This recipe is perfect for a Cinco de Mayo party—or anytime you want to serve margaritas to a crowd. I recently co-hosted a bridal shower where the theme was (the bride’s favorite) margaritas! So I volunteered to make my own copycat version of Frontera Grill Topolo Margaritas for a crowd—a recipe I’ve treasured for decades. I’ve adapted it over the years to make it easy to prepare ahead and transport to parties.

Note: This recipe was previously posted on March 28, 2023, and I’m sharing it again today in time for Cinco de Mayo and summer parties!

Frontera Grill Topolo Margaritas For A Crowd

Over 30 years ago, I started a graphic design business in Chicago in a location that, at the time, felt a little too far west of Michigan Avenue and a bit too far north of the Loop. But it turned out to be the perfect spot for our creative studio—right in the heart of an up-and-coming neighborhood.

Not long after we moved in, my business partner discovered a “cool and different” Mexican restaurant just around the corner. It was called Frontera Grill.

The chef behind it (yes, it was Rick Bayless) could often be seen moving through the kitchen, while his wife warmly greeted guests at the door. We quickly became regulars. The food was fresh and flavorful, and the atmosphere was welcoming—but the margaritas? Absolutely unforgettable. We found ourselves there for lunch almost every week, often bringing clients or meeting with sales reps over a round of their signature cocktails.

How I Acquired The Frontera Topolo Margaritas Recipe

As Frontera Grill’s popularity grew, we often skipped the long wait by grabbing seats at the bar. Over time, we got to know one of the bartenders—and eventually, he shared the secret to their fabulous Frontera Margaritas!

He gave us a large-batch recipe that started with 40 limes and several cups of sugar. We made it for one of our office parties, and it yielded nearly four gallons. Needless to say, it was a hit.

The Key Ingredients

What makes Frontera Grill’s margaritas extra special? Two things: fresh lime juice and Gran Torres orange liqueur instead of the usual triple sec.. A note about Gran Torres: I used to find it in a bottle like this but can no longer find it for sale! An option would be to try another fine orange liquor.

However, I found even if you don’t use Gran Torres or the finest tequila, these margaritas are still delicious! It is probably because you use fresh limes.

I thought we were privy to a secret recipe (and perhaps at the time, we were) but you can easily find many versions of the Fonterra Topolo Margarita recipe, but not to make enough for a crowd. That’s why I put together this recipe based on what their bartender told us decades ago.

The Best Margaritas For a Crowd

Back to the Margarita bridal shower, I only needed make around 40 margaritas for this event. I made the margarita recipe earlier in the day, kept it refrigerated and brought the batch in the perfect-size Rubbermaid 1 Gallon pitcher I found at a grocery store.

When I got to the party, I simply dumped the pre-mixed margaritas into a glass dispenser filled with ice! Glasses were lined up, with and without salt, and everyone at the party helped themselves to the pre-made margaritas. They were a hit and life was easy for the hosts! Here is my recipe.

Margaritas For a Crowd Recipe

Makes approximately 45 6 oz cocktails

Margaritas for a Crowd Ingredients

• 3-1/2 cup fresh lime juice, 21-24 large limes
• 2-3/4 cups sugar
• 7 cups blanco tequila
• 5 cups water
• 2 cups Gran Torres orange liqueur or triple sec
• Coarse salt to rim glasses
• Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions

1. Juice the limes, and combine the lime juice, sugar and water in a large glass or plastic mixing bowl.
2. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the tequila and orange liqueur and pour the contents into a large 1 gallon covered pitcher. Store for no more than 12 hours.
4. Pour over ice in a 1.5-2 gallon beverage dispenser, or into a punch bowl filled with ice to serve!

Continue to Content

Yield: 40

Margaritas For a Crowd

Print

Inspired by Frontera Grill's Topolo Margarita

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups fresh lime juice (from 21–24 large limes)
• 2 ¾ cups sugar
• 7 cups blanco tequila
• 5 cups water
• 2 cups Gran Torres orange liqueur (or Triple Sec)
• Coarse salt (for rimming glasses)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Juice the limes and combine the lime juice, sugar, and water in a large glass or plastic mixing bowl.
   
2. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
   
3. Add the tequila and orange liqueur, then pour the mixture into a 1-gallon covered pitcher.
   
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve—ideally no more than 12 hours ahead.
   
5. To serve, pour the margaritas over ice into a 1.5–2 gallon beverage dispenser or a punch bowl filled with ice.
   
6. Rim glasses with salt if desired, garnish with lime wedges, and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

40

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 164Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 0g

Shop for Juicers, Containers and Dispensers Here

Do you have a favorite drink or cocktail recipe that makes enough to serve a crowd?

You may also like more Fountain Of 30 party recipes like The Best Chunky Guacamole Recipe Hands Down! and Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas: Easy To Make (and Gluten-Free!)

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