Costco Margarita Mix

Costco’s margarita mix gives cocktail lovers a budget-friendly way to enjoy restaurant-quality drinks at home. The Kirkland Signature Margarita Mix costs just $10 for two 1.75-liter bottles. This translates to about 30 servings of the popular cocktail, making it the best value compared to similar products available now.

The Kirkland Signature Golden Margarita stands out with an impressive 87 out of 100 points from Tastings.com. This ready-to-drink option comes in a 1.75L bottle that costs around $9. The mix blends gold tequila, triple sec liqueur, and 3% real lime juice with 12.7% alcohol content. Health-conscious consumers can choose the new Kirkland Signature Organic Margarita Cocktail Mix. This version has 70 calories per 125ml serving and contains 18 grams of sugar. Though it’s the sweetest among recommended mixes, its candy-like flavor creates a perfect balance with quality tequila, salt rim, and lime wedge.

What makes the Kirkland margarita mix a fan favorite

Costco’s beverage section has created quite a buzz with its Kirkland margarita mix offerings. Cocktail enthusiasts can’t get enough of it, and with good reason too. The balanced flavor and easy-to-use format have made this product a shopping cart favorite nationwide.

Taste profile and balance of flavors

The Kirkland margarita mix stands out because of its well-adjusted taste. The Kirkland Signature Golden Margarita blends 3% real lime juice with gold tequila and premium triple sec liqueur. This creates a refreshing citrus flavor profile. It’s the sweetest among recommended mixes, but its candy-like flavor doesn’t overpower.

The mix has a slight bitterness that reminds you of actual lime pith. This adds a real touch to your drinking experience. Many reviewers love that it tastes more natural than other brands, though everyone’s taste buds are different. The Golden Margarita version gives you zesty citrus flavors with a rich golden tequila finish that margarita lovers really enjoy.

The newer Organic Margarita Mix offers a more tart option with stronger lime flavors. Some longtime fans say it tastes more like limeade than traditional margarita mix. This organic version has fewer calories (70 per 125ml serving) and less sugar (18 grams) than the original.

Alcohol content and ready-to-drink convenience

The mix’s convenience has boosted its popularity by a lot. The Kirkland Signature Golden Margarita comes ready to drink at 12.7% ABV. Just add ice and a glass, and you’re good to go. One 1.75L bottle makes about 17 margarita cocktails, which is perfect to serve at parties.

Costco also offers non-alcoholic Classic Lime Margarita Mix. This option lets you control your drink strength or make mocktails if you prefer.

Making your own drinks is much easier now. As one reviewer said, “Making a large batch of margaritas for guests can be time-consuming and expensive. Heck, even a single margarita is a lot of work if you make it from scratch!”. The mix takes away all that hassle but still gives great results.

How it compares to other store-bought mixes

The Kirkland margarita mix beats its competitors in quality and value. You can get two 1.75-liter bottles for about $10. That’s way cheaper than premium mixes like Barsmith’s, Master of Mixes, or Powell & Mahoney.

Blind taste tests show the Kirkland mix holds its own against pricier options:

• It balances flavors better than overly sweet commercial mixes
• You won’t get that fake taste common in cheaper options
• The quality stays consistent compared to similarly priced competitors

Some reviewers think it’s better than big names like Jose Cuervo. One noted: “I had one 1.75 Bottle of Kirkland Ready to drink Margarita Mix. They don’t sell Kirkland Alcohol here in Texas at Costco so I had to go to Total Wine here and purchase Jose Cuervo Ready to drink Mix. I’m so bummed how much better the Kirkland brand is”.

The mix delivers great flavor despite being mass-market. Another reviewer shared, “It’s surprisingly balanced (and user-friendly), and while it’s not a hand-crafted cocktail, it will save you a lot of work if you’re mixing up margs for a crowd”.

The Kirkland margarita mix hits the sweet spot between ease and quality. It’s not trying to replace cocktails made from scratch with premium ingredients. This perfect balance, plus Costco’s competitive pricing, explains why home mixologists and party hosts keep coming back for more.

