Answers to your questions!

Remember, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask...so if you
don't see your question listed click here to ask!!

• Are the machines easy to use?
• How many drinks does one batch make?
  
• How long does the first batch take to freeze?
  
• What if I run out of mix during the party?
  
• Who provides the liquor and how much will I need?
  
• Are other kinds of drinks available?
  
• How far in advance should I reserve my machine?
  
• What do I need when you deliver the machine?
  
• When will the machines be picked up?
  
• Are there any other helpful hints you can suggest to make the party run smoothly?

Q: Are the machines easy to use?
A: Very easy! We mix your first batch and show you how to use the machine. Our phone is always on for after hours questions or problems. NO ICE IS NEEDED WITH OUR CONCENTRATE!!!

Q: How many drinks does one batch make?
A: One batch of our traditional margaritas makes about 80 eight ounce drinks. Our experience shows that usually half or more guests drink the frozen drinks even if you offer a choice. We recommend one mix for every 25 guests. Extra mixes are $20 each.

Calculate the number of machines and mixes using the chart below. This will give you a rough idea what you need.

Q: How long does the first batch take to freeze?
A: About 45 minutes to an hour if the machine is indoors (75 degrees); a little longer if outdoors and warmer.

Q: What if I run out of mix during the party?
A: We always leave extra mix as backup for the crazy parties. Any unopened mixes can be returned.

Q: Who provides the liquor and how much will I need?
A: The customer provides all liquor. Save your money, buy the cheap stuff!

Q: Are other kinds of drinks available?
A: You bet!. You can serve strawberry daiquiris, strawberry margaritas, pina coladas, hurricanes, peach daiquiris, peach bellinis, and more! For kids try blue raspberry, lemonade, grape, cherry or any of the other flavors above can be made non-alcoholic too. Click here to see our complete list of flavors. All mixes can be made without alcohol for kids.

Q: How far in advance should I reserve my machine?
A: We recommend at least two weeks in advance for a Friday or Saturday night rentals to insure availability. For holiday weekends/events make sure to reserve as early as possible. (We take reservations up to 3 months in advance!) Make sure the number of guests does not exceed the drink making capacity for each machine, otherwise the machine will not perform properly.

Q: What do I need when you deliver the machine?
A: When we deliver your machine, we will need to speak with someone who will be responsible for the operation of the machine in order to give you the operation instructions. You will also need a dedicated 110 circuit with 15 amps. This means NOTHING else should be on this circuit or else the margarita machine WILL NOT WORK.

ONLY extension cords provided by PARTY RITAS are allowed. Why? We have special heavy-duty cords that can carry the correct power for the machines. The cords are 25 feet long so plan your location accordingly.

So what makes your cord so special? Well it is super thick and not too long. Think of it like a straw...a long narrow straw only allows a small amount to pass thru it and it is hard to get what you need. A thick straw that is shorter lets you get a drink quicker. Same thing applies to power. Hey, you asked....and you don't want the electrical engineer speak (we hope).

Q: When will the machines be picked up?
A: Generally all pick ups will be made between 9am and 2pm on Saturdays (for Friday night parties) and 10am to 3pm on Sundays (for Saturday night parties). If we arrive at the specified pick up time and nobody is there within 15 minutes, you will be assessed a $50 late fee/return trip fee!

Q: Are there any other helpful hints you can suggest to make the party run smoothly?
A: Before we arrive, put three gallons of water in the fridge....make sure it is ICE COLD when we get there. Also put your alcohol in the FREEZER if you have room (the reason you will like having gone through all of this trouble is that your margarita will be ready in a flash since all of your ingredients are already at about 35 degrees. When we leave, place another three gallons of water in the refrigerator so it will be ready for the second round of margaritas (if you plan on having another round).

Through our experience we have learned a few secrets about getting the best performance out of your margarita machine.

How to deal with HOT days:

If possible, use the machine in an air conditioned area. Sure it is not poolside but this will make sure it is always freezing to maximum efficiency. Still want it outside? Make sure it is in a shady area. When the temperature outside gets over 90 degrees the machines have to work extra hard to keep up with all your thirsty guests! Over 100 degrees...yikes.

If you follow these very simple tips, you will have an awesome experience.

Before we arrive, go to your local grocery store and purchase 3.5 gallons of water (or put water in jugs at home).

Put the water in the fridge...make sure it is ICE COLD when we get there.

Also put your alcohol in the FREEZER if you have room (or else in the fridge will be just fine).

The reason you will like having gone thru all of this trouble is that your drinks will be ready in a flash since all of your ingredients are already at about 35 degrees.

If you leave everything out on the counter (tequila and triple sec) and then get the water directly from your tap, you will be starting with ingredients that are about 80 degrees.

In case you are not following along...32 degrees is MUCH closer to 35 degrees than to 80 degrees....and 32 degrees is where things freeze and the party starts!

When we leave, fill the jugs back up and put them back in the fridge so you will be ready for round two!