3 Must Make Drinks Using the Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker

When we remodeled our basement a few years ago, we added a Tiki Bar.  It’s our own version of our favorite place, Margaritaville Key West.  We rushed out and bought our own Margaritaville Frozen Concoction Maker.  Well, let’s say, after much research to find the best margarita machine, we then rushed out… and bought The Navigator.  Before we dive into those amazing drink recipes… let’s explore your options when it comes to buying a drink maker.

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Drink Maker Options

Kitchen Blender

First off, you have your ordinary kitchen blender.  If this is all you have… then go for it.  But, most blenders won’t create the restaurant-quality drink you are looking for.  I can’t seem to figure out how not to have chunks of ice in my drinks.  If you are going the blender route, consider upgrading to a good blender.  My two recommendations are the KitchenAid K150 series. It crushes ice and makes great smoothies. (click here to see the amazing choices) or a Vitamix (click here to shop).

Ninja Blender

These are, in my opinion, a step up from the kitchen blender. The Ninja Blenders (click here to shop) offers power and are more reasonably priced. The best option is the Ninja Bullet because it crushes ice and makes a nice single-serve option, instead of making a full pitcher of margaritas.

Margaritaville Machines

Now, the best option is the Margaritaville Machines. The drinks have the best texture and come so so close to restaurant-quality drinks. Be prepared to impress, not only yourself but all of your friends.

There are several options, but the basics of the machine are the same. With a touch of a button, the machine automatically crushes the right proportion of ice for your drink. The machines have automatic settings, which make it very easy to make the perfect margarita. Or, you can use the manual controls to customize the drink your way.

The Margaritaville Bahamas Frozen Concoction Maker is the least expensive. It’s a great model to start with or use on the road. It’s very similar to the one I bought and I have been very happy with ours. It can make a 36-ounce pitcher of margaritas and looks great on the bar.

The Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker dispenses directly into your glass. Not sure, about the price, this is a needed upgrade.

Hosting large parties?? Then the Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker is a must!

My Favorite Recipes

margaritaville frozen concoction maker
Our own slice of Margaritaville

Margarita

Fill the ice reservoir.  In the base container add:

4 oz gold tequila

1 oz triple sec

1 oz lime juice

3 oz orange juice

4 oz Margarita mix

Turn on the machine and push the start/shave button.  The machine will do the rest.

margaritaville frozen concoction maker

Strawberry Daiquiri

I am not a fan of a sweet daiquiri.  This recipe has the darker notes from the dark rum.  If you prefer, double the amount of light rum and skip the dark, this will give the drink a lighter sweeter note.

Fill the ice reservoir.  In the base container add:

3 oz light rum

3 oz dark rum

1 oz pineapple juice

4 oz Strawberry Daiquiri Mix

Turn on the machine and push the start/shave button.  The machine will do the rest.

margaritaville frozen concoction maker

Pina Colada

This is one of my favorite versions of Pina Coladas.

Fill the ice reservoir.  In the base container add:

4 oz light rum

4 oz cream of coconut

4 oz pineapple juice

Turn on the machine and push the start/shave button.  The machine will do the rest.

margaritaville frozen concoction maker

Tips for Using Your Margaritaville Margarita Maker

First, let the ice sit out for about 10 minutes.  I fill the ice bucket with ice and then pour the ice into the reservoir.  Then I begin to assemble the drink ingredients.  This lets the ice melt slightly and helps the machine create the perfect frozen drink texture.

Second, we have the Navigator version, and the perfect amount of liquid that needs to be in the blending jar is 12 ounces.  If you want a thicker drink, then add only 11 ounces and hold the shave-n-blend control button longer.  If you want a thinner drink, add 13 ounces of liquid.  If you adjust any of your drink recipes to be 12 ounces, the machine, if you use the automatic setting, will make the perfect drink each and every time.  Check your directions to ensure yours recommends 12 ounces as the amount needed to make a drink.

margaritaville frozen concoction maker

Third, don’t feel that you need to drink the entire pitcher at one time.  I have freezer-safe containers at the ready and when I have poured out how much I want, the rest can go into the container and be stored in the freezer until ready to drink.  Let the frozen concoction thaw slightly and it will be ready to go.

Fourth, the machine is very easy to clean.  I wipe it down after making each drink; keeps the machine from becoming “sticky”.  After the ice has melted in the reservoir, I drain the holding container in the back and rinse it out.  The base washes with soap and water.  I use a large bottle brush to keep my hands from touching the blades.

My Favorite Extras for the Tiki Bar

Every home Tiki bar needs to feel like an escape. A place to feel like you are on vacation, even if it’s a Tuesday night.

Of course, everyone needs a set of margarita glasses to enjoy these drinks. 

(recipes adapted from margaritaville.com)

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