Breaking down the cost: Is it really a good deal?

Budget-conscious cocktail enthusiasts need to look beyond the price tag to understand Kirkland margarita mix’s true value. The numbers tell an interesting story that makes a strong case for home bartenders.

Price per bottle and serving

Costco’s Kirkland Signature Golden Margarita costs around $9-10 for a 1.75L bottle. This price point makes it an exceptional value in ready-to-drink cocktails. Each bottle serves 12-17 drinks based on pour size. Costco UK’s website states you can make about 17 margarita cocktails per bottle.

The non-alcoholic version offers even better value. A two-pack of 1.75-liter Kirkland Signature Margarita Cocktail Mix bottles costs roughly $10. You’ll get about 30 servings total. That’s just 33 cents per serving before adding your tequila.

The organic version costs a bit more at $11.99 Canadian for two 1.75-liter bottles. A reviewer points out that “Organic foods always cost more, so I’m not too surprised by this”. The non-organic version used to cost $9.99 Canadian for the same amount.

Comparison with bar and restaurant prices

Restaurant prices really highlight the savings. An average margarita costs $10.03 at restaurants. That means one drink out costs as much as a whole bottle of Kirkland’s ready-to-drink option.

Prices vary by location. Hawaii leads with $13.60 per margarita, while Alabama offers them at $6.74. All the same, Costco’s option saves you money substantially everywhere.

Here’s a real-world example: Serving margaritas to 12 friends at average restaurant prices would cost $120.36. The same party using Kirkland’s mix would cost $10-12 total—you’d save 90%.

Costco value: bulk buying advantage

Bulk purchasing at Costco makes financial sense. Buying margarita ingredients in large quantities “reduces the according-to-unit rate, which is good for groups operating on tight margins”. Home entertainers can benefit from this principle.

The ready-to-use format makes preparation easier, just as “pre-mixed options reduce preparation time” in bars. You save both money and time.

Smart shoppers combine Kirkland products to maximize value. One reviewer did the math: “If you figure each margarita is 4oz and you have one 1.75L bottle of Golden Margarita (50oz, 12.5 margaritas), and one, 1L bottle of Kirkland Tequila (22 shots): You can make 12.5 margaritas with one shot of tequila added, and have about half of the tequila left. And you spent around $28”.

The mix might not be on shelves year-round at every warehouse. Yet it stands out as one of the best values in beverages when available. Kirkland margarita mix lets you enjoy an expensive drink without breaking the bank or sacrificing quality—something rare in today’s market.

How to make the perfect Costco margarita at home

Making restaurant-quality cocktails at home is quick and easy with Costco’s Kirkland margarita mix. This mixer turns regular get-togethers into fun parties without much work while keeping all the great taste.

Classic recipe using Kirkland margarita mix

You can make the perfect margarita with Costco’s ready-to-drink option in just minutes:

• Pour the Kirkland Golden Margarita over ice in a salt-rimmed glass
• Stir gently to chill the mixture
• Garnish with a lime wheel as a final touch

The recipe stays simple with the non-alcoholic Kirkland mix too. Mix 125 milliliters of margarita mix with 45 milliliters of tequila in a shaker with ice. Give it a good shake and strain into your glass. You’ll get a perfectly balanced cocktail without measuring lots of ingredients.

Cadillac-style upgrade with Grand Marnier

You can improve your Costco margarita with the “Cadillac” upgrade – a premium version that bartenders make for their pickiest customers:

Start with your base: mix 3 ounces of quality tequila (Kirkland Signature Reposado works best), 2 ounces of Triple Sec or Cointreau, juice from half a lime, and 1¼ cups of Kirkland margarita mix. Shake everything with ice until it’s nice and cold.

The magic happens next – float some Grand Marnier on top. This cognac-based orange liqueur adds class and richness. Your everyday margarita becomes something special without needing expert bartending skills.

