The Best Canned Margarita, According to Experts

It’s as bright and refreshing as shaking one yourself.

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With Cinco de Mayo (and summer) fast approaching, my cravings for a crisp margarita are stronger than any other time of year. While margs can be made many different ways, their classic sweet-sour flavor combination is nothing short of refreshing.

Although shaking up cocktails at home is undoubtedly fun, I’m no stranger to canned cocktails. Whether I’m entertaining last minute, heading to a friend’s house, or packing up for an outdoor event, these canned conveniences are the ultimate pinch hitters.

However, I’m not super familiar with that many canned margarita brands. I thought I’d see which variety food and beverage experts recommend and, surprisingly, they all shared the same one!

The Experts I Asked

• Natasha Fischer: Creator of food blog Trader Joe’s List and operator of kitchenware line Pat Cooks
• Erin Clarke: Creator of recipe blog Well Plated and best-selling author of Well Plated Cookbook and Well Plated Every Day
• Patty Castillo: Content creator and founder of Trader Joe’s Aficionado
• Kat Marris: Private chef and recipe developer

The Best Canned Margarita, According to Experts

“A good margarita is one of life's greatest pleasures, and while the safest bet is to make it yourself, let's be honest: we don't always have the time to juice limes—and even if we did, sometimes you just want life to be easy,” says Clarke, “Fortunately, canned cocktails have come a long way from the cloyingly sweet, instant-hangover versions of years past.”

And when it comes to canned margaritas, all of these experts agree that Cutwater makes the best. “What I love about them is the convenience and the variety they offer. They're absolutely delicious when perfectly chilled and are ideal for taking to a party, the beach, a picnic, or a barbecue,” explains Castillo. And among the seven unique margarita flavors Cutwater offers, our experts love several of them.

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Castillo, Fischer and Marris all reach for the lime margarita. “It’s definitely a little stronger, but when you want something that actually feels like you’re getting a full margarita you’d order at a bar, Cutwater nails it—it’s really well-balanced and satisfying,” says Fischer. Marris agrees, adding “this is my favorite canned margarita, it's super bright and fresh and the lime really shines through! I don't find this margarita to be overly sweet, which is important to me.” 

However, Marris also loves the mango flavor. “The mango margarita version is lush and bursting with sweet juicy mango flavor without being overpowering! It's my number one suggestion for someone who may not be a fan of the more acidic lime variation,” she adds.

Meanwhile, Clarke loves their paloma—a close relative to the margarita with tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda. “It is on the sweeter side, but when I am at an outdoor concert or event and craving something cold and easy, it totally fits the mood,” she explains.

But aside from simply cracking open one of these tasty cans, these professionals enjoy Cutwater in other unique ways. “I like to use the Cutwater lime margarita in a sorbet for summer parties. It has enough lime to carry through into the final product and is a lovely and refreshing treat,” says Marris. Similarly, Castillo often makes hers into a granita or uses it as a creative marinade base. “Just add some jalapeños, garlic, lime, olive oil, a Cutwater margarita, and pour it over skirt steak before grilling,” she recommends.

Fischer and Clarke often use Cutwater margaritas as a base for fancier cocktails. "I’ll pour one over ice, add a splash of fresh lime juice, maybe throw some Tajín or chili salt on the rim—it instantly feels elevated without having to do a whole lot,” says Fischer. “They are perfect for quick backyard hangouts or last-minute get-togethers when you want something fun to offer guests without needing to play bartender,” Clarke adds.

And conveniently, Cutwater can be found at major supermarkets, like Target, as well as many liquor stores nationwide.

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