There’s a unique kind of joy that comes from making something delicious and sharing it with the people you love—and few things bring the party together quite like a good margarita. Thank you so much for being here. Whether you’re planning a summer cookout, a game-day gathering, or just craving something vibrant and refreshing for a get-together with friends, I’m thrilled to share this big-batch Strawberry Margarita by the Gallon recipe with you. It’s colorful, it’s full of real fruit flavor, and it’s perfect for entertaining. I’ve made it for countless events, and each time I do, I wish I’d made even more. That’s always a good sign, right?

What Is a Strawberry Margarita by the Gallon?

This recipe is exactly what it sounds like—a strawberry margarita recipe made in a one-gallon batch, yielding enough for approximately 16 to 20 servings. The flavor is everything you want in a margarita: a balanced blend of sweet, tart, and boozy with the added natural goodness of fresh strawberries and limes. This isn’t your average sugary mixer poured over ice; it’s a fruit-forward, hand-prepared cocktail experience that just happens to come in party-size. It’s a game-changer for any kind of celebration where you want to serve up something special without being stuck behind the bar mixing drinks all evening.

It’s fresh. It’s easy. And best of all, it gets even better as it sits and infuses in the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Margarita by the Gallon

There are so many reasons to love this recipe, and I’m convinced it will become a staple for your entertaining toolkit. Here’s why:

It saves time. This isn’t a drink that requires fancy equipment, endless shaking, or dozens of steps. Once you mix it up, it’s done—and guests can help themselves.

It’s incredibly flavorful. Thanks to the fresh strawberries and lime, this drink doesn’t taste like an artificial cocktail mix. It’s bright, juicy, and naturally sweet with a nice tang from the citrus and sweet and sour mix.

It’s cost-effective. Buying ingredients in bulk for a large batch is often more economical than preparing individual cocktails. Plus, you’re likely to use fewer bottles overall.

It’s beautiful to serve. With fresh fruit floating in the mix, this drink looks as good as it tastes. It’s like summer in a pitcher.

It’s adaptable. Whether you want to make it stronger, lighter, spicier, or non-alcoholic, this recipe is a fantastic base for all kinds of twists.

What Does It Taste Like?

If you’ve ever had a well-made strawberry margarita at a nice bar, you know the magic of this flavor combo. This gallon-sized version captures all of that—but with even more depth. The tequila brings warmth, the triple sec adds that orange citrus touch, and the strawberry schnapps delivers an extra layer of sweet, fruity richness. The fresh strawberries steeped in the mixture lend natural flavor and color, while the lime slices add brightness and zest. The result is a drink that is juicy, tart, smooth, and satisfying—never too syrupy or overly alcoholic. It’s a balanced cocktail that truly tastes like sunshine in a glass.

Benefits of This Recipe

Let’s talk practical benefits, because this recipe is just as smart as it is delicious:

It’s make-ahead friendly. You can mix the entire batch hours before your party starts, which means more time to enjoy your guests.
It scales beautifully. Want to serve 40 people? Double the recipe. It’s that simple.
It’s a conversation starter. Set it out in a clear beverage dispenser, and people will be asking about the recipe within minutes.
It’s flexible. You can easily customize the alcohol levels, sweetness, and fruit combinations to suit your guests’ preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your full ingredient list to build this flavorful gallon cocktail. Each component plays a role in delivering the ultimate big-batch strawberry margarita experience.

4 cups (32 oz) tequila (blanco or silver works best)
2 cups (16 oz) triple sec (orange liqueur like Cointreau is perfect)
2 cups (16 oz) strawberry schnapps (adds sweet berry depth)
4 cups sweet and sour mix (store-bought is fine, but homemade will shine)
2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
4 to 5 limes, thinly sliced into wheels or half-moons
Plenty of ice (for serving)
Optional: Club soda (if you’d like a lighter, fizzy version)

Tools and Equipment

To prepare and serve this recipe, you’ll need:

One-gallon beverage dispenser or large pitcher
Sharp knife and cutting board
Long spoon or stir stick
Measuring cups
Ice bucket or cooler for keeping glasses chilled
Optional: Citrus juicer if you’re making homemade sweet and sour mix

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

One of the things I love about this recipe is how flexible it is. You can make it your own in so many ways:

Swap strawberry schnapps for peach schnapps for a sweet, stone fruit variation.
Use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. They’ll also help chill the drink.
Add sliced jalapeños to give it a spicy edge.
Stir in fresh herbs like mint or basil for a garden-fresh twist.
Replace sweet and sour mix with fresh lime juice and agave syrup for a more natural take.
Make it non-alcoholic by replacing all alcohol with strawberry lemonade and sparkling water.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to put it all together. Trust me—it’s easier than it looks and comes together quickly.

1. Prep Your Fruit

Start by hulling and halving the fresh strawberries. You want them to be bite-sized so they release flavor and look pretty in the drink. Then, slice your limes into thin wheels or half-moons. These will infuse and also make for a striking presentation.

2. Mix the Margarita Base

In your large pitcher or beverage dispenser, pour in the tequila, triple sec, and strawberry schnapps. Then add the sweet and sour mix. Stir everything together thoroughly. You want the alcohol and mixers to be fully blended before adding the fruit.

3. Add the Fruit

Drop in the strawberries and lime slices. Stir gently, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed throughout the drink. This is where the magic starts—let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the flavors can infuse. For the best taste, I recommend up to 8 hours of chilling.

