Original Recipe

• Most margaritas, whether they are crafted with a fresh mix or with a pre-made one, have the same ingredients. The most important, of course, is tequila -- if a margarita is made with another liquor, like vodka, the liquor transforms into an entirely different cocktail. Most margaritas also contain another liquor, orange liqueur. The other ingredients depend on whether it is a fresh or pre-made mix. Fresh mix margaritas also have lime juice and sugar or simple syrup. Pre-made margarita mixes already have the lime flavoring and sweeteners, so you only have to add liquor and ice.

Getting Fresh

• Fresh mixes, which are typically equal parts lime juice and simple syrup, are either made individually for single drinks or in bulk and then stored temporarily for anywhere from a few days or up to a week. For either individual margaritas or ones in bulk, the proportions of fresh mix and ice are the same no matter what size of glass or container. Completely fill old fashioned glasses, highballs, pints, imperial pint glasses, pitchers and punch bowls with ice, then fill two-thirds with fresh mix, leaving the other third for tequila and orange liqueur.

Pre-Made Rocky

• Following the directions is best for most pre-made mixes, but if no directions can be found, you can still get the proportions right. Again, fill the glass or container completely with ice. For pre-made mixes, this is especially important as the ice will melt and help balance the cocktail. Depending on how sweet the pre-made mix is, fill the container or glass either halfway with extremely sweet pre-made mix or two-thirds with moderately sweet mix. If the margarita is too sweet after adding tequila, top the drink with water to mellow the sweetness.

Pre-Made Chilly

• Pre-made mixes often have separate directions for frozen margaritas -- this is due to the blending or mixing phase melting a good deal of ice and the resulting cocktails being too watery. As always, follow the directions listed on the packaging, but if you are without directions, follow this simple rule: mix 1/4 cup of pre-made mix for every cup of ice, then add 1/3 cup of a tequila and 1/6 cup orange liqueur. A good alternative for pre-made mix in frozen margaritas is frozen condensed limeade -- add 1/4 cup limeade concentrate for every cup of ice.