A margarita party is a fun way to gather with friends and enjoy festive cocktails. When invited to a margarita party, it’s important to know what to bring to properly contribute. In this article, we’ll go over quick answers to key questions about what to bring to a margarita party.
What type of food should I bring to a margarita party?
You’ll want to bring finger foods and appetizers that complement margaritas. Some good options include:
- Chips and salsa
- Quesadillas
- Guacamole
- Taquitos
- Queso dip
Aim for foods that are salty, spicy, or lime-flavored to go with the margaritas. Avoid anything too heavy or filling as you want foods that will nosh on over casual drinking.
Should I bring margarita ingredients or mix?
It’s thoughtful to contribute margarita ingredients or premixed margarita mix. Some options include:
- Fresh limes
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Tequila
- Triple sec
- Margarita salt
- Agave nectar
- Premixed margarita mix
Check with the host to see what they already have. Bringing one or two missing ingredients for margaritas is great. You can also grab an interesting flavored margarita mix like mango, strawberry, or jalapeño to change things up.
Should I bring anything else?
Some other items that are useful for a margarita party include:
- Ice
- Cups
- Cocktail napkins
- Cocktail sticks
- Pitcher for making margaritas
- Bottle opener
- Lime slicer
- Salt shaker
Basic supplies can be easily forgotten but are essential for serving margaritas. Check with the host before bringing disposable plastic cups or other serving ware. Offering to bring a needed supply shows you’re an thoughtful guest.
Main Factors for What to Bring
When deciding what to bring to a margarita party, consider these main factors:
Type of margarita party
Is it a casual get-together with friends or a larger fiesta-style party? For big parties, bring something like homemade guacamole to feed a crowd. For more intimate gatherings, canned salsa and chips is perfectly fine.
Your relationship with the host
Are you close friends or more distant acquaintances? For close friends, feel free to ask if they need any key ingredients or supplies. For acquaintances, stick to a simple food item or bottle of tequila.
Other guests
Try to coordinate with other guests so you don’t show up with the same type of snacks. If the party has lots of guests, variety is key. For smaller parties, it’s ok to have some overlap.
Dietary needs
If you know the host or other guests have dietary needs, accommodate them with items they can enjoy like fresh fruits and veggies. Having options is thoughtful.
Your personal tastes
Consider bringing a dish or ingredient that you personally would enjoy at a margarita party. Sharing your favorites adds a personal touch.
Recommended Items to Bring
Based on the main factors, here are top recommended items to bring:
Food and appetizers
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Queso dip and tortilla chips
- Salsa (homemade or jarred)
- Taquitos or mini tacos
- Jalapeño poppers
- Mini quesadillas
- Fresh cut fruit tray
- Vegetable crudites
Aim for Mexican-inspired finger foods or lighter appetizers that pair well with margaritas. Consider any dietary needs and offer a veggie option.
Drink ingredients
- Tequila – silver/blanco
- Triple sec
- Limes
- Lemons
- Oranges
- Agave nectar
- Margarita salt
- Premixed margarita mix
Bring 1 or 2 missing ingredients the host may need like tequila or citrus fruits. An interesting flavored margarita mix also adds variety.
Serving supplies
- Cups
- Cocktail napkins
- Cocktail sticks
- Pitcher
- Ice
- Salt shaker
- Lime slicer
Offer to bring a needed supply like disposable cups, ice or a pitcher. Cocktail napkins, salt and slicer make serving easier.
Fun touches
- Margarita glass rims (flavored salt)
- Cocktail umbrellas
- Plastic shot glasses
- Fun straws
- Sombreros
- Maracas
- Piñatas
- Margarita mixology set
Add festive flair with colored or flavored salt rims, cocktail umbrellas, sombreros and other fun Mexican-inspired decor. Get creative!
Tips for Being a Great Guest
In addition to what you bring, here are some tips for being a gracious margarita party guest:
- RSVP in a timely manner – Let the host know if you can make it so they can plan accordingly.
- Arrive on time – Don’t be too early or fashionably late.
- Offer to help set up – Offer to help with any party prep when you arrive.
- Follow party rules – Respect the host’s rules regarding smoking, drinking limits, etc.
- Pace yourself – Sip your margaritas slowly. Don’t overindulge.
- Mingle with other guests – Don’t just talk to people you already know well.