4. Serve

When you’re ready to serve, fill individual glasses with ice and pour the margarita over top. Avoid adding ice directly to the dispenser so the mixture doesn’t get watered down over time. Garnish with extra strawberries or a lime wheel if desired.

What to Serve with This Margarita

This fruity margarita is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a few great dishes really brings the experience to life. Here are a few serving ideas:

Chips with fresh guacamole or mango salsa
Grilled fish tacos with lime crema
Mexican street corn (elote)
Spicy shrimp skewers
Watermelon, cucumber, or pineapple skewers for a light, refreshing side

Basically, anything zesty, spicy, or fresh will make this drink shine even brighter.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to make sure your Strawberry Margarita by the Gallon is a total hit:

Use quality tequila. This isn’t the time to go for the cheapest bottle. A good blanco or silver tequila makes a big difference.
Avoid watering it down. Always serve over ice, but never add ice to the entire batch.
Stir well before serving. The fruit and alcohol can settle slightly.
Chill it thoroughly. The longer it sits in the fridge (up to 8 hours), the better it gets.
Taste and tweak. If it’s too strong or too sweet, add a little water, lime juice, or club soda.

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers—which is rare—here’s how to keep them:

Store in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Remove the fruit after the first day to prevent bitterness or mushiness.
Stir again before serving as flavors may settle.

Alternatively, if you’re prepping ahead of time, you can mix all the liquids in advance and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Then add fresh fruit a few hours before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work beautifully and help chill the drink. Just make sure they’re unsweetened.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without alcohol?
Absolutely. Replace the tequila, triple sec, and schnapps with a mix of strawberry lemonade and sparkling water or club soda. It’s a hit with kids and non-drinkers alike.

How do I make a homemade sweet and sour mix?
Combine 1 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 cup fresh lime juice, and 1½ cups simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved). This makes about 4 cups and gives the drink a fresher taste.

How strong is the final drink?
Moderately strong—each serving contains around 1.5 ounces of alcohol. You can easily adjust by adding more sweet and sour mix or a splash of soda.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger party?
Yes! This recipe scales up perfectly. Just make sure your container is big enough and that you give the mix enough time to chill.

Summary: Why You’ll Love Making This Margarita Again and Again

There’s something so satisfying about creating a drink that’s not only delicious but also stress-free to serve. This Strawberry Margarita by the Gallon is an effortless way to wow a crowd without spending the night behind a bar cart. It’s fresh, fruity, and full of summer vibes—and I promise your guests will ask you for the recipe every single time.

Whether it’s for a family cookout, bridal shower, beach day, or laid-back Sunday gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles and empty glasses. And with a few tweaks, it can work for just about any preference or dietary need.

More Fruity and Fun Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re in the mood to explore more refreshing, crowd-pleasing drinks, check out these flavorful favorites:

Moana Cocktails Recipe – a tropical escape in a glass, perfect for theme parties or luau nights.
Sun-Kissed Frost Lush Frozen Cocktail Dessert – a frozen delight that blends cocktail and dessert into one indulgent experience.
Peach Thunder Rush Cocktail Recipe – for those who love bold peach flavor with a kick.

Let’s Stay Connected

If you make this recipe, I would love to see it! Share your photos, tag me on Pinterest, and leave a review below to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others find this recipe.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Based on 20 Servings)

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 0g
Fat: 0g
Alcohol: Approximately 1.5 oz
Vitamin C: About 10% of the daily recommended value, thanks to the fresh fruit

Strawberry Margarita by the Gallon: A Fruity Party Favorite Everyone Will Love

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

Strawberry Margarita by the Gallon is the ultimate make-ahead party drink! Made with fresh strawberries, lime slices, tequila, and strawberry schnapps, this fruity big-batch cocktail is perfect for summer BBQs, game days, and any gathering that calls for a vibrant, refreshing sip. It’s quick to prep, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups (32 oz) tequila (silver/blanco recommended)
2 cups (16 oz) triple sec
2 cups (16 oz) strawberry schnapps
4 cups sweet & sour mix (store-bought or homemade)
2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
4–5 limes, sliced into thin wheels or half-moons
Ice (for serving – don’t mix into the dispenser)

Optional: Club soda for a lighter, bubbly twist

Instructions

Prepare the fruit: Hull and halve the strawberries. Slice the limes into wheels or half-moons.
Mix the margarita base: In a gallon-sized beverage dispenser or large pitcher, combine the tequila, triple sec, strawberry schnapps, and sweet & sour mix. Stir well.
Add the fruit: Toss in the strawberries and lime slices. Gently stir to distribute.
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to let the fruit infuse.
Serve: Fill individual cups with ice and pour the margarita mixture over. Garnish with extra strawberries or lime wheels if desired.
Optional: Top with a splash of club soda for a fizzy, lighter version!

Notes

Make ahead tip: This recipe is even better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge. Mix in the morning, serve by evening!
Serving size: Makes roughly 16 to 20 servings, depending on your pour and how much ice you use.
Want a mocktail version? Replace all alcohol with strawberry lemonade and sparkling water.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Remove the fruit after 24 hours to prevent bitterness.
*Use frozen strawberries if fresh are out of season—they’ll help chill the drink, too!

*Don’t add ice directly to the dispenser—it’ll water the mix down too fast. Serve over ice instead.