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Mommy's Lemonade (Margaritas)

Mommy's lemonade (margaritas) recipe uses Minute Maid limeade for a quick and easy cocktail that always gets rave reviews. This is the limeade margarita recipe that I use for all of our get-togethers. Enjoy!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine world
Servings 12 people
Calories 1626.6 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pitcher For mixing and chilling the cocktail
  • 12 Margarita or Rocks Glasses For serving the finished drink
  • 1 Shallow Plate For rimming glasses with salt
  • 1 Long Stirring Spoon To thoroughly combine ingredients
  • 1 Jigger or Liquid Measuring Cup For precise measurement of spirits, though the recipe uses the can

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 1 12 fluid ounce can frozen limeade concentrate (such as Minute Maid), thawed
  • 36 fluid ounces cold water
  • 12 fluid ounces tequila such as Cuervo Especial
  • 6 fluid ounces orange-flavored liqueur such as Grand Marnier
  • salt for rimming glasses if desired (Optional)
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • Pour limeade concentrate into a pitcher; fill the can with cold water three times, pouring each into the pitcher. Fill the can with tequila; pour into the pitcher. Fill the can halfway with orange liqueur; pour into the pitcher. Stir well; chill, about 30 minutes.
  • Pour salt onto a small, shallow plate. Moisten rims of 12 glasses with 1 lime wedge; dip moistened glasses into salt.
  • Fill glasses with ice; pour in margarita. Garnish with lime wedges.

Notes

For a truly elevated margarita, consider using fresh lime juice and a simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) instead of concentrate. This offers a brighter, more natural acidity. Always taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your preference. Ensure all liquid ingredients are well-chilled before mixing; this helps prevent over-dilution from ice melting too quickly. Using large format ice cubes will also maintain temperature and minimize dilution. Experiment with different tequilas—blanco for a crisp, vibrant profile or a reposado for a smoother, slightly oaky complexity. For an extra touch, try a flavored salt rim, such as chili-lime or smoked salt.