If you want restaurant-quality frozen margaritas on demand at your next backyard cookout, Taco Tuesday, or wedding reception, a dedicated margarita machine is the single best upgrade you can make. I have spent the last three months testing seven of the most popular frozen margarita machines on the market, running each through real party scenarios with batches of 8 to 30 drinks, comparing texture, noise, cleanup, and overall party-host friendliness. This guide covers the best margarita machines for parties in 2026, with honest picks for every budget and guest count.
A standard blender can crush ice, but it cannot deliver the smooth, consistent slush that keeps guests coming back for round three. The machines in this roundup use either shave-and-blend or compressor-based freezing systems that produce noticeably better frozen drinks. Whether you are shopping for a compact slushie maker for family dinners or a commercial-grade frozen cocktail maker for weddings, there is something here for your hosting style.
I tested each unit by making classic lime margaritas, strawberry daiquiris, piña coladas, and non-alcoholic slushies. I weighed noise levels against conversation, measured how long cleanup took, and confirmed which parts are genuinely dishwasher safe. By the end, I had a clear picture of which frozen drink machines actually perform under party pressure and which ones are better for occasional use.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Margarita Machines for Parties (August 2026)
Margaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction…
- Shave-and-blend
- 4 preset settings
- XL ice reservoir
- Easy-pour jar
Ninja SLUSHi MAX Smart Frozen Drink Maker
- Ice-free slush
- 150 oz capacity
- SlushAssist tech
- 12-hour chill
Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker
- 1-gallon capacity
- Double insulated
- Carry handle
- Stainless spout
Best Margarita Machines for Parties in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Margaritaville Key West |
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 Margaritaville Tahiti |
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 Margaritaville Bali |
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 Ninja SLUSHi XL |
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| Ninja SLUSHi MAX |
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 Iceman Slush-Ease MAX |
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| Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker |
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1. Margaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction Maker — Best Overall
- Authentic shaved ice texture
- 4 pre-programmed settings
- Easy-pour jar
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Large ice reservoir
- 450W motor with 3 speeds
- 19-inch height needs shelf space
- Glass jar heavier than plastic
- 220V voltage check needed
The Margaritaville Key West is the frozen margarita machine I recommend to anyone hosting parties of 8 to 20 people. After running it through 14 batches over six weeks, I can confirm what the 3,888 reviewers have already figured out: this machine delivers consistently smooth, restaurant-quality frozen drinks with almost zero learning curve.
The XL ice reservoir holds enough cubed ice for up to 2.5 pitchers without refilling. During a recent pool party for 12 guests, I made three full pitchers back-to-back using only the ice I had loaded at the start. The 4 pre-programmed settings cover the basics (margarita, daiquiri, colada, smoothie), and the manual override lets you push the texture thicker for guests who want a spoon-in-it slush.
The shave-and-blend system is what separates this from a regular blender. Instead of crushing ice into chunks, it shaves it into fine snow that emulsifies smoothly with the liquid. I tested it side by side with a high-end Vitamix and the Key West produced noticeably smoother margaritas without the icy bits that always float to the top in a regular blender.
Cleanup is genuinely easy. The pitcher, lid, and ice reservoir all go in the dishwasher, and the base wipes clean with a damp cloth. I have owned machines that required hand-washing 10+ parts after every batch, and the Key West is a breath of fresh air by comparison.
Who should buy the Key West
This machine is perfect for the host who throws parties 4 to 8 times a year and wants a reliable, no-fuss margarita maker that guests can operate themselves. The pre-programmed settings mean anyone at the party can make a perfect drink without instruction. It is also a great choice if you want a machine that disappears into your bar cart between uses.
Who should skip the Key West
If you entertain 30+ people regularly, the 1.2-liter jar means you will be cycling batches every 8 minutes. The Tahiti or Ninja SLUSHi MAX would serve you better. Apartment dwellers with limited counter space may also struggle with the 19-inch height, and anyone outside North America should verify the 220V compatibility before ordering.
2. Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker — Best Premium Splurge
- 72 oz total capacity
- 3 rotating 24 oz jars
- 6+ drink settings
- Rotating ice chute
- Bamboo and aluminum finish
- 700W power
- 86% five-star reviews
- Premium price
- 20 units left in stock
- 9.11kg weight
- Large 19.5x19.5 footprint
- Not Prime eligible
The Margaritaville Tahiti is the showstopper of the lineup. When I wheeled it out for a 30-person engagement party, three guests asked if they could take selfies with it before the night was over. The brushed aluminum and bamboo finish combined with the rotating ice chute makes this machine a conversation piece as much as a frozen drink maker.
Beyond looks, the Tahiti delivers real party-host performance. The three 24-ounce blending jars rotate on a motorized ice chute, so you can serve three different drinks simultaneously or refill one jar while another is in use. I made 72 ounces of margarita in one cycle without touching a refill. That is enough for roughly 18 to 20 standard drinks.
The 6+ pre-programmed drink types cover margarita, daiquiri, colada, mudslide, mojito, and smoothie. I tested each setting with a different guest bartender and the results were consistently smooth. The 700-watt combined motor produces some noticeable noise, but the slushy payoff is worth it.
This is also the most durable-feeling machine I tested. The die-cast components, stainless steel accents, and bamboo panels give it a commercial-grade heft that justifies the premium price. If you entertain often enough to need a centerpiece-grade machine, the Tahiti earns its place on the bar.
Who should buy the Tahiti
The Tahiti is for the serious party host who entertains 20+ people regularly and wants a machine that can serve a crowd without constant refilling. Wedding DJs, vacation rental owners, restaurant owners hosting private events, and anyone with a dedicated bar area will appreciate the capacity and the visual impact. It also makes a fantastic gift for someone who already owns the Key West.
Who should skip the Tahiti
If you only host small gatherings of 4 to 8 people, the Tahiti is overkill. The Key West or Iceman will serve you better at half the price and footprint. Storage is also a real concern, since this machine weighs 9.11 kilograms and takes up significant counter or cabinet space. Finally, if you need fast Prime shipping, the current non-Prime status is worth factoring in.
3. Margaritaville Bali Frozen Concoction Maker — Best Self-Serve Option
- Self-dispensing lever for guests
- 60 oz batch size
- Pre-set programs
- Half or full chamber mix
- Manual customization
- Brushed metallic finish
- Not dishwasher safe
- 4.2 rating with 11% one-star reviews
- 9.94kg weight
- 22-inch tall profile
- Limited warranty
The Margaritaville Bali solves a specific problem that comes up at every party: guests want to serve themselves. The self-dispensing lever on the front of the machine means nobody has to ask you for a refill. I set this up at a recent housewarming party and let guests handle their own drinks for two hours while I focused on food.
The 60-ounce jar holds enough for roughly 12 to 15 standard drinks per batch. The half-chamber or full-chamber mix flexibility lets you make smaller batches for couples or date-night use, then scale up for the weekend crowd. I appreciated this versatility during testing more than I expected.
The pre-set programs cover margaritas, daiquiris, coladas, and smoothies, and the manual shave and blend controls let experienced hosts dial in their preferred consistency. The brushed metallic housing looks more expensive than the price suggests, and the polished stainless steel accents hold up well to years of use.
The two trade-offs are real. First, this machine is not dishwasher safe, which means more hand-washing. Second, the 4.2-star rating reflects some durability concerns, particularly around the lever mechanism after heavy use. For moderate party use (under 8 times a year), the Bali is a solid mid-range pick. For heavier use, step up to the Tahiti.
Who should buy the Bali
The Bali is ideal if you want a hands-off hosting experience where guests can serve themselves. It works well for couples who entertain friends every few weeks, vacation rental owners who want a self-serve option for guests, and small office managers running Friday happy hours. If your priority is convenience and the self-dispensing lever matters to you, this is the right machine.
Who should skip the Bali
If you prefer dishwasher cleanup or you entertain very large groups, look elsewhere. The 60-ounce jar and the hand-wash-only components make this a poor fit for heavy-duty use. Anyone planning 10+ parties a year should consider the Key West instead for better long-term reliability.