- Thank the host – Let the host know you appreciated the invitation and party.
- Help clean up – Offer to help tidy up at the end of the party.
Being social, gracious and respectful will ensure you’re a welcome guest at future margarita parties.
Top 10 Items to Bring to a Margarita Party
If you’re wondering what the top items are to bring to a margarita party, here’s a summary list:
| Drink Ingredients | Food Items | Supplies | Fun Extras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tequila | Chips and salsa | Cups | Margarita glass rims |
| Triple sec | Guacamole | Ice | Cocktail umbrellas |
| Limes | Queso dip | Pitcher | Sombreros |
| Lemons | Quesadillas | Napkins | Maracas |
| Oranges | Taquitos | Cocktail sticks | Piñatas |
| Agave nectar | Jalapeño poppers | Salt shaker | |
| Margarita salt | Fruit tray | Lime slicer | |
| Margarita mix | Veggies |
Sticking to this list of drink ingredients, apps, supplies and fun extras will ensure you bring items that will be appreciated and enjoyed by the host and guests.
What Not to Bring
While there are many great items to bring to a margarita party, there are a few things you should avoid:
- Gifts – Unless otherwise specified, margarita parties are bring your own food/drink events.
- Beer – It dilutes the margarita focus, unless requested.
- Wine – Same reason as beer, stick to margarita fixings.
- Chips without salsa or dip – Bring an accompanying dip or salsa.
- Store-bought guacamole – Go for fresh homemade if possible.
- Heavy foods – Avoid messy ribs, pasta dishes, etc.
- Leftovers – Bring fresh items not leftovers from your fridge.
- Disposable servingware – Unless you ask first if needed.
- Kids – These parties are for adults, get a babysitter.
Following basic margarita party etiquette means avoiding out-of-place items. When in doubt, ask the host for guidance.
How Much Should You Bring?
Wondering how much food, drink and supplies to bring? Here are some guidelines:
Food
- Appetizers for 6-8 people if you’re the only one bringing food
- Appetizers for 3-4 people if multiple people bring food
Consider the overall guest list size and what other guests may bring. coordinate if possible.
Drink ingredients
- 1 liter tequila for parties up to 15 people
- 1 liter triple sec for parties up to 15 people
- 12 limes and 6 lemons for up to 15 people
- 2 bags ice for parties up to 15 people
Scale up quantities for larger parties. Avoid bringing multiples of the same ingredient.
Supplies
- 2 packs of 50 disposable cups
- 1 pack of 100 napkins
- 1 margarita pitcher
- 1 bag of margarita salt
- 1 cocktail stick pack
Disposable party supplies usually come in packs of 50 or 100. Get appropriate amounts for the guest list.
Fun extras
- 1-2 packs of flavored margarita rims
- 1 pack of cocktail umbrellas
- A few fun margarita decor items
Extras are lower priority so you can bring just a few for fun.
Recipe for Easy Homemade Margaritas
Want to whip up margaritas from scratch to bring ingredients for? Here’s an easy recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups tequila
- 1 cup triple sec
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup agave nectar
- Pinch of salt
- Slices of lime for garnish
Instructions
- Combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave in a pitcher. Stir to mix.
- Take lime slices and run edges along margarita salt on a plate to coat rim.
- Fill glasses with ice, add salt rim if desired.
- Pour margarita mix over ice and garnish with lime slice.
- Enjoy your refreshing homemade margaritas!
This simple scratch recipe means you can bring premixed margaritas without added chemicals or preservatives.
Non-Alcoholic Options
Want to participate in the fun without alcohol? Bring these non-alcoholic options:
Drinks
- Sparkling lime water or soda
- Sparkling punch or lemonade
- Shirley temples
- Non-alcoholic beer
- Fresh fruit juices
Foods
- Fresh fruit and veggie tray
- Chips and guacamole
- Queso dip
- Taquitos
- Mini quesadillas
Stick to the Mexican theme with non-alcoholic aguas frescas, sodas and all the yummy apps. You’ll still have a great time!
Conclusion
Margarita parties are a blast, especially when guests contribute the right items! Bringing food, drinks, supplies and fun extras makes you a hit guest while showing the host appreciation. Just be sure to avoid any party fouls, and always drink responsibly. With this guide, you’ll be ready to fully enjoy margarita party fun. ¡Salud!