Frozen margarita version

A frozen version hits the spot on hot summer days. Mix your Kirkland margarita mix with ice in a blender until you get the texture you want.

Here’s a smart shortcut: “Instead of adding ice (watering down) the mix, pour the entire bottle into a plastic bowl and freeze overnight. You have frozen margaritas at your fingertips with no muss, no fuss”. This keeps your drink from getting watery while giving you that perfect slushy texture.

Adding a bit of simple syrup helps when blending since ice can weaken the taste. A quick squeeze of fresh lime right before serving makes the frozen version taste even better.

Mocktail version for non-drinkers

Kirkland Premium Margarita Cocktail Mix makes great mocktails everyone can enjoy. Influenster reviewers gave it 4.7/5 stars for its balanced taste that stands alone nicely.

The best virgin margarita is simple – pour the mix over ice in a salt-rimmed glass and add fresh lime wheels. A splash of fresh grapefruit juice or orange juice can make the non-alcoholic version taste even better. These juices work well with the lime flavors and add the complexity you’d usually get from tequila.

One serving of the non-alcoholic mix has about 70 calories and 18 grams of sugar, making it a decent treat even without alcohol.

Tips to elevate your margarita to restaurant quality

A few expert tricks can turn your Costco margarita mix into drinks that taste like they came from high-end bars. These pro tips will take your cocktail from basic to amazing.

Glassware and salt rim techniques

The right salting technique will boost both looks and taste of your Costco margarita mix. Pro bartenders salt only the outer rim. This stops excess salt from dropping into your drink and ruining the taste.

Your drinks can match restaurant quality when you:

• Rub a lime wedge around the glass’s outer edge to create a thin, even moisture layer
• Tilt the glass at a 45-degree angle and roll the rim through kosher salt (skip the table salt)
• Let the rim dry before you pour so the salt sticks properly

Most pros salt just half the glass. This lets guests choose between sipping from the salted or plain side.

Fresh lime and citrus enhancements

Fresh citrus makes any margarita mix taste better. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness to Kirkland margarita mix and balances out the sweet taste with the right amount of acid.

Lime zest packs even more punch than juice alone. The essential oils give your drink amazing depth. You can add unexpected flavors with fresh grapefruit juice or mix orange slices with mint and a few drops of bitters.

Pairing with Kirkland Silver or Reposado tequila

Your choice of tequila can make or break the final drink. Kirkland’s ready-made margaritas come with gold tequila (mixed from blanco and aged types). A splash of Kirkland Signature Reposado adds amazing depth and kicks up the alcohol beyond the usual 12.7% ABV.

Purists stick to blanco tequila for their margaritas. A tequila expert who lived in Jalisco, Mexico puts it this way: “Silver tequila is preferred for margaritas because the pure agave flavor isn’t masked by wood.”

Garnish ideas for presentation

Great presentation can take your margarita mix from good to unforgettable. The classic lime wheel works, but you have other options too:

Muddled jalapeño slices create an exciting spicy kick. Frozen cranberries keep your drink cold without watering it down and look great too.

Special occasions call for floating edible flowers or creative fruit designs like spiral strawberries or kiwi “cactus” shapes. You can jazz up basic citrus garnishes with an orange twist or make a “sun” pattern using overlapped lime slices.

Storage, shelf life, and serving suggestions

Your Costco margarita mix will last longer and taste better with the right storage techniques. These tips will help you get the most value from every bottle and keep the flavors fresh.

How long the mix lasts after opening

The shelf life of your Kirkland margarita mix depends on whether it contains alcohol. The non-alcoholic version should be used within 10 days of opening. Many people drink it months later without any issues.

The alcoholic versions have a much longer shelf life. A properly refrigerated bottle of Kirkland Golden Margarita stays fresh for 4-6 months. The homemade versions with the mix taste best for about a week, though you can stretch it to two weeks before the flavors start to fade.

Best practices for storing

Keep your unopened Costco margarita mix away from sunlight and heat. A kitchen cabinet or pantry with steady temperature makes an ideal spot.