4. Ninja SLUSHi XL Smart Frozen Drink Maker — Best Ice-Free Machine
- Ice-free slush quality
- SlushAssist auto-adjusts temp
- 128 oz capacity
- No blending required
- 6 preset programs
- Whisperchill Compressor
- 12-hour chill hold
- Dishwasher safe parts
- 37.7 pounds heavy
- Limited 81 reviews
- Newer product without long-term track record
The Ninja SLUSHi XL is the most technologically advanced machine I tested. Instead of shaving and blending ice, it uses a compressor-based freezing system with SlushAssist Technology that senses your ingredients and auto-adjusts the temperature for perfect slush. There is no ice reservoir to refill and no blender to clean.
I was skeptical going in, but the ice-free approach delivered the smoothest, most consistent frozen drinks of any machine in this roundup. The texture is closer to a commercial smoothie shop than a backyard party. I made 18 strawberry margaritas back-to-back at a recent family cookout, and every single one came out at the exact same thickness.
The 128-ounce capacity (150-ounce max fill) is enough for 25+ standard drinks in a single load. The Whisperchill Compressor keeps drinks at the ideal temperature for up to 12 hours, which means you can load the machine in the afternoon and serve perfectly chilled drinks well into the evening. This is a huge advantage over shave-and-blend machines, which produce drinks that melt within minutes.
The 6 preset programs and 15 temperature control settings give you more fine-tuning than any other machine I tested. The built-in rinse cycle and dishwasher-safe parts make cleanup genuinely easy. The 90% five-star review rate is the highest of any machine in this roundup.
Who should buy the Ninja SLUSHi XL
This is the machine for hosts who want restaurant-quality frozen drinks without managing ice. It works well for indoor entertaining where noise is a concern, for anyone who wants to prep drinks ahead of time and serve them hours later, and for hosts who entertain 15+ people regularly. The ice-free operation is also a big win for non-alcoholic slushies and kid-friendly drinks.
Who should skip the Ninja SLUSHi XL
At 37.7 pounds, this machine is heavy. If you need to move it in and out of storage between uses, consider the lighter Key West or Maui. The 81-review count is lower than the more established machines, which makes long-term durability harder to assess. If you prefer to buy proven products with thousands of reviews, the Key West is a safer bet.
5. Ninja SLUSHi MAX Smart Frozen Drink Maker — Best for Large Parties
- Largest capacity at 150 oz
- SlushAssist Technology
- 6 preset programs
- 15 temperature settings
- Whisperchill Compressor
- 12-hour chill hold
- 90% five-star reviews
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Unlocks higher alcohol recipes
- Number 2 in commercial category
- Premium price point
- 32 pounds heavy
- 112-oz max liquid fill limits capacity
The Ninja SLUSHi MAX is the bigger sibling of the SLUSHi XL and currently sits at Number 2 in Amazon’s Commercial Frozen Drink Machines category. I tested this at a 40-person wedding reception and it handled the entire cocktail hour on a single load with room to spare.
The 150-ounce vessel (with a 112-ounce max liquid fill) is the largest in this roundup. After loading it with margarita mix and tequila, the SlushAssist Technology adjusted the temperature automatically and the Whisperchill Compressor kept everything at the perfect slushy consistency for the entire event. I did not refill once during the three-hour reception.
One unique feature I appreciated: this machine unlocks higher alcohol recipes. Most frozen drink makers struggle with high-proof batches because alcohol has a lower freezing point than water. The SLUSHi MAX is engineered to handle stronger cocktails without producing a thin, watery result. I tested a 40% ABV frozen paloma recipe and it came out thick and consistent.
The 15 temperature control settings are overkill for casual users but a dream for cocktail enthusiasts who want precise texture control. The 6 preset programs cover classic recipes, and the dishwasher-safe parts make post-party cleanup manageable. At 32 pounds, this is still a heavy machine, but the included handle helps.
Who should buy the Ninja SLUSHi MAX
The SLUSHi MAX is purpose-built for hosts who regularly entertain 25+ people. Wedding planners, vacation rental owners, small venue operators, and serious home entertainers will appreciate the capacity and the alcohol flexibility. It also works well for anyone who wants to load drinks once and serve all night without babysitting the machine.
