A festive gathering in Richmond, Virginia, took a dramatic turn for the worse when a seemingly innocent cocktail mix purchased from TK Maxx (known as TJ Maxx in the US) became the infamous 'margarita of despair'.
Sadie Woodhouse, a bridal stylist and wedding coordinator, bought the infusion mix to enjoy with her friends, but the evening descended into chaos after they consumed the potent concoction.
The Recipe for Disaster
Woodhouse followed the recipe that came with the mix, which included dried fruit and spices in a glass bottle. The instructions called for her to combine the mix with two entire bottles of tequila and a bottle of lemon-lime soda, branding the result a 'margarita'.
She revealed to the Daily Mail that the drink was far stronger than a typical margarita, which she believes was the primary reason she and her friends became so ill. In a now-viral TikTok video that has amassed 4.7 million views, Woodhouse apologised for having 'poisoned everyone'.
Social Media Fallout and Widespread Sympathy
The TikTok video featured ominous music and a series of text messages from her suffering friends. One message read, 'Cici and I both threw up hella,' while another friend, Charlotte, simply wrote 'Me too' alongside laughing emojis.
The clip clearly resonated with a vast online audience. Many viewers commented that they had experienced similar reactions after trying similar products from the discount store. One user wrote, 'Oh my God I used the same thing from TJ Maxx and also violently threw up??'
However, not all the blame was placed on the mix itself. Some online commenters suggested the specific brand of tequila used, Hornitos, or the sheer volume of alcohol was the real culprit. Others expressed bewilderment at buying food or drink from a TK Maxx, with one person stating, 'The words: Margarita and TJ Maxx do NAWT go together.'
Taking Shared Responsibility
Woodhouse offered a balanced perspective on the incident. While she firmly believes the recipe was flawed and not representative of a true margarita, she and her friends acknowledged their own role in the debacle.
She told the Daily Mail, 'The recipe was definitely not a margarita or even a good drink but the video was also partially a joke because it’s on us for drinking a drink that was two thirds tequila haha.' She does not believe the product was expired, just that it was a poorly conceived recipe.
The Daily Mail has contacted TJ Maxx for a comment on the matter.