Refrigeration becomes a vital part of keeping the mix fresh after opening. Cold temperatures slow down spoilage and help the mix last longer. The bottle needs a tight seal, so always close the cap firmly. Lost the original cap? Just move the mix to another container or use plastic wrap with a rubber band.

You can also freeze the mix to make it last even longer. Just cover the bottle top with plastic wrap and secure it with a rubber band.

Serving temperature and ice tips

Give your Kirkland margarita mix a good shake before serving. The lime zest and syrup tend to separate in storage. This helps blend all the flavors together.

The right temperature brings out the perfect balance of sweetness, whether you serve it on ice or blended. The product label suggests pouring it over ice and adding tequila if you want. Want a frozen version? Freeze the mix overnight in a plastic bowl – this way, your drink won’t get watered down when blending.

Keep an eye out for any strange smells, unusual colors, or odd tastes. These signs mean it’s time to replace your mix, even if you’ve stored it properly.

Here are some FAQs about the Costco margarita mix:

Does Costco sell non-alcoholic margarita mix?

Yes, Costco does sell non-alcoholic margarita mix, including their popular Kirkland margarita mix Costco members love. The margarita mix at Costco typically comes in large containers perfect for parties and gatherings. Many customers enjoy using this mix as a base to create their own Costco margarita mix recipe with added tequila and other ingredients.

How do you drink Costco margarita mix?

The Costco margarita mix is designed to be combined with tequila and ice for classic margaritas. Most people follow the simple Costco margarita mix recipe of 1 part tequila to 3 parts mix, served over ice with a salted rim. You can also blend it with ice for frozen margaritas or get creative by adding fresh fruit purees for flavored variations.

Where is the margarita cocktail from?

The margarita cocktail’s exact origins are debated, but most accounts trace it to Mexico in the 1930s or 1940s. While enjoying your Kirkland margarita mix Costco purchase, you’re partaking in a drink with rich cultural history. The classic combination of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur has evolved into the convenient margarita mix at Costco we know today.

Is Costco margarita mix good?

Many customers find the Costco margarita mix to be an excellent value with great flavor that rivals more expensive brands. The Kirkland margarita mix Costco offers provides consistent quality and convenience for large gatherings. While purists might prefer fresh ingredients, most agree it’s a tasty shortcut for effortless margarita-making at home.

How much tequila to add to Kirkland margarita mix?

The standard ratio for Kirkland margarita mix Costco recommends is about 1 part tequila to 3 parts mix. For a stronger drink in your Costco margarita mix recipe, you can adjust to a 1:2 ratio. Always taste and adjust according to your preference, remembering that the mix already contains some sweetness and citrus flavors.

Can you drink non alcoholic margarita mix by itself?

Yes, you can absolutely enjoy non-alcoholic margarita mix at Costco by itself as a refreshing lime drink. The Costco margarita mix makes a tasty base for mocktails when combined with sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. Many people enjoy it this way as a alcohol-free alternative or as a mixer for other non-alcoholic beverages.

Can margarita mix get you drunk?

Plain margarita mix from Costco won’t get you drunk as it contains no alcohol. However, when you prepare the Costco margarita mix recipe with tequila as directed, the resulting cocktail does contain alcohol. The Kirkland margarita mix Costco sells is just the non-alcoholic mixer component that requires adding your own spirits.

Is there a non-alcoholic margarita?

Yes, non-alcoholic margaritas can be made using the Costco margarita mix without adding tequila. The margarita mix at Costco serves as the perfect base for “mocktail” versions when combined with ice and garnishes. You can also enhance it with fresh citrus juices or sparkling water for a refreshing alcohol-free alternative.

Is margarita mix good for you?

While delicious, margarita mix from Costco is typically high in sugar and not considered a health food. The Kirkland margarita mix Costco carries makes for an occasional treat rather than a daily beverage. For a healthier option, you could modify the Costco margarita mix recipe by using less mix and adding fresh lime juice or reducing the serving size.

0

0