Gather all your ingredients.

Squeeze enough limes to get one cup of fresh lime juice.

If you don't have simple syrup ready, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan and heat gently until the sugar dissolves, then cool.

In a mixing pitcher, combine the lime juice, simple syrup, and cold water. Stir well.

If adding tequila, pour it into the pitcher.

Taste your mix and adjust sweetness or tartness as desired.

Let the mix chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Fill your glass with ice and pour the margarita mix over it. Garnish with lime wedges.