The best premade margarita depends on how you plan to drink it. A canned margarita is built for on-the-go itineraries – beach days, festivals, and cooler-required occasions. A bottled margarita is built for pouring over ice, into a blender, or across a row of salt-rimmed glasses at a backyard table. Cuervo makes both, and our Classic Margarita was rated the #1 canned tequila cocktail in a blind taste test by Tasting Table.
This guide covers the differences between canned and bottled margaritas, what to look for in a premade margarita, and which Cuervo options fit which summer plans.
What Is A Premade Margarita?
A premade margarita is a ready-to-drink cocktail where the tequila, triple sec, and citrus are already mixed and bottled for you. They come in two main formats: canned cocktails (single-serve, often lightly sparkling) and bottled margaritas (multi-serve, typically still, made to pour over ice or blend frozen).
Cuervo has been making tequila for 11 generations, and every premade margarita in its lineup uses real Cuervo tequila.
What Is The Difference Between A Canned Margarita And A Bottled Margarita?
Canned margaritas are single-serve and ready to drink straight from the can. Most are lightly sparkling. They’re sized for one person and designed for situations where you don’t have ice, glasses, or a blender – think beach coolers, concerts, tailgates, and pool days.
Bottled margaritas are multi-serve and still. You pour them over fresh ice or blend them with ice for frozen margaritas. They’re the better pick when you’re hosting, because one bottle covers several drinks and the presentation feels more like a traditional cocktail.
| Canned | Bottled | |
|---|---|---|
| Serving Style | Drink from the can | Pour over ice or blend |
| Texture | Still or lightly sparkling | Still |
| Best For | On-the-go, solo, outdoor events | Hosting, frozen margaritas |
| Serving Size | Single | Multiple |
| Frozen | No | Yes - blend with ice |
What Should You Look For In A Premade Margarita?
Three things matter most when picking a canned or bottled margarita:
- Real tequila. Some premade margaritas use malt liquor or neutral spirits instead of actual tequila. Check the label. A premade margarita made with real tequila will taste like a real margarita – one made without it usually won’t.
- Balanced flavor. The classic margarita recipe is tequila, triple sec, and lime. The best premade versions keep that balance instead of leaning too sweet or too sour.
- The right format for the occasion. If you’re packing a cooler, a margarita in a can is the easier choice. If you’re setting up a bar or making frozen margaritas, go with a bottle.
Which Cuervo Premade Margarita Should You Pick?
Cuervo makes premade margaritas in both canned and bottled formats, all made with real Cuervo tequila.
For grab-and-go: Cuervo Canned Cocktails
Cuervo Canned Cocktails are lightly sparkling, single-serve canned cocktails at 5.9% ABV (11.8 proof). They come in four flavors:
- Classic Margarita
- Strawberry Margarita
- Paloma
- Pink Lemonade
The Classic Margarita also took Double Gold at the 2026 SIP Awards.
These fit any outdoor occasion where ice and glassware aren’t an option – beach days, pool parties, concerts, picnics, camping, tailgates, and lake days. Available in single cans, 4-packs, and an 8-can variety pack.
For hosting and frozen margaritas: Cuervo Authentic Margaritas
Cuervo Authentic Margaritas are bottled margaritas at 9.95% ABV (19.9 proof), made with real Cuervo tequila, triple sec, and lime. Pour over fresh ice for a classic serve, or blend with ice for frozen margaritas. Finish with a lime wedge and a salt, sugar, or Tajin rim.
One bottle serves a group, which makes this the easier choice for hosting.
For a stronger margarita: Cuervo Double Strength Margaritas
Cuervo Double Strength Margaritas are bottled margaritas at 20% ABV (40 proof) – double the ABV of the Authentic line. Same tequila, triple sec, and citrus base, with more tequila in the mix for a bolder, more tequila-forward cocktail. Serve over ice or blend frozen.
Quick comparison:
| If you want… | Go with… | ABV |
|---|---|---|
| A margarita in a can, ready to drink | Cuervo Canned Cocktails | 5.9% |
| A sparkling margarita or sparkling paloma | Cuervo Canned Cocktails | 5.9% |
| A bottled margarita to pour over ice | Cuervo Authentic Margaritas | 9.95% |
| Frozen margaritas for a group | Cuervo Authentic Margaritas or Double Strength | 9.95-20% |
| A stronger, tequila-forward margarita | Cuervo Double Strength Margaritas | 20% |
| A strawberry margarita in a can | Cuervo Canned Cocktails - Strawberry Margarita | 5.9% |
Tips For Serving Premade Margaritas
Canned and bottled margaritas both taste best cold. Keep cans in a cooler or fridge until you’re ready to crack them. For bottles, pour over fresh ice – the crispness is part of the experience. Blending with ice for frozen margaritas works with any Cuervo bottled margarita. Add a lime wedge and a salt, sugar, or Tajin rim if you want the full presentation.
