Does Margarita Mix Go Bad? 7 Things You Should Know

Margaritas are a popular cocktail for more than just Cinco de Mayo, which is why so many brands like Jose Cuervo have come out with premade margarita mixes. 

These mixes make it much easier to enjoy a margarita without squeezing a bunch of limes to get fresh lime juice and make simple syrup. Some of them have tequila already in them, and others are a non-alcoholic margarita mix where you just simply have to add tequila.

Though each is easy to use, the one question everyone has in mind is whether the premade margarita mixes go bad. The simple answer is that margarita mix will eventually lose its taste and, once opened, could even grow mold, but it will stay good for quite a while if you store it properly. 

Let’s dive deeper into whether margarita mix goes bad and seven things you should know. 

How long a margarita mix is good for depends on a few factors. 

The biggest factor is whether it is open or not. Once the margarita mix has been opened, it has been exposed, leaving it vulnerable to bacteria and losing its flavor. 

Placing it in the refrigerator can help make it last a bit longer; however, there are other factors, too, like the brand and the ingredients they use. Some take a more natural route and have fewer preservatives and therefore will lose taste and go bad quicker. 

Additionally, it is important to note that non-alcoholic margarita mixes are not different than alcoholic margarita mixes. Non-alcoholic margarita mix has just as long of a shelf life as ones with tequila already in them. 

These factors aside, margarita mix is generally good for 1-2 years past its expiration date if it’s an unopened margarita mix. If it has been opened, the margarita mix will be good for six to nine months in the refrigerator. 

The best way to store unopened bottles of margarita mix is in a cool and dark place like the pantry or kitchen cabinet. Exposure to heat or sun can degrade the flavor and taste of store-bought margarita mix much quicker. 

Once you’ve opened the bottle, there are a few options for storage. For one, you can keep extra margarita mix in the freezer. Freezing margarita mix not only preserves the flavor but also makes it easier to add some good tequila and blend it into a frozen margarita. 

You can also keep leftover margarita mix continuously refrigerated and pull it out when you’re just craving a classic margarita. Keeping it in the fridge will make margarita mix last longer and ensure that you get the best quality taste even once opened. 

The storage guidelines we have discussed above are for a shelf-stable store-bought bottle of margarita mix; however, if you are wanting to make your own margarita mixes, there are a few ways to extend the shelf life. 

Though homemade margarita mix doesn’t have a specific best by date, the best way to ensure it doesn’t spoil quickly and slow the degradation process is by storing it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. These storage conditions will make it last a few weeks while keeping the taste profile intact. 

Here are the quick answers to the seven things you should know about the shelf life of margarita mixes. 

1. Is the margarita mix good after the expiration date?

Unopened margarita mix that has been stored properly is good 1-2 years after the expiration date. 

2. Does margarita mix go bad if not opened?

Margarita mix does eventually go bad if not opened, but it can last well beyond the expiration date if stored properly. 

3. How long does margarita mix last in the fridge?

Once opened and stored in the fridge, the margarita mix will last about six to nine months. You’ll know if it’s still good if it tastes good. Otherwise, you should go with an unopened bottle. 

4. Does margarita mix go bad if not refrigerated?

Though margarita mix doesn’t necessarily go bad if not refrigerated, it does lose its taste and freshness much faster. If it is properly stored, you’ll just have to add a fresh lime to enjoy it on a hot summer day. 

5. How to tell if margarita mix is bad?

The easiest way to tell if margarita mix is bad is to look for an off appearance, smell, or flavor. If your margarita mix smells or has an off odor and you have an opened bottle, you should probably get a new bottle. However, most of the time, if margarita mix is bad, it will just not taste very good.

6. What happens if you drink bad margarita mix?

Not much happens if you drink bad margarita mix. Usually, the worst that happens is that it doesn’t taste very good, but you could also get a stomach ache if you have a sensitive stomach.

7. Can you freeze margarita mix?

Yes, you can freeze margarita mix, which not only will keep any leftovers fresh but will also make it convenient to make frozen margaritas. 

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If you’re worried about your margarita mix going bad, don’t fret because whether it is an unopened margarita mix that already has tequila or non-alcoholic margarita mixes, they have a long shelf life months past the expiration date if it is sealed tightly. 

The bottom line answer to the question “does margarita mix go bad” is that if it is properly stored, it takes a long time for it to go bad.