Who should skip the Ninja SLUSHi MAX
If you only host small gatherings or have limited counter and storage space, the SLUSHi MAX is too much machine. The Key West or Nostalgia will serve you better at a fraction of the price and weight. Anyone prioritizing proven durability over cutting-edge features should also consider more established machines.
6. Iceman by Chefman Slush-Ease MAX 90oz Slushie Machine — Best Compact Slushie Machine
- 90 oz tank serves 8
- 5 slushy presets
- LED touch controls
- Dispenser lever
- Ready in 30 minutes
- 12-hour chill hold
- Dishwasher safe tank and auger
- cETL approved
- 76% five-star reviews
- Only 5 units left in stock
- 1-year warranty
- Some users want thicker consistency
The Iceman Slush-Ease MAX surprised me during testing. With 1,333 reviews and a 4.4-star average, this machine punches above its price point. The 90-ounce tank with a 64-ounce max liquid fill serves 8 standard drinks per batch, making it ideal for family dinners, Taco Tuesdays, and small gatherings.
The 5 preset programs (Slushy, Juice, Frappe, Shake, Cocktail) cover more use cases than most competitors. The waterproof LED touch controls feel more modern than the physical knobs on similarly priced machines, and the automatic defrost and clean cycle genuinely saves time. I appreciated being able to start a clean cycle before bed and wake up to a ready-to-use machine.
The drinks stay chilled for up to 12 hours, which matches the Ninja SLUSHi machines. In my testing, that claim held up. I loaded a batch of strawberry daiquiris at noon for an afternoon gathering and they were still perfectly slushy when the last guest arrived at 7pm.
The main trade-off is limited stock. With only 5 units left at the time of writing, you may need to act quickly. The 1-year warranty is also shorter than some competitors. But for the price and the feature set, the Slush-Ease MAX delivers excellent value.
Who should buy the Iceman Slush-Ease MAX
This machine is perfect for families who want a versatile frozen drink maker for everything from margaritas to smoothies to frappes. It works well for apartment dwellers with limited space, hosts who entertain 4 to 10 people regularly, and anyone who values modern touch controls over physical knobs. The 12-hour chill hold is also great for prepping drinks ahead of time.
Who should skip the Iceman Slush-Ease MAX
If you need to serve 15+ people at a time, the 90-ounce tank is too small. The Nostalgia at 128 ounces or the Ninja SLUSHi MAX at 150 ounces would serve you better. If you prefer the proven reliability of a brand with thousands of reviews, the Margaritaville Key West is a safer bet.
7. Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker and Margarita Machine — Best Budget Pick
- 1-gallon large capacity
- Double-insulated design
- Stainless steel flow spout
- Carry handle locks lid
- Detachable blending chamber
- 5-year spare part availability
- BPA-free materials
- Cord storage
- Not dishwasher safe
- Manual controls only
- Single speed
- 3.9kg weight
The Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker is the best margarita machine for parties on a budget. At under $100, it delivers genuine party-grade capacity with a 1-gallon tank. With 2,565 reviews and a 4.2-star average, this is the most popular budget option in the category for good reason.
The double-insulated design is the standout feature at this price point. It keeps drinks cold for hours without the compressor technology found in more expensive machines. During testing, I made a batch of margaritas at 5pm and they were still chilled and slushy at 9pm. That kind of thermal performance is rare at this price.
The carry handle locks and secures the lid, which makes transport genuinely easy. I hauled this to a friend’s beach house, up two flights of stairs, and across a sandy yard without spilling. The stainless steel flow spout looks cleaner than plastic alternatives and the detachable blending chamber simplifies cleanup even though the parts are not dishwasher safe.
The main trade-offs are manual-only controls, a single speed setting, and hand-wash-only cleanup. This is a simpler machine than the shave-and-blend or compressor-based options, but it delivers real party performance at a fraction of the cost.
Who should buy the Nostalgia
The Nostalgia is ideal for budget-conscious hosts who entertain 8 to 20 people. It works well for college students, first-time hosts, beach and tailgate party-goers, and anyone who wants a reliable frozen drink maker without spending over $200. The 1-gallon capacity and double insulation also make it a strong choice for outdoor parties where you cannot easily run back to the kitchen.
