How to Make Homemade Frozen Margaritas

Frozen margaritas are a popular summertime drink, but bars and restaurants often charge $6 each. Homemade frozen margaritas are far more budget-friendly and not at all difficult to make, but don't be tempted by prepackaged margarita mixes. The real thing doesn't cost much more and will yield a much more flavorful drink. For the best results, use freshly squeezed lime juice, and adjust the quantities given below to suit your taste. Keep in mind that these margaritas are full-strength. You may want to cut them with additional ice or add limeade if you're serving them in large cups or at a party.

Things You'll Need

• 2 cups tequila
• 1 cup triple sec
• 1 cup lime juice
• Simple syrup to taste
• 3 cups water (or 6 cups of ice)
• Blender (if using ice)
• Coarse salt
• Frozen limeade (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine the tequila, triple sec and lime juice in a large pitcher or clean plastic bucket. Taste, and add simple syrup to bring to your preferred level of sweetness.

2. Add the water and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes, until thick and slushy. Alternately, blend with the ice in a blender until thick and slushy.

3. Pour coarse salt into a plate or saucer. Prepare the cups or glasses by wetting the rims slightly and dipping the rim into the salt.

4. Fill the glasses halfway with prepared frozen limeade before adding the margarita mixture to make half-strength drinks, if you choose.

5. Stir the margarita mixture thoroughly before pouring into the prepared cups or glasses. If you added limeade, stir again before serving.

Tips & Warnings

• To make simple syrup, boil 1 cup of water and add 1 cup of sugar. Stir to combine thoroughly. You can store simple syrup in the refrigerator for about 1 week. This recipe makes enough to serve 12 people. If you want to make a single frozen margarita, use 1 1/2 oz. tequila, 3/4 oz. triple sec, 3/4 oz. lime juice and 1/4 cup water (or 1/2 cup ice). Cutting the margaritas with limeade is strongly recommended if you're having a summer party. The lime juice masks the flavor of the tequila, and the drinks are much stronger than they seem.

• A small frozen margarita (about 5 oz.) is equivalent to two full servings of beer or wine. Drink responsibly. Never drink and drive.