The Kirkland Signature Golden Margarita is a popular ready-to-drink cocktail available at Costco, prized for its convenience and large bottle size. But for party planners and hosts, the key question is: just how many servings are in one of these bottles? The answer varies slightly based on the serving size, but multiple sources point to a range of 17 to 22 standard cocktails per 1.75-liter bottle.
Factors Influencing Serving Size
The number of servings from a single bottle is not a static figure. It can be influenced by several factors, including the type of glassware used, how much ice is added, and whether you're serving a simple pour or a blended frozen drink.
Pouring Over Ice
When pouring the Kirkland Golden Margarita over ice, the drink will become slightly diluted as the ice melts. This method can help stretch the bottle further. A standard 5-ounce cocktail serving, poured over a generous amount of ice, can easily result in the higher end of the 17-22 serving range. For instance, a 1.75-liter bottle contains approximately 59.2 fluid ounces. Dividing that by a 5-ounce pour gives you over 11 servings, but this doesn't account for the volume displacement of ice, which means more individual drinks are possible. Official Costco listings suggest around 17 servings for this method, providing a buffer for ice and garnish space.
Blending for a Frozen Margarita
For those who prefer a slushy frozen margarita, the process is slightly different. Blending the mix with additional ice will increase the total volume of the final drink. This often leads to more servings, as the ice essentially adds volume without adding more of the pre-mixed cocktail. For instance, blending a frozen margarita in a large batch for a group can help you reach the higher end of the serving estimate, or even exceed it, depending on the ice-to-mix ratio. It's common for some retailers to state up to 22 servings per bottle, likely factoring in this preparation style.
How to Measure Accurately
For those needing a precise count, using a jigger or measuring cup is the most reliable method. Since a 1.75L bottle holds about 59.2 ounces, you can easily calculate servings based on your desired pour size. Here's a quick guide:
- For a 3 oz pour: You can get approximately 19 servings (59.2 / 3). This is a good choice for smaller, more potent drinks.
- For a 4 oz pour: You will get about 14 servings (59.2 / 4).
- For a 5 oz pour: You will get about 11-12 servings (59.2 / 5).
However, these calculations do not account for the standard cocktail measurement, which includes other ingredients. Given the Kirkland Golden Margarita is ready-to-drink, these pours are the total volume per glass. The 17-22 serving range provided by retailers is a useful benchmark that accounts for the typical way most consumers will serve it: over ice and garnished.
Alcohol Content and Servings
The Kirkland Golden Margarita has an alcohol content of 12.7% ABV. A standard drink in the U.S. contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This means a single standard drink of the margarita is about 4.7 fluid ounces of the pre-mixed cocktail. The 1.75L bottle (59.2 oz) would therefore contain approximately 12.6 standard drinks, purely based on alcohol content. It's important to remember that this is different from the number of cocktail servings you will get, which is a measure of total volume. The servings listed on the bottle are a more practical guide for party planning.
Comparison: Kirkland vs. Homemade Margarita
| Feature | Kirkland Golden Margarita | Traditional Homemade Margarita |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Simply pour over ice. | Requires multiple ingredients and mixing. |
| Cost per Serving | Very cost-effective due to bulk sizing. | Varies based on quality and cost of tequila, liqueurs, and fresh ingredients. |
| Servings per Batch | Approximately 17-22 per 1.75L bottle. | Varies by recipe and bartender's pour. |
| Flavor Control | Fixed flavor profile. | Adjustable to personal preference (more tart, sweeter, stronger). |
| Ingredients | Ready-made blend of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and 100% cane sugar. | Fresh lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur (like triple sec or Grand Marnier), and agave nectar or simple syrup. |
| Customization | Can be modified with extra tequila, lime juice, or fruit purees. | Infinitely customizable with different tequilas, liqueurs, and fruits. |
Conclusion
The 1.75-liter bottle of Kirkland Golden Margarita offers a significant number of servings, making it a highly convenient and economical choice for parties and gatherings. While official retailers suggest getting between 17 and 22 cocktails, the exact number will depend on how you choose to serve it. For a simple pour over ice, aim for the lower end of that range. If you're blending it with extra ice or serving in smaller glasses, you can expect to get more. The sheer size and convenience make it a party-ready staple that takes the guesswork out of mixing. Its blend of authentic golden tequila, triple sec, and real lime juice provides a solid foundation that can be enjoyed as-is or customized with additional ingredients.