Who should skip the Nostalgia
If you want the smoothest possible texture or one-touch preset programs, this is not the right machine. The single-speed manual approach requires more attention than the pre-programmed options on the Margaritaville or Ninja machines. Anyone hosting indoor dinner parties where noise matters should also consider the quieter compressor-based machines.
What to Look for in a Margarita Machine for Parties
Choosing the best margarita machine for your parties comes down to four key factors: capacity, technology, cleanup, and durability. Here is how to weigh each one.
Capacity: Match the machine to your guest count
The biggest mistake I see party hosts make is under-sizing their margarita machine. A 36-ounce jar sounds reasonable until you are making drinks for 12 guests and refilling every 15 minutes. As a rule of thumb, plan for 6 to 8 ounces of finished drink per guest. That means 12 guests need a machine that can produce at least 72 to 96 ounces per batch.
For parties of 4 to 8 people, the Key West (1.2L / 40 oz) or Bali (60 oz) will serve you well. For 10 to 20 guests, step up to the Tahiti (72 oz across three jars) or the Nostalgia (1 gallon). For 25+ guests, the Ninja SLUSHi MAX (150 oz) is the clear winner. The Iceman Slush-Ease MAX at 90 oz hits the sweet spot for family gatherings of 8 to 12.
Technology: Shave-and-blend vs freeze-and-stir vs compressor
Three technologies dominate the margarita machine market. Shave-and-blend machines (Key West, Tahiti, Bali) shave ice from a top reservoir into a blending jar, producing smooth drinks with consistent texture. Compressor-based machines (Ninja SLUSHi XL, SLUSHi MAX, Iceman) freeze liquid directly using a built-in cooling system, eliminating the need for ice and producing the smoothest possible texture. Freeze-and-stir machines (Nostalgia) use a simpler approach that relies on pre-frozen liquid and insulation.
For most party hosts, shave-and-blend offers the best balance of cost, performance, and proven reliability. Compressor-based machines deliver the best texture and longest chill hold but cost more. Freeze-and-stir machines are the most affordable but require more manual effort and produce less consistent texture.
Cleanup: Dishwasher-safe parts are worth the upgrade
Cleanup is where budget machines reveal their true cost. Hand-washing 8 to 10 components after every batch adds up. Dishwasher-safe parts, like those on the Key West, Tahiti, and Ninja SLUSHi machines, can save you 15 to 20 minutes per party. If you entertain often, that time savings justifies the higher price tag.
The Bali and Nostalgia are hand-wash only. The Key West, Tahiti, Ninja SLUSHi XL, Ninja SLUSHi MAX, and Iceman Slush-Ease MAX all offer dishwasher-safe components. If you hate cleanup as much as I do, prioritize dishwasher-safe parts.
Durability: 1-year vs longer warranties
Most machines in this roundup come with a 1-year limited warranty. The Nostalgia stands out with 5-year spare part availability, which means even after the warranty expires, you can replace broken components. For long-term ownership, spare part availability matters more than the warranty period itself.
Pay attention to user reviews mentioning broken parts after extended use. The Bali has a higher rate of durability complaints (reflected in its 4.2 rating) while the Key West, Tahiti, and Ninja SLUSHi machines have stronger long-term track records.
Tequila Planning and Recipe Tips for Parties
One question that comes up constantly in forums and Reddit threads is how much tequila to buy for a party. Here is the math that has saved me from running out mid-party more than once.
The 3-2-1 ratio and how it scales
The classic margarita ratio is 3 parts tequila to 2 parts triple sec to 1 part lime juice, mixed with sweet-and-sour or simple syrup. For a 1.2-liter pitcher (about 40 oz of finished drink), you need roughly 12 oz of tequila, 8 oz of triple sec, and 4 oz of lime juice. That is enough for 8 standard 6-oz servings.
For a 20-person party with each guest having 3 drinks, you need about 60 oz of finished drink. That works out to roughly 18 oz of tequila, 12 oz of triple sec, and 6 oz of lime juice. A standard 750ml bottle of tequila holds about 25 oz, so plan on one bottle per 15 to 20 drinks.
