Margarita By The Gallon is the ultimate crowd-pleasing cocktail for parties, barbecues, or any festive gathering. With the perfect balance of tangy lime, sweet orange liqueur, and bold tequila, this large-batch margarita ensures no guest is left without a drink—and you won’t be stuck bartending all night.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Great for entertaining a group
- Easy to make ahead and serve
- Customizable to your taste (sweet, strong, fruity, or spicy)
- More cost-effective than making single servings
- Delicious, refreshing, and always a hit
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Silver tequila (100% agave)
- Freshly squeezed lime juice
- Cointreau, triple sec, or other orange liqueur
- Agave syrup (or other sweetener)
- Fresh lime and orange slices (for garnish)
- Ice (for serving)
Directions

- In a large pitcher or clean gallon jug, pour in the tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup.
- Stir or shake well to combine until the agave is fully incorporated.
- Add fresh lime and orange slices to the jug for extra flavor.
- Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Serve over ice in salt-rimmed glasses with additional lime wedges, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 16 (based on 8 oz servings)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: Optional, 1–2 hours for best flavor
- Total Time: 10–15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Margarita: Add sliced jalapeños to the jug and infuse before serving.
- Frozen Margarita: Blend with ice instead of serving over it.
- Fruit Margarita: Add muddled strawberries, mango, or watermelon.
- Mezcal Twist: Use half mezcal and half tequila for a smoky flavor.
- Skinny Margarita: Reduce or eliminate agave syrup and use fresh orange juice instead of liqueur.
Storage/Reheating
- Store the margarita mix in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Always stir before serving as ingredients may settle.
- Do not add ice until serving to avoid dilution.
- If serving later, add fresh citrus slices just before pouring.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for preparing a day in advance. Just keep it chilled and give it a good stir before serving.
How much alcohol is in a gallon of margarita?
A typical gallon batch contains about 6 cups of tequila and 3–4 cups of orange liqueur, making it a fairly strong drink.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is recommended for the best taste, but bottled can be used if you’re short on time.
How do I rim the glasses with salt?
Run a lime wedge around the rim, then dip the edge into coarse salt spread on a plate.
Is agave syrup necessary?
No, you can substitute with simple syrup, honey, or even omit it for a tarter drink.
Can I use triple sec instead of Cointreau?
Yes, both work well. Cointreau is smoother and higher quality, but triple sec is a good budget option.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes, swap the tequila for sparkling water and use orange juice instead of liqueur.
How long will it stay good in the fridge?
Up to 3 days if stored properly, though it’s best consumed within 24 hours for freshness.
What kind of tequila should I use?
Choose a quality silver or blanco tequila labeled 100% agave for the cleanest flavor.
How do I make it less strong?
Add more lime juice or dilute with club soda when serving.
Conclusion
Margarita By The Gallon is your secret weapon for effortless, delicious party cocktails. It’s easy to mix, serve, and customize, making it a staple for summer events or any social occasion. Just chill, pour, and enjoy the fiesta.
PrintMargarita By The Gallon
A refreshing and zesty margarita recipe made by the gallon—perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 1 gallon (serves approximately 16) 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 2 cups tequila (silver or blanco)
- 1 cup triple sec or orange liqueur
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (optional for extra depth)
- Ice (as needed)
- Lime wedges and salt (for garnish and rim)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher or gallon container, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and orange juice.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and optionally rim with salt and garnish with lime wedges.
- Pour margarita mix over ice and enjoy responsibly.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness with more or less simple syrup to your taste.
- For a spicy twist, add sliced jalapeños to the mix while chilling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 oz
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg