What are the ingredients in Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix?

Jose Cuervo is a well-known brand of tequila and ready-to-drink margarita mixes. Their margarita mix comes in a few different varieties, including classic lime, strawberry, and pomegranate. Jose Cuervo margarita mixes provide an easy way to make restaurant-quality margaritas at home. They are shelf-stable mixes that just require tequila and ice to complete the drink.

The main ingredients in Jose Cuervo margarita mix are water, corn syrup or sugar, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, salt, gum acacia, yellow 6, blue 1, and red 40. However, the specific ingredients and proportions vary slightly between the different flavors. Here is a more detailed look at the ingredients commonly found in Jose Cuervo margarita mixes.

Common Ingredients

Water

Water is the primary ingredient in Jose Cuervo margarita mixes. Water likely makes up 50% or more of the liquid content. Water provides the bulk and volume needed to create a ready-to-drink margarita mix. The water also helps to evenly distribute the other ingredients throughout the mixture.

Corn syrup or sugar

The second major component of Jose Cuervo margarita mix is a sweetener, usually in the form of corn syrup or sugar. The corn syrup or sugar adds sweetness and body to balance out the tart citrus flavors. Corn syrup thickens the margarita mix slightly while plain sugar does not impact the viscosity. Depending on the variety, Jose Cuervo margarita mixes contain 15 to 20 grams of sugar per serving.

Natural and artificial flavors

To give Jose Cuervo margarita mixes their classic lime or fruit flavors, natural and artificial flavorings are added. These flavorings are likely citrus-based for the lime and other fruit varieties. The specific flavors and proportions used are proprietary formulas. However, common citrus flavorings used in margaritas include lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit extracts.

Citric acid

Citric acid is added to Jose Cuervo margarita mix to provide tartness and replicate the acidity of fresh citrus juice. Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits and provides that puckering sour taste. A small amount of citric acid is necessary for balance in margaritas instead of just sweet and salty flavors. It adds authenticity to the lime and fruit flavors.

Salt

All Jose Cuervo margarita mixes contain salt to provide the signature salty-sour taste. The salt level is kept moderate to avoid an overly salty drink. A touch of salt is essential to margarita flavor to balance out the sourness and sweetness from the other ingredients.

Gum acacia

Also called gum arabic, this ingredient is added to thicken Jose Cuervo margarita mixes slightly and provide richness in the mouthfeel. Gum acacia comes from the sap of the Acacia tree and is commonly used as a thickening agent. It helps give the margarita mix more body than just water alone.

Yellow 6

Yellow 6 provides the bright yellow color of Jose Cuervo’s classic lime margarita mix. Also called Sunset Yellow FCF, this synthetic food coloring agent adds vibrant color that mimics lime juice. Yellow 6 is water-soluble and approved for use in foods and beverages.

Blue 1

For Jose Cuervo’s pomegranate margarita mix, Blue 1 (Brilliant Blue FCF) gives the drink a rich, royal purple color to match real pomegranate juice. Like Yellow 6, Blue 1 is a water-soluble food coloring that adds tint without altering the flavor.

Red 40

To achieve the pinkish-red hue of strawberries, Red 40 is added to Jose Cuervo strawberry margarita mix. This reddish food coloring comes from petroleum sources. It’s oil-soluble, so does not dissolve as readily in water. But it provides a strong, stable color.

Nutrition Facts

The nutrition facts vary for the different flavors of Jose Cuervo margarita mix:

Classic Lime Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/4 cup (2.2 oz)
Calories 160
Total Fat 0 g
Sodium 135 mg
Total Carbohydrate 39 g
Sugars 38 g

Strawberry Margarita Mix Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/4 cup (2.1 oz)
Calories 140
Total Fat 0 g
Sodium 140 mg
Total Carbohydrate 34 g
Sugars 31 g

Pomegranate Margarita Mix Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/4 cup (2.2 oz)
Calories 160
Total Fat 0 g
Sodium 140 mg
Total Carbohydrate 38 g
Sugars 36 g

As you can see, a 1/4 cup serving of any Jose Cuervo margarita mix contains around 140-160 calories and 34-39 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from added sugars. There is 140-150 mg of sodium per serving coming from the added salt. The nutrition is comparable across the different flavors with minor variations.

Ingredients Comparison to Other Brands

Jose Cuervo margarita mix contains most of the same major ingredients as other ready-to-drink margarita mix brands. This includes ingredients like water, corn syrup/sugar, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, salt, colorings, and preservatives.

For example, the Mr & Mrs T margarita mix also contains water, high fructose corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sodium benzoate and Yellow 6.

Similarly, Chi-Chi’s margarita mix has water, sugar, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, sodium benzoate, xanthan gum, and Yellow 5.

So while the specific ingredient proportions may differ between brands, Jose Cuervo uses the standard ingredients expected in a shelf-stable margarita mix product.

Preparation Instructions

Making margaritas with Jose Cuervo margarita mix is very simple:

Ingredients

– 1 part Jose Cuervo margarita mix
– 2 parts tequila
– Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Pour in 1 part of the Jose Cuervo margarita mix.
3. Add 2 parts tequila.
4. Cover and shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Wet the rim of a glass with water and dip into salt to coat (optional).
6. Strain the shaken margarita into the glass with fresh ice if desired.
7. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

The standard margarita ratio is 2 parts tequila to 1 part mix. Feel free to adjust to taste preferences. Shake with ice and pour into a salt-rimmed glass to serve.

Storage

Unopened bottles of Jose Cuervo margarita mix have a shelf life of about 2 years. Once opened, the mix should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few months for best quality. Keep the bottle sealed when not in use.

Over time, the colors may start to fade and the flavors can degrade if not stored properly. For optimal freshness and color, use opened margarita mix bottles within 3-4 months.

Where to Buy

Jose Cuervo margarita mixes can be found at most major liquor stores, grocery stores and warehouse clubs in the United States where bottled cocktails are sold. The classic lime flavor is the most widely available. Some stores may also carry the strawberry or pomegranate flavors seasonally.

Jose Cuervo margarita mix is usually sold in individual 750 ml glass bottles or 1.75 liter plastic bottles. It’s typically located on shelves near other cocktail mixes and Jose Cuervo tequila. It can also be purchased online from websites like Drizly, ReserveBar or TotalWine. Expect to pay $5-10 per 750 ml bottle.

Alternatives

If you can’t find Jose Cuervo brand margarita mix, there are several comparable alternatives:

– Chi-Chi’s Margarita Mix
– Margaritaville Margarita Mix
– Mr & Mrs T Margarita Mix
– Bacardi Cocktails Margarita Mix
– Midori Margarita Mix
– Margarita Guy Margarita Mixes

The main difference will come down to the specific flavors, sweeteners used, and alcohol content. But most premixed margarita products have a similar ingredient profile. Homemade mixes with fresh lime juice or sweet and sour mix will have a closer to authentic restaurant-style flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Jose Cuervo margarita mix have dairy?

No, Jose Cuervo margarita mixes do not contain any dairy ingredients. They are non-creamy mixes made with water, sugar/corn syrup, flavors, citric acid and colors. Some margarita mix products contain whey protein or milk ingredients, but Jose Cuervo mixes are dairy-free.

Are Jose Cuervo margarita mixes gluten-free?

Yes, Jose Cuervo confirms that their margarita mixes are gluten-free. They do not contain ingredients derived from wheat, barley, rye or other gluten-containing grains.

Can you make a margarita without the mix?

Yes, you can make margaritas without a premade mix by using fresh lime juice or sour mix along with tequila and a sweetener. Simply mix 2 parts tequila, 1 part fresh lime juice, and 1/2 part simple syrup (or other sweetener like Cointreau). Shake with ice and strain into a glass.

Do you add water to Jose Cuervo margarita mix?

No, you do not need to add extra water to Jose Cuervo margarita mix. The mix already contains water as its primary ingredient and is ready to pour. Simply combine with tequila and ice per the package directions without adding any extra water or ingredients.

Does Jose Cuervo make a margarita mix with alcohol?

No, Jose Cuervo’s shelf-stable margarita mixes are non-alcoholic and do not contain any tequila. You need to add your own tequila when making the margaritas. However, Jose Cuervo does make pre-made margaritas (Authentic Margarita and Lime Margarita) in cans and bottles that contain tequila in the final product.

Conclusion

Jose Cuervo offers a convenient way to make restaurant-style margaritas at home with their shelf-stable mixes. Simply add your desired tequila and ice for an easy crowd-pleasing cocktail. The classic Jose Cuervo margarita mix contains water, corn syrup, natural and artificial flavors, citric acid, salt, coloring and stabilizers. While the nutrition facts vary slightly between flavors, they all contain 140-160 calories per serving. Jose Cuervo margarita mixes use common ingredients also found in other major margarita mix brands. Follow the simple directions on the bottle and adjust to taste to enjoy fresh margaritas without the hassle.

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