Margarita (Batched)

If don't want to play bartender at your party, batch up some cocktails in advance. This recipe is a foolproof batched margarita that will blow that sticky, sweet store-bought mix away.  Choose a Reposado style tequila for this cocktail, such as Espolòn Tequila Reposado, a well-priced, quality tequila, perfect for mixed cocktails.

Yield: about 13 4-oz. cocktails

Ingredients

For the Cocktail:

• 1 750 mL bottle of tequila

• 6 1/4 oz. triple sec

• 6 1/4 oz. agave syrup

• 9 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

• 13 oz. cold water*

• Large pitcher or carafe

• Ice (for serving)

• Lime wedges (for garnish)

• Flaky/Coarse Kosher Salt (such as David's Kosher Salt)

For the Agave Syrup:

• 1/2 cup hot water

• 1/2 cup agave nectar

Instructions

For the Agave Syrup:

Combine the hot water and agave in a jar. Seal and shake until the agave is dissolved.  Store in fridge for up to one month.

For the Batched Cocktail:

Combine the tequila, triple sec, agave syrup, fresh lime juice, and water in a large pitcher or carafe. Stir until fully combined. Chill in fridge for at least an hour. 

When ready to serve, set up your beverage station with an ice bucket and scoop, kosher salt in a pinch bowl, lime wedges in a bowl, and the pitcher of margarita.  Fill a glass with ice, add a small pinch of salt over the ice (if desired), and top with 4 oz. of the cocktail mixture. Garnish with lime wedge.

Notes

*Since you're not shaking the cocktails individually, the added water accounts for the dilution that would occur when shaken.