How Much Tequila for a Party?

Tequila Planning Guide

Tequila splits into two very different planning paths: margaritas and shots. As a margarita base at about 1.5 ounces per drink, a 750ml bottle makes roughly 16 margaritas, so one bottle covers six to eight guests at two to three drinks each. As shots, the same bottle pours around 25 one-ounce pours, which go much faster at a party, so if shots are part of the plan, buy a dedicated bottle for them rather than draining your margarita supply. Decide which mode your party is in before you shop, because the two consume tequila at very different rates.

Match the bottle to the job and the label to the budget. Silver or blanco tequila is the right base for margaritas and mixed drinks, where its bright agave flavor cuts through lime and triple sec, while reposado, aged a few months in oak, is smoother for sipping or premium shots. Look for '100% agave' on the label: it costs a little more than mixto tequilas cut with other sugars, but it mixes cleaner and is widely considered easier on the next morning. For a margarita crowd, a mid-shelf 100% agave blanco is the value sweet spot.

Margaritas are made for pre-batching, which is the only sane way to serve a crowd. The classic ratio is 3 parts tequila, 2 parts triple sec or orange liqueur, and 1 part fresh lime juice, scaled up in a pitcher or dispenser and chilled ahead. Add ice only as you pour, not to the batch, so the drinks do not dilute while they wait. Salt only half of each glass rim, since not every guest wants it, and keep a non-alcoholic version going with extra lime juice and a splash of agave so designated drivers are covered.