Few things are better on a hot day than a nice, cold margarita. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one whenever you wanted? Break out your margarita machine, because it’s time to put it to work!
How do you use a margarita machine? Here are 5 easy steps:
- Get the ice reservoir ready to go
- Add the ice
- Add the desired ingredients for your margarita
- Blend to the desired thickness of drink
- Serve
This quick and easy guide will teach you how to use a margarita machine in these five easy steps. So, get your favorite drink recipe ready. You’re going to be ready to whip it up in no time!
But before you get started…make sure you have the right tools. Check out our guide to the Best Margarita Machines.
How to Use a Margarita Machine
Margaritaville machines are all made up of the same basic parts. This guide should easily get you from ice to delicious margarita in no time, no matter the model you’re using.
Let’s jump right in!
Step 1: Get the Ice Reservoir Ready to Go
The ice reservoir is where you put the ice cubes before they get shaved down. It must be locked into place properly, or the machine won’t work.
Take the lid off the ice reservoir and seat it into place. You will either need to twist it or press it into the locked position, depending on the model. Make sure it’s connected and tight or you won’t be getting any margaritas.
Step 2: Ice, Ice Baby
The essential part of any margarita recipe is the ice!
Fill the ice reservoir with ice cubes to get ready for shaving. Then, put the lid on and lock it into place. Again, it needs to be locked. Otherwise, your machine isn’t going to work.
Tip: Take your ice cubes out of the freezer about 10 minutes before you start making drinks for the best results.
Step 3: Add the Desired Ingredients for Your Margarita
It’s time to get your blending jar ready to go. This is where you put all the ingredients to eventually get mixed with that fluffy shaved ice.
Lift up on the blending jar and remove it from the machine. Add as few or as many ingredients to make the number of drinks you need.(No judgment here.) Just make sure not to overfill the blending jar, or you might end up with margarita all over your counter.
Refer to your favorite margarita recipe to mix up a smooth, tasty concoction.
When everything’s ready to go, replace the lid on the blending jar and set it back in the machine to get your mixing on.
Step 4: Make Some Margaritas
Making margaritas is the easiest part. Your Margaritaville machine will do all the work for you. You only need to lift a finger to push a button!
If your machine has the option, set the number of drinks you’ll be making and the kind of drink you want.
Press the automatic Shave ‘n Blend button to start the process.
Your machine shaves down the ice until it’s the perfect consistency and then dumps the shavings into the blending jar where your margarita is blended.
For a Thicker Margarita
Add more shaved ice to your blending jar by holding the switch to Shave Only until you’re satisfied with the amount.
Hold the switch to Blend Only to mix the new ice shaving into the drink and make it thicker. To avoid this step in the future, use less liquid drink mixers in your recipe!
For a Thinner Margarita
All you have to do is hold the switch in the Blend Only position until your margarita is at the consistency you desire. To avoid this step in the future, use more liquid drink mixer in your recipe!
Step 5: Serve
Lift up on the blending jar and remove it from the margarita machine.Take the lid off the jar and pour your perfectly mixed margarita in a glass.
Enjoy!
Margarita Machine vs. Blender – What’s the Difference?
Margarita machines are exactly what they sound like – a machine that makes margaritas!
It’s possible to make margaritas using a normal blender but they don’t come out nearly as tasty if you do. The key difference between the two is the margarita machine’s ability to shave the ice to a fine texture before the blending process.
And guess what — you don’t even have to use your machine to just make margaritas!
Because it blends ice into a perfectly smooth drink with your chosen ingredients, it’s the perfect tool for making smoothies as well. Just add fruit.
The Parts of a Margarita Machine
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect to find on your margarita machine so you can get familiar with it.
- The main machine is the base where everything rests. It’s where the buttons and the power cord are located.
- The ice reservoir is where the ice cubes go before they get shaved down.
- The ice hopper contains the shaving paddle and ice shaving blade.
- The ice chute sends the ice from the ice reservoir to the blending jar.
- The blending jar is where you put your drink ingredients to get mixed with the shaved ice. There is a sharp blending blade at the bottom.
Now that you know what goes into your machine, let’s find out how it all works.
How to Clean a Margarita Machine
Taking care of your margarita machine is crucial to keep it in tip-top shape for every use. The last thing you want is to taste the remnants of your last margarita in your new one. Gross.
Follow these steps to give your machine a good scrubbing before your next party.
Step 1: Get Rid of Excess Ice
The best way to get rid of any remaining ice in the reservoir is to send it through the machine. Do this by holding the switch to Shave Only and let the shavings fall into the blending jar until there’s nothing left.
Check the ice melt reservoir on the back of your margarita machine every so often during use and empty the water whenever it gets full.
Step 2: Disassemble Your Margarita Machine
Take apart your Margaritaville machine with care. Every piece has a simple removal mechanism to make it easy for you to clean it all out. Make sure the machine is unplugged before you get started.
Remove the parts of your margarita machine in this order:
- Ice Reservoir Lid
- Ice Reservoir
- Shaving Paddle
- Ice Hopper**
- Blending Jar
- Blending Jar Lid (from the blending jar)
- Blending Jar Base (from the blending jar)**
- Ice Melt Reservoir
**These parts include sharp blades. Watch your fingers!
Step 3: Clean Everything Off
Wash the first four parts on the list above using only warm water and soap. They are the most sensitive parts of your margarita machine and need to be handled gently. Let them air dry.
The last four parts listed above can be washed in your dishwasher if you prefer. Only put them on the top rack! You may end up with damaged parts if you don’t.
To clean the outside of the main machine, just use a damp cloth to wipe it down and get it looking nice and shiny again.
Step 4: Put It Back Together
Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble your margarita machine in the opposite order of how you took it apart.
Make sure everything is locked smoothly into place and seated correctly. That way it’s ready to go the next time you want to use it.
Enjoy Your Stay in Margaritaville
You are now equipped with the knowledge you need to start mixing up that perfect margarita recipe. Sounds nice and easy, doesn’t it?
Just fill up on ice, toss in your ingredients, and go! Wow your guests at your next get together with your drink-mixing prowess. Or make yourself a cool glass to accompany you on the patio for some relaxation time. All that matters is that you enjoy yourself.