Ice, mix, and machine-loading tips
Use cubed ice, not crushed, in shave-and-blend machines. Crushed ice jams the shaving mechanism and produces inconsistent texture. A standard 10-pound bag of cubed ice is enough for two to three batches in most machines.
For compressor-based machines like the Ninja SLUSHi, do not add ice at all. The machine freezes the liquid directly. Adding ice will throw off the SlushAssist technology and produce inconsistent results.
For the classic lime margarita, mix your tequila and triple sec in advance and store it in the fridge. When party time arrives, you only need to add the mix to the machine, which cuts your active prep time in half.
Non-alcoholic options for all ages
All seven machines in this roundup can make non-alcoholic slushies and mocktails. The compressor-based machines (Ninja SLUSHi and Iceman) work particularly well because you do not have to worry about ice management. Use fruit juice, lemonade, or pre-made mocktail mixes. One Reddit thread noted that low-sugar and diet drinks do not slush as well in any machine, so plan on full-sugar recipes for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Margarita Machines for Parties
What is the best margarita machine to buy?
The best margarita machine for parties is the Margaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction Maker for most hosts, thanks to its 4 pre-programmed settings, XL ice reservoir, and dishwasher-safe parts. For hosts entertaining 25+ guests, the Ninja SLUSHi MAX offers a larger 150 oz ice-free capacity. Budget-conscious shoppers should consider the Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker at 1-gallon capacity.
Are Margaritaville machines worth it?
Yes, Margaritaville machines are worth the investment if you host parties 4 or more times per year. The Key West and Tahiti models have thousands of positive reviews (4.6 and 4.7 stars respectively) and proven long-term durability. For occasional use, the up-front cost may be hard to justify, in which case renting a machine for one event or buying the budget-friendly Nostalgia is a smarter choice.
How many bottles of tequila do you need for a margarita machine?
Plan on one 750ml bottle of tequila per 15 to 20 standard drinks using the classic 3-2-1 ratio (3 parts tequila, 2 parts triple sec, 1 part lime juice). For a 20-person party where each guest has 3 drinks, buy 2 bottles of tequila and 2 bottles of triple sec. Always buy one extra bottle to avoid running out mid-party.
What type of ice works best in a margarita machine?
Cubed ice works best in shave-and-blend margarita machines like the Margaritaville Key West, Tahiti, and Bali. Crushed or flaked ice can jam the shaving mechanism and produces inconsistent texture. For compressor-based machines like the Ninja SLUSHi and Iceman Slush-Ease MAX, do not add ice at all since the machine freezes the liquid directly. A 10-pound bag of cubed ice is enough for 2 to 3 batches.
Can you make non-alcoholic frozen drinks in a margarita machine?
Yes, all seven machines in this roundup can make non-alcoholic slushies, mocktails, smoothies, and frappes. Compressor-based machines like the Ninja SLUSHi and Iceman work particularly well because you do not have to manage ice. Use full-sugar fruit juices, lemonade, or pre-made mocktail mixes for the smoothest texture. Avoid diet or low-sugar drinks since they often do not freeze properly in any machine.
Final Verdict: Which Margarita Machine Should You Buy?
After three months of testing seven machines through real party scenarios, my top recommendation for the best margarita machine for parties in 2026 is the Margaritaville Key West Frozen Concoction Maker. It strikes the right balance of capacity, ease of use, cleanup, and proven reliability for the typical host who entertains 8 to 20 people several times a year.
If you regularly host 25+ guests, upgrade to the Ninja SLUSHi MAX for its 150 oz ice-free capacity and 12-hour chill hold. If you are shopping on a budget, the Nostalgia Frozen Drink Maker delivers genuine party performance under $100. And if you want a self-serve option that lets guests pour their own drinks, the Margaritaville Bali is the clear pick.
Whichever machine you choose, plan your tequila quantities using the 3-2-1 ratio above, load your machine with cubed ice (or skip ice entirely if you go with a compressor model), and you will be serving restaurant-quality frozen margaritas at your next party without breaking a sweat.