How to Throw a Margarita Party

Got a hankering for some margarita-soaked fun in the sun? Then grab your friends while the limes are ripe and throw a bash in honour of this citrusy thirst-quencher.

Not sure where to start? Read on for everything you need to know, including how to set up your bar, choose your garnishes, recipes, margarita-friendly snacks and more.

Setting up the Margarita Bar

Here’s what every good margarita bar should include:

• Tequila with pouring spouts (be sure to include low and non-alcoholic options and have water available too).
• Fresh pre-squeezed limes.
• Margarita glasses, pitchers (for batches), and jiggers (for measuring liquor).
• Cocktail shakers.
• A selection of pre-cut fruit, including fresh limes. Bonus tip: Dip any fruits that brown in a little lemon juice and water to keep them looking fresh.
• Ice buckets with plenty of extra ice on hand (crushed is best).
• Salt and sugar for coating glass rims.
• Bowls for other garnishes.
• Snacks.

Another fun idea for a margarita party is to display a selection of margarita recipes near your bar so guests can choose and mix their own.

If it’s a margarita-themed birthday party, mistletoe party, or other occasion you’re hosting, you can always add an appropriate twist to the bar or décor. Margarita cake pops are a fun idea for birthdays and occasion-relevant bright-colored decorations work well.

Margarita Garnish Ideas

Dial up the fun factor by adding a selection of margarita garnishes to your bar. Here are a few classic crowd-pleasers:

• Lime wedges
• Basil sprigs
• Strawberries
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Blueberries
• Jalapeno slices

Classic Non-Alcoholic Margarita Cocktails

Everyone has a different taste, so it pays to offer a range of margaritas so guests can choose a flavour they like (or have fun testing the various flavours). Be sure to include low and non-alcoholic recipes too.

Stuck for margarita ideas for your party? Here are a few of our top picks from our low and non-alcoholic range of quality spirits:

Lyre’s Classic Margarita

You can’t go wrong with this timeless drop, a must-have at any margarita party.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 45mL Lyre's Agave Blanco Spirit or Lyre's Agave Reserva Spirit
• 15mL Lyre's Orange Sec
• 30mL lime juice
• 7.5mL white sugar syrup (1:1)
• 1 dash orange bitters (optional)

Shake briefly with ice. Fine strain into a half salt-rimmed cocktail coupette. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Lyre’s Skinny Margarita

Just like a classic margarita, only skinny, this guilt-free alternative to the sophisticated margarita is perfect for a summer bash.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 45mL Lyre's Agave Blanco Spirit or Lyre's Agave Reserva Spirit
• 15mL Lyre's Orange Sec
• 30mL lime juice
• 1 dash orange bitters (optional)

Shake briefly with ice. Fine strain into a half salt-rimmed cocktail coupette. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Fun Twists on the Margarita

Lyre’s Tommy’s Margarita

Guests will crave a second sip after this trinity of flavours hits their palate. With citrus, vanilla, and peppery spice caper, this margarita experience is no less than divine.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 60mL Lyre's Agave Reserva Spirit
• 15mL premium agave syrup
• 30mL lime juice
• Pinch salt (optional)

Shake briefly with ice. Fine strain into an old-fashioned glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Lyre’s Watermelon & Chilli Margarita

The perfect beverage for hot summer days, this sweet-meets-savoury watermelon and chilli delight evokes infinite white sand and cloudless blue skies.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 60mL Lyre's Agave Blanco Spirit
• 60mL watermelon juice
• 15mL premium agave syrup
• 15mL lime juice
• 2 thin slices jalapeño round OR 1/2 bird's eye chilli

Shake briefly with ice. Strain into a chilli salt*-rimmed glass over block ice. Garnish with a watermelon wedge.

*To make chilli salt, combine 1 part kosher salt with 1 part chilli flakes.

Easy Ways to Decorate your Margarita Glasses

Want to add an extra splash of fun to your margarita party? Give these playful garnish ideas a whirl:

• Citrus peel twist - twist an orange or lemon peel and perch it on the edge of a glass.
• Add extra flavours to your salt rim – think spices, desiccated coconut or citrus zest.
• Fruit ribbons – peel the whole length of a piece of fruit (cucumbers are great for this) to create delicate strips to hang over the side of a glass.
• Edible flowers – scatter over margarita for a pretty pop of colour.
• Dried orange slice – pop a dehydrated orange slice (lemon or lime also work well) for extra (subtle) flavour and an elegant touch.

What Food Goes Well with Margaritas?

While the margarita bar might steal the attention initially, it won’t be long before guests are in need of a well-paired snack. And let’s face it, a margarita isn’t complete without some classic Mexican food. Here are a few sure-fire dishes that’ll elevate any margarita party:

Salsa and Tortilla Chips

It’s hard to go past this classic Mexican staple. The spicy flavours of salsa complement the sweet and sour taste of a margarita perfectly. The best salsa to eat with a margarita balances heat, sweetness, acidity, and salt.

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Try cooked shrimp or prawns in a spicy, tangy tomato sauce for a light and fresh, yet punchy snack that pairs well with any margarita.

Mexican Tacos

Tacos and margaritas go together like peanut butter and jam. Whether it’s beef, chicken, fish, or veg, choose whatever finger-licking combo tickles your fancy.