Ninja Slushi Margarita Recipe

It’s hot outside, and nothing cools me down like a frozen drink. The Ninja Slushi Margarita Recipe is my favorite way to enjoy summer. It tastes fresh and smooth, with a nice icy feel that makes every sip fun. I love making this at home because it’s easy, quick and refreshing.

What Does Slushi Margarita Taste Like?

This margarita tastes like a little burst of summer in every sip. It’s cool, refreshing, and has a nice tang from the lime. The tequila gives it a warm kick, while the margarita mix keeps it smooth and balanced. I usually like my drink not too sweet and not too sour, and this recipe hits that sweet spot just right.

Ninja Slushi Margarita Recipe Ingredients

• Tequila (6 oz, Blanco): Use a good silver (blanco) tequila. It gives a clean, smooth taste. You can use reposado if you like a little more flavor.
• Lime Juice (3 oz, freshly squeezed): Fresh is best. Squeeze 2–3 limes for bright, zesty flavor. Skip bottled juice—it’s not the same.
• Triple Sec (2 oz): Adds a sweet, citrusy hint. Try DeKuyper or Cointreau for smooth blending.
• Simple Syrup (2 oz): Mix equal parts sugar and water. It softens the tart lime. Add more if you like it sweeter.
• Water (3 oz): Helps make the perfect slushy texture. Use less for a stronger drink, more for a lighter one.
• Kosher Salt (for rim, about 2 tbsp): Rim the glass with coarse salt. It adds a nice savory touch. Optional but tasty.
• Lime Wedges or Slices (for garnish): Add a lime wedge or wheel to each glass. It looks nice and smells fresh.

Substitutions and Helpful Swaps

1. Tequila: If you don’t have blanco tequila, reposado works for a smoother, slightly sweeter flavor. For a smokier twist, try mezcal. If you want a non-alcoholic version, use a zero-proof tequila alternative or extra water.
2. Lime Juice: Try fresh lemon juice for a slightly different but still zesty taste. Avoid bottled juice if possible—it’s just not as bright.
3. Triple Sec: Swap triple sec with another orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or a splash of orange juice for a lighter option. If you want less sweetness, skip it and add a bit more water.
4. Simple Syrup: Agave nectar or honey works great instead of simple syrup. I like monkfruit sweetener for a sugar-free option—it dissolves well and keeps the drink light. Start with 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
5. Kosher Salt: Try Tajín for a spicy, chili-lime rim, or mix in some sugar for a sweet-salty combo. If you don’t like rims, just leave it off.
6. Fruit Twist: Blend strawberries, mango, or watermelon and add to the mix for a fruity margarita. Blend first, then add to the Ninja Slushi for a smooth texture.

Kitchen Equipment Needed to Make This Dish

• Ninja Slushi Maker – This is the star of the recipe. It freezes and blends everything into a perfect slush.
• Measuring Cups – For the mix, tequila, and water.
• Glass – Any glass will work, but I like using a wide margarita glass.
• Small Plate – For the salt rim.
• Knife and Cutting Board – To slice your lime.
• Straw (Optional) – For sipping that cold drink easily.

How To Make Ninja Slushi Margarita Recipe

Step 1 | Chill Your Ingredients
Chill the tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and water in the fridge for a couple of hours. When everything is cold, the Ninja Slushi machine can freeze your margarita mix much faster—around 20 to 25 minutes instead of 30 to 40. If you’re in a hurry, it’s okay to skip this step.

Step 2 | Mix the Ingredients
In a small pitcher or mixing bowl. Pour in 6 oz of blanco tequila, 3 oz of fresh lime juice, 2 oz of triple sec, 2 oz of simple syrup, and 3 oz of water. Stir everything together with a spoon or small whisk until fully combined. Make sure your total liquid is between 8–16 oz to stay within the Ninja Slushi machine’s fill lines. If you want it stronger, use just 2 oz of water. For a lighter version, add 1 more ounce of water.

Step 3 | Prep the Ninja Slushi
Open the Ninja Slushi machine and pour the margarita mix into the container. Be careful not to go past the max fill line—check the markings on the side to be sure. Once it’s filled properly, close the lid tightly so the machine can work correctly.

Step 4 | Set the Machine
Turn on your Ninja Slushi and select the “Spiked Slush” setting. I usually keep it at the default level for the perfect slushy texture. If you like your margarita a bit icier, bump it up to level 3. The machine will begin spinning and freezing the mixture. It usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on how cold your ingredients were. When it’s ready, the machine will beep three times.

Step 5 | Prepare the Glasses
While the machine is working, get your glasses ready. For a classic margarita touch, salt the rims. Pour 2 tablespoons of kosher salt onto a small plate. Cut a lime in half, rub the juicy side around the rim of each glass, and gently dip and roll the rim in the salt. Don’t drag it or the salt will clump or fall off. Set the glasses aside and slice a few lime wheels or wedges for garnish.

