As the most popular tequila cocktail in the United States, the margarita is a tasty and refreshing drink with simple ingredients like fresh lime juice. To determine the cost of making margaritas at home across the country, we collected pricing data on the main ingredients — tequila, triple sec, margarita mix, lime, and salt — from zip codes in every state.
If you want to learn more about how much a homemade margarita will cost in your state, keep reading for all the tasty details.
How We Calculated Margarita Costs
To create our cost breakdown, we first researched typical margarita recipes. Then, we collected pricing data for the key ingredients at grocery and liquor stores nationwide. Using this data, we calculated each ingredient’s cost per ounce and drink.
For tequila, we priced Jose Cuervo Especial Silver. We set triple-sec prices based on DeKuyper, and we used Jose Cuervo premade mix for the margarita mix.
We estimated lime costs by pricing conventional limes in grocery stores. While many recipes call for fresh-squeezed lime juice, our premade mix already contained lime juice.
Our per-drink calculations used a standard margarita ratio of 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce triple sec, and 3 ounces margarita mix per drink. We added the cost of one lime and salt as extras.
This system allowed us to calculate and compare the total cost for you to make a single margarita in your state. Regional pricing differences for each ingredient determined the state-by-state breakdown.
Cheapest States for Margaritas
The cost of a homemade margarita averaged $2.56 nationwide. However, prices varied significantly from state to state.
Here are the 10 cheapest states for you to make margaritas at home and their average costs:
- Arizona: $2.01
- Washington: $2.31
- Texas: $2.30
- New Mexico: $2.22
- California: $2.12
- Nevada: $2.28
- Minnesota: $2.21
- Illinois: $2.26
- Colorado: $2.19
- Oregon: $2.54
Arizona stands out with the cheapest margarita cost at only $2.01 per drink. This low price was largely thanks to Arizona’s inexpensive tequila. Jose Cuervo costs only $9.99 for a 750 mL bottle, only 79 cents per drink.
In addition to low tequila prices, Washington, Texas, and New Mexico also benefited from cheap margarita mix prices, ranging from $1.49 to $1.69 per bottle. West Coast drinks were particularly affordable, with California, Nevada, and Oregon joining Arizona and Washington in the top 10.
Most Expensive States for Margaritas
On the opposite end of the scale, here are the 10 most expensive states for you to make margaritas at home and their average costs:
- Tennessee: $2.86
- North Carolina: $2.84
- Alabama: $3.00
- New York: $2.84
- Virginia: $2.78
- Hawaii: $2.59
- Louisiana: $2.82
- Pennsylvania: $2.78
- Maine: $2.78
- Connecticut: $2.80
Alabama had the highest margarita costs at $3 per drink — 44 cents above the national average. In Alabama, Jose Cuervo tequila went for $23.99 per bottle, making it the most expensive tequila in our study at $1.90 per drink.
Meanwhile, Northeastern states like New York, Virginia, Maine, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania ranked among the 10 most expensive places to make margaritas. Triple sec prices were inflated in these states, ranging from $9.99 to $10.99 a bottle.
Full Dataset: Margarita Cost by State
If you want to save money for your next margarita getaway, avoid some of the most expensive cities in the United States. Read our research on the best cities to save money.
Price Breakdown by Ingredient
To understand what was driving margarita costs up or down, we broke down the prices by ingredient. While certain ingredients like margarita mix were relatively steady across the country, regional pricing differences for tequila, triple sec, and limes caused significant cost variances from state to state.
Tequila accounted for the biggest share of margarita costs nationwide, averaging $1.17 per drink. Triple Sec was another contributor, adding $0.35 to the average margarita. Tennessee and Kansas had the most expensive triple sec at $11.99 a bottle, while Iowa offered the cheapest at $3.50.
Margarita mix costs were steady across most states, although Alaska was an outlier at $8.73 per bottle ($1.03 per drink). Limes ranged from 23 to 64 cents each, with Arizona and Hawaii at the low and high end of the spectrum, respectively. Salt had a negligible impact, costing only a few cents per drink.
Is Making Your Own Margaritas Worth It?
Making margaritas at home can be an affordable alternative to buying them at restaurants and bars. In the cheapest states, homemade margaritas cost under $2.30 each — and that's without factoring in the bartender tip you'd pay.
Making margaritas yourself also lets you control the strength and flavor. You can tweak recipes to your preferences — adding extra lime juice for a tangier margarita or using 100% agave tequila for a smoother finish.
On the other hand, making margaritas requires purchasing full bottles of several types of liquor. Unless you celebrate with margaritas frequently, using up those bottles may take a while. You'll also need a cocktail shaker, pitcher, glassware, juicer, etc. If you use a blender, you must clean it thoroughly afterward.
Overall, DIY margaritas are cheaper and taste better than store-bought mixes, although the up-front cost of equipment and full-sized liquor bottles are a downside to a DIY approach.
The cost of a homemade margarita varies across the country based on ingredient prices. While cheaper than at a bar, DIY margaritas require up-front investments in equipment and spirits. However, the ability to control the flavor and alcohol content makes it a worthwhile endeavor for margarita lovers.
FAQs About Making Margaritas
Does tequila quality affect margarita taste?
Yes, it does. 100% agave tequilas normally taste best. Mixes made from just 51% agave often have a harsher flavor, while Añejos and reposados have smoother, more complex tastes.
What's the difference between on the rocks vs. frozen margaritas?
Margaritas on the rocks are served over ice cubes and contain fresh-squeezed lime juice, while frozen margaritas are blended with crushed ice and use a bottled margarita mix containing lime juice. The ingredients are more or less the same, but the delivery method is different.
Can you make margaritas without triple sec?
Yes, you can. Orange liqueurs like Cointreau or standard orange juice can substitute for triple sec. However, the drink may lose some sweetness, so choose according to your tastes.
How long do homemade margaritas last?
Margaritas without preservatives can last up to two days in the refrigerator. Frozen margaritas can last for up to several months in the freezer. For longer storage, freeze margaritas in ice cube trays.
What's the difference between margaritas and daiquiris?
Margaritas contain orange liqueur, while daiquiris include lime juice. Similarly, tequila is the key alcoholic ingredient in margaritas, while rum is the primary alcohol in daiquiris. Regarding presentation, margaritas are served in salty-rimmed glasses, while daiquiris have sugar-rimmed glasses.
