The Best Ready-to-Drink Margaritas

This zingy RTD comes as close as you can to a Margarita mixed in a bar, with a pleasing lime scent and a good balance of sweet and tart flavors. Tuck a few of the petite 100-ml cans into a beach bag, and enjoy over plenty of ice. 95 Points — Kara Newman 

A bottled Marg good enough to fool someone into thinking it came from their favorite Mexican restaurant. Since this is made by tequila brand Olmeca Altos, of course the agave spirit is front and center, sweetened just enough with triple sec and agave syrup. It all but cries out for a salted glass rim. 94 Points — K.N.

This easy-drinking canned Margarita has lively honey and citrus flavors, finishing with signature tequila bite. Particularly refreshing over ice, which tames the pleasingly peppery heat. 93 Points — K.N.

This crowd-pleasing RTD in bright aqua cans is backed by celebs Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Benson and Rosario Dawson. Look for a light orange hue, with what appears to be orange oil floating on the surface, and a honeyed, tangerine-like aroma. Made with tequila and triple sec, the palate is on the sweeter side, and is particularly crushable over ice. Garnish with an orange slice. 93 Points — K.N.

Clear and carbonated, with a mild lime peel scent, this is a light and refreshing option for those seeking a not-too-strong, not-too-sweet sipper — it’s made with agave and stevia leaf instead of sugar or orange liqueur – and finishes with a hint of citrus peel bitterness. Serve chilled. Best Buy. 92 Points — K.N.

Passionfruit isn’t part of the ingredient list; the foamy, deep yellow-orange appearance is due to turmeric and vegetable juice. But this fizzy drink, sweetened with agave and stevia leaf, still offers a bold tropical fruit aroma and mango nectar-like flavor, plus a mouthwatering citrusy finish. Serve chilled. Best Buy. 91 Points — K.N.

Made with mango puree, silver tequila and triple sec, plus agave and cane sugar, this Creamsicle-hued RTD has a bold fruit aroma and super-sweet palate. Consider topping up with chilled soda water to lighten just a bit. Best Buy. 90 Points — K.N.

Give this pink drink a whirl in the blender with plenty of ice, and you’ll have frozen strawberry Margs for a crowd. At first, this channels childhood sweet treats like cotton candy or powdered Fun-Dip; the colder it gets, the more the agave notes of the blanco tequila base come forward, cutting the sweetness. 89 Points — K.N.

Made with Jose Cuervo tequila and triple sec, look for a neon orange hue and light, melon-y scent. It’s a bit like drinking a liquefied Jolly Rancher; though it’s meant to be peach, the sweet flavor veers more toward cantaloupe, with a tangerine hint into the finish. Best Buy. 89 Points — K.N.

While grapefruit isn’t listed on the label – vegetable juice supplies the pale pink coloring – this carbonated drink still offers a bold and appealing grapefruit peel scent. The bubbly palate is super-light, sweetened with agave and stevia leaf, with a powdery floral exhale. 89 Points — K.N.

Overall, this is a super-light take on the RTD Margarita, in terms of flavor, sweetness and strength. The clear, carbonated liquid has a light citrus aroma and some lime-like acidity, made with both lime juice and citric acid. While it’s just a shadow of a true Margarita, it’s still a refreshing and appealing option, especially when well chilled and diluted with ice. 88 Points — K.N.

From tequila producer Cazadores, this carbonated RTD is clear and crisp, with a surprisingly coconutty aroma and flavor. A hint of lime emerges on the finish. Made with blanco tequila, lime juice and sparkling water. Best Buy. 88 Points — K.N.

A tequila-based take on the classic ginger beer-spiked Moscow Mule, this carbonated RTD pours yellowish and slightly frothy, with a bright ginger root aroma. The palate shows plenty of ginger aroma and heat. A honeyed note lingers into the finish. 88 Points — K.N.

Zing Zang is best known for its Bloody Mary mix, and the brand touts this RTD as made with an “award-winning” Margarita mix. Look for a frothy, pale-yellow pour with a mild aroma and sweet palate reminiscent of pineapple and lime juices. Best well-chilled and topped up with soda water. Best Buy. 88 Points — K.N.

Expect a bold yellow hue and bright, pleasing lemon-lime aroma. The palate skews sweet, offering Meyer lemon and honey. Top up with sparkling water. 87 Points — K.N.

Look for a pale straw hue and mild agave aroma. This bubbly RTD has a mild flavor, with some almond sweetness and a hint of citrus into the finish. Made with blanco tequila, triple sec, lime juice, sparkling water and “a pinch of salt.” 87 Points — K.N.

The party-ready bag-in-box packaging is equal to two 750-ml bottles. Made with a base of Drake’s Organic Tequila and triple sec, look for a pale yellow hue and sugary aroma. The palate is drying and citrusy, not too sweet, with a tart, puckery finish. 86 Points — K.N.

The long, thin tube is intriguing, but doesn’t display what’s inside: a startlingly Windex-blue Margarita. Since blue Curacao is an orange liqueur, it’s actually not a far stretch for a blue Margarita, often made with orange liqueur (though not typically blue). So how is it? Quite sweet, with some citrus tang on the finish. Enjoy it, but watch out for your white shirt while partaking. 86 Points — K.N.

Packaged in a 750-ml bottle shaped like a cobbler cocktail shaker, look for a pale straw hue and coconut aroma. The palate echoes that coconut note, layering funky, overripe fruit tones, plus citrusy acidity into the finish. 86 Points — K.N.

What’s inside the can: “sake infused with blanco tequila,” plus lime and lemon flavors. The end result is a cloudy, pale yellow liquid and sweet, slightly ersatz flavor with a citrusy hint. Serve well-chilled. 85 Points — K.N.