Step 6 | Dispense the Margarita
Once the machine beeps, it’s time to pour! Place a glass under the spout and pull the handle to dispense the frozen margarita. Be sure to use the drip tray to catch any overflow. Fill each glass about ¾ full. If you like a stronger drink, you can stir in an extra ½ oz of tequila right into the glass.

Step 7 | Garnish and Serve
Add a lime slice or wedge to the rim of each glass. You can also pop in a straw if you like. Serve your Ninja Slushi Margarita right away while it’s icy cold and super refreshing. Cheers!

Pro Tips for a Refreshing Margarita

Keep your tequila in the freezer before making the drink. This helps it blend better and makes the final drink colder. Cold ingredients work better in the Ninja Slushi machine.
If you want a stronger lime flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to each glass before serving.
Don’t open the machine while it’s working. This can mess up the texture and make the process take longer.
Taste your margarita before serving and adjust if needed. You can add more mix if it’s too strong, or more tequila if it’s too weak.

Best Way to Serve a Slushy Margarita

Serve the margarita immediately after making it. The texture is best when it’s fresh from the machine. If you wait too long, it can start to separate or get watery. I like to have my guests ready to drink as soon as the machine is done.

Add a lime wheel and a colorful straw to make it look fancy. You can also add a small umbrella or other fun garnish if you’re having a party. The presentation makes a big difference in how special the drink feels.

Keep extra margarita in the machine if you made a big batch. The machine will keep it at the right temperature and texture for about an hour. Just give it a quick stir before serving more.

Make Ahead

You can mix the margarita mix, tequila, and water ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to make the drink. Just pour the mixture into the Ninja Slushi machine and let it work.

I don’t recommend making the actual slushy drink ahead of time. The texture is best when it’s fresh. But having the liquid mixture ready makes the process much faster when you have guests coming over.

You can also prep your glasses ahead of time. Salt the rims and cut your lime garnishes earlier in the day. Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Storage Tips

Leftover margarita can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. It will lose its slushy texture and become more like a regular drink. You can pour it over ice or put it back in the Ninja Slushi machine to make it slushy again.

Store any extra margarita mix in the fridge after opening. Most mixes last for several weeks when stored properly. Check the expiration date on the bottle to be sure.
Keep your tequila in a cool, dark place. It doesn’t need to be refrigerated, but storing it in the freezer makes it perfect for frozen drinks. Frozen tequila pours better and mixes more easily.

Don’t store the drink in the Ninja Slushi machine for more than a few hours. The machine isn’t designed for long-term storage, and the drink can separate or lose its texture.

Ninja Slushi Margarita Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Ninja Slushi Margarita?

Yes, you can make it non-alcoholic by using a zero-proof tequila substitute or skipping alcohol entirely. Replace it with extra lime juice and sparkling water to keep the tang and fizz.

2. What is the ideal alcohol-to-mix ratio for a balanced margarita?

A balanced margarita usually has a 2:1:1 ratio—two parts tequila, one part lime juice, and one part orange liqueur. For frozen drinks like this one, extra water or ice is added to maintain slushy texture. Always keep total liquid under 16 oz to fit the Ninja Slushi machine without overflow.

3. Can I use a different blender instead of a Ninja Slushi machine?

Yes, but the texture may vary. If using a high-speed blender, freeze the margarita mixture into ice cubes first, then blend until slushy. Unlike the Ninja Slushi, regular blenders don’t freeze while blending, so your drink might turn watery faster unless ingredients are pre-frozen.

4. What’s the difference between Triple Sec and Cointreau?

Both are orange liqueurs, but Cointreau has a higher alcohol content and a more refined, slightly bitter flavor. Triple Sec is lighter, often sweeter, and more affordable. Either can be used in this recipe, but Cointreau may add a smoother, more balanced finish if preferred.

5. Why is my margarita not slushy enough after blending?

This usually happens if the ingredients weren’t cold or the total liquid exceeded the machine’s max fill line. Warm liquid takes longer to freeze, and overfilling affects freezing efficiency. Try chilling ingredients longer, using less water, and double-checking the fill level before starting the machine.

6. Can I use flavored tequila in this recipe?

Yes, flavored tequila like lime, mango, or jalapeño can add a fun twist. Just make sure it’s a good-quality brand so the flavor doesn’t taste artificial.

7. Can I turn this recipe into a pitcher drink for a crowd?

Absolutely! Mix a larger batch (without freezing) and store in the fridge. When ready to serve, pour portions into the Ninja Slushi to freeze and blend in smaller batches.