Classic margaritas for a crowd don’t get much easier than these Tin Can Margaritas. Made with just four simple ingredients—starting with a can of frozen limeade concentrate—this ready-in-minutes cocktail is ideal for summer gatherings.
For effortless entertaining, use the empty limeade can to measure the remaining ingredients: tequila, orange liqueur, lemon juice and water. Combine everything in a large pitcher, add ice and slices of lime if desired, and you’re ready to serve. The recipe scales easily for larger or smaller groups, so it’s perfect for backyard barbecues, pool days, or a relaxed evening with friends.
This limeade-based margarita has a bright, balanced flavor. Lemon juice adds a touch of sweetness that pairs well with the tart limeade and the citrus notes from orange liqueur. Rim glasses with coarse salt or Tajín for a spicy kick and garnish with lime wedges.
“Great recipe!! I made it 5 times (tonight) and nothing left to show for it! 5 stars in my book and all my guests raved about it as well!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐” —from reader Laura
Table of Contents
- Ingredients you’ll need
- How to make tin can margaritas
- Variations
- FAQs
- Get the recipe
Ingredients you’ll need
- Frozen limeade concentrate — find it in the freezer section at your grocery store.
- Blanco or reposado tequila, depending on your preference.
- Orange liqueur such as Cointreau, triple sec or Grand Marnier.
- Fresh lemon juice — lemon juice adds a slightly sweeter, rounder flavor than lime juice and balances the drink nicely.
How to make tin can margaritas
Follow these simple steps to make a large batch of margaritas fast:
- Add the limeade concentrate to a large pitcher. You can use it frozen or let it thaw for easier mixing.
- Measure the remaining ingredients using the now-empty concentrate can: tequila, orange liqueur, lemon juice and cold water.
- Stir until combined. Use a long spoon to incorporate the concentrate fully. Add ice and lime slices if desired.
- Serve immediately. Rim glasses with coarse salt or Tajín, fill with ice, and pour. Garnish with lime wedges.
Variations
Raspberry margaritas — swap in frozen pink lemonade concentrate and use fresh lime juice instead of lemon juice. Garnish with fresh raspberries.
Beer margaritas — skip the orange liqueur and add 12 ounces of beer for a lighter, beer-forward twist.
Frozen margaritas — place 4 cups of ice in a blender, add all ingredients except the water, and blend until smooth.
FAQs
Minute Maid is a reliable brand, but most generic frozen limeade concentrates will work. If limeade is hard to find, use frozen lemonade concentrate and substitute fresh lime juice for the lemon called for in the recipe.
This recipe is designed for convenience using concentrate. If you prefer to avoid concentrate, you can use fresh juices and simple syrup, but proportions will differ—try other margarita recipes tailored to fresh ingredients.
Vodka or gin can be substituted for a different flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, use one can of limeade concentrate in a pitcher and top with a 2-liter bottle of Sprite or club soda for a less-sweet option. Garnish with lime wedges.
Yes—this recipe scales very well. Use a large beverage dispenser or a bigger pitcher to mix larger batches for parties.
Get the recipe
Tin Can Margaritas
Ingredients
- 12 oz (355 ml) can frozen limeade concentrate
- 1 can (355 ml) tequila
- ½ can (177 ml) triple sec or orange liqueur
- ½ can (177 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 can (177 ml) water, plus more to taste
- Ice
- Lime slices
- Coarse salt
Instructions
- In a large pitcher add the limeade. Use the limeade can to measure out the tequila, triple sec (or orange liqueur) and lemon juice and add them to the pitcher.
- Add 1 can of water and taste. Add more water if desired. Add ice to the pitcher, which will chill and slightly dilute the cocktail.
- Moisten the rims of glasses with a lime slice and dip in salt. Add remaining lime slices to the pitcher.
- Pour into glasses and enjoy.
Video
Notes
- For easiest mixing, let the limeade concentrate thaw before using.
- Flavor variations include raspberry margaritas (use frozen pink lemonade concentrate and fresh lime juice), beer margaritas (omit orange liqueur and add 12 oz beer), or frozen margaritas (blend with ice and omit water).
, Carbohydrates: 11g
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