How to Make a Party-Ready Margarita Bar
Spring, summer, or winter—it doesn't matter what time of the year it is, you can't go wrong with a margarita to kick off any party. It's easy to just grab a mix and call it a day, but there's something special about taking things up a notch and putting a full margarita bar on display. Whether you're a fan of classic or frozen margaritas, we've got a full lineup of margarita party ideas including fantastic flavors, tasty rim options (there's more than just salt!), and garnishes to take your drink to the next level. And with endless combinations, this margarita bar will definitely be the life of the party.
Blaine Moats
How to Make a Margarita Bar
It's no secret our Test Kitchen loves making margaritas. If you're wanting a fun drink station for a barbecue or taco night with friends, grab your glasses, and pitchers to set up a margarita bar using the following items to complete a truly impressive spread.
1. Provide a Variety of Fruit
Mango margaritas, anyone? While classic lime is delicious, you can give your margarita a fruity twist by trying one of these blends:
Strawberry-Banana: Blend one 16-oz. package of frozen unsweetened whole strawberries and 1 medium banana until smooth; if desired, strain to remove seeds.
Mango: Blend 3 cups of sliced mangoes until smooth.
Blackberry: Blend one 16-oz. package of frozen unsweetened blackberries until smooth; if desired, strain to remove seeds.
Watermelon: Blend 5 cups of seedless watermelon until smooth.
2. Add Some Margarita Mix-Ins
Make your margarita bar even more special by trying one of these boozy mix-ins in addition to tequila:
Blackberry-flavor brandy
Coconut-flavor rum
Sparkling wine or water (for a non-alcoholic option)
Andy Lyons
3. Margarita Rim Ideas
You don't have to stick to just salt for the rim. Give your margarita some heat by using chili powder, or satisfy your sweet tooth by using sugar. Impress your guests by providing these rimmers as options:
Superfine granulated sugar or powdered sugar (try colored sugars to match the occasion)
Coarse salt or cocktail salt
Lime, lemon, or orange zest
Chili powder
Andy Lyons
4. Margarita Garnishes
No margarita is complete without a pretty fruit garnish. But you don't have to stick to classic lime. Instead, give some of these fruits a try:
Strawberries
Blackberries
Sliced peaches
Lime, lemon, and/or orange wedges or wheels
Try mixing up your margaritas even more by trying our favorite recipe variations. If you like, whip up a few margarita-inspired treats in the form of cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, and even shrimp nachos.
