The classic Margarita, with its blanco tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice and a dash of agave nectar sweetness, is a favorite cocktail worldwide. Its roots extend back to the 1930s, and as it rose in popularity, brands such as José Cuervo capitalized on its status by producing pre-mixed Margarita solutions for home use. This saved many a host from having to squeeze numerous limes to quench their party guests' thirst.

However, many mixologists look down upon these bottled mixes. Many are pasteurized, a process which can compromise the refreshing zing of the lime juice and turn it somewhat bitter and uninspiring. To mask this, additional sweeteners and colorings are often added, but some of these mixtures actually hit quite close to home in terms of traditional Margarita flavor.

A selection of 10 readily available pre-made Margarita mixes was put to the test, including both shelf-stable varieties and those which require refrigeration. While there are many enticing flavor additions available, such as fiery jalapeño or grapefruit juice, this taste test centered on the basic lime Margarita to maintain consistency.

Nine editors from Food & Wine participated in this blind taste test, trying each Margarita one after the other, prepared strictly according to the bottle's instructions, using Astral blanco tequila -- made from 100% agave. The Margaritas were promptly served at the optimal temperature and texture, and notes were taken before moving to the next sample.

Editor feedback was requested on three main areas: the flavor and natural freshness of the mix, the texture of the drink, and the balance of tequila to mix. The overarching consideration, however, was the risk of over-sweetening, a common pitfall for pre-made mixes.

The clear victor, surprising even the tasters, was Fresh Victor's Margarita Mix, a refrigerated mixer of fresh lime juice, filtered water, cane sugar, and a touch of agave syrup. It balanced sweet and tart notes, accentuating the tequila without any underlying bitterness.

It's not shocking that such a fine mix came from a Margarita veteran--founder Ken MacKenzie, a seasoned consultant for Mexican spirits brands seeking entry into the US market, and the founder of a premium tequila brand in the 1990s.

Capturing the first runner-up place was Fever-Tree, known for their bottled tonics and club sodas. One favorable editor's comment proclaimed: “This is the only one I've tasted that feels like it could have come from an actual cocktail bar.” The mix received high marks for its smooth texture that struck a balance between richness and stickiness, but was slightly penalized for a mild artificial lime note.

Lastly, among the ex-bartenders and drink gurus participating in the taste test, Tommy's Margarita mix stood out. Created by legendary bartender Julio Bermejo, this pre-mix recipe focuses on a tequila-forward blend. The mix is composed of a simple trio: fresh lime juice, sugar, and water. Nailing the balance of flavors, it particularly shone due to its suggested tequila-mix ratio, leaving plenty of room for good-quality tequila to shine through.

The takeaway from the taste test? You can enjoy convenient pre-mixed Margaritas without compromising much on taste or quality, but it's important to choose the right mix. And maybe for that extra touch, squeeze a little bit of fresh lime into the final cocktail to bring homemade freshness into the mix.