.
Legal Purchase Requirements for Margarita Mix
Because margarita mix itself does not contain alcohol, there are no age restrictions on purchasing it. Both minors and adults are legally able to purchase and possess margarita mixes or any other non-alcoholic cocktail mixes.
However, keep in mind that minors cannot legally purchase or consume the alcoholic spirits required to make a margarita. While mixes themselves are not regulated, the addition of alcohol does make them alcoholic beverages restricted to those 21 and over in the United States.
Retail stores commonly place margarita mixes and concentrates in the alcohol department since they are used for cocktails. But stores will sell them to customers of any age as they contain no actual spirits. It is up to purchasers to enjoy them responsibly.
Do Any Brands Sell Pre-Mixed Margaritas With Alcohol Included?
While regular margarita mixes require adding alcohol, there are some ready-to-drink malt beverage products that offer pre-blended margaritas containing both alcohol and margarita mix:
Margaritaville Cocktails
Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville brand offers a line of premade margaritas containing tequila along with margarita mix. These have approximately 13.9% alcohol by volume.
Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix Cocktails
Jose Cuervo, the leading tequila brand, makes canned margarita cocktails blending tequila with margarita mix. These contain around 7% alcohol.
Bottled Margaritas
Some brands offer bottled pre-mixed margaritas containing tequila and margarita mix ready for drinking. Alcohol content varies, around 20% ABV.
Frozen Margaritas
Frozen margarita machines found at bars and restaurants blend alcohol with ice and margarita mix to make slushy cocktails.
So some ready-to-drink options combine the mix and alcohol ahead of time for convenience. However, these products cannot be sold to underage customers due to their alcohol content.
Are Margarita Mixes With Alcohol Sold in Grocery Stores?
In most cases, margarita mixes containing alcohol are not sold in regular grocery stores. Grocery and convenience stores typically only sell non-alcoholic mix products without spirits included.
The key reasons pre-mixed margarita alcoholic beverages are primarily in liquor stores, bars and restaurants include:
– Legal restrictions – Most grocers are not licensed to sell prepackaged cocktails and spirits.
– Separate liquor store sections – Grocery stores that do sell alcohol normally segregate it in a separate liquors-only department.
– Limited shelf space – Grocery shelves emphasize foods and everyday household items rather than liquor.
– Age restrictions – Store policy often limits alcohol sales to liquor departments only to control underage access.
So while grocers freely sell non-alcoholic margarita mixes in the juice or beverage aisles, the pre-made malt beverage cocktails are generally not found in typical supermarkets. Consumers would need to go to a liquor store, bar or restaurant for those.
Storing Margarita Mix Properly
Margarita mix storage depends on the type of product:
Shelf-Stable Bottled Mixes
Unopened ready-to-serve margarita mixes in bottles or cans can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and used within 2-3 weeks.
Frozen Concentrates
Keep frozen margarita concentrate solidly frozen until ready to use. After thawing the concentrate, store opened containers in the refrigerator for no more than 4-6 months.
Powdered Margarita Mix
Store the dry powder away from heat, light and moisture in a sealed container. Use within 6 months to 1 year for best flavor.
Fresh Juice Mixes
Homemade mixes using fresh lime juice and other ingredients should be kept refrigerated and used within 4-5 days.
Properly storing margarita mixes according to type will help preserve freshness and flavor until it’s time to party!
Tips for Making Great Margaritas
Margarita mix offers convenient shortcuts to making margaritas at home. Here are some tips for using it for delicious cocktails:
– Chill all ingredients thoroughly before mixing for best flavor.
– Use fresh, high-quality tequila for the best tasting margaritas. Avoid lower quality well tequilas.
– Consider splashing in some 100% agave tequila rather than relying entirely on cheaper blended tequilas.
– Play with different orange liqueurs – Cointreau, triple sec, Grand Marnier all work well.
– Adjust sweetness by adding simple syrup or additional citrus juice to taste preferences.
– For frosty ice-blended margaritas, thoroughly blend mix, tequila and ice in a blender. Use salt on the rim.
– Infuse mix with fresh fruit purees or herbs for fun twists. Try mango, strawberry, basil, jalapeno and more!
– Salting half the glass rim instead of the entire rim makes a nice presentation.
Conclusion
In summary, standard margarita mixes contain no alcohol. They offer a convenient way to Enjoy margaritas at home while controlling the alcohol level by how much tequila and orange liqueur is added. For those wanting ready-made margaritas with the alcohol included, some brands offer pre-blended malt beverage versions. But these are not widely available in regular grocery stores due to legal and merchandising reasons. While mixes provide shortcuts for home bartending, using quality ingredients and chilling thoroughly result in the best margaritas. Remember to enjoy margaritas legally and responsibly!