Strawberry Basil Margarita is a delicious twist on the classic margarita cocktail! It’s deliciously refreshing with a sweet and slightly herbal flavor. It only takes a few minutes to make this easy batch of margaritas that’s perfect for summertime parties!
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What’s in Strawberry Margaritas?
This strawberry basil margarita is pure sunshine in a glass – all of the ingredients are vibrant and refreshing!
- Strawberries: Be sure to only use fresh strawberries, not frozen. The difference in taste is huge!
- Agave Syrup: This sweetener can be swapped with simple syrup or honey if preferred.
- Basil Leaves: It’s very important to only use fresh, not dried basil.
- Tequila: Silver or blanco tequila is preferred. Reposado will also work, but it may lend a darker color.
- Lime Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice only!
Pro Tip: You’ll also want to rim your glasses with some lime juice and sea salt (or sugar) to really send this drink over the top! Feel like showing off? Add some strawberry and basil garnishes as well.
Variations on this Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe
This easy margarita recipe is pretty perfect the way it is! You can always make it stronger by doubling down on the tequila, but keep in mind that the tequila taste will be very strong if you go that route. The way it’s concocted now is ideal because the tequila flavor is tamed beautifully by the sweet strawberries and aromatic fresh basil.
And of course, you can always go the opposite way and make it a mocktail! To make an alcohol-free version of this margarita, simply shake the muddled strawberries and basil with lime juice and pour over orange or lime seltzer water. Do not add seltzer to the shaker, or it will leak all over the place!
A silver or blanco tequila is best for margaritas. Silver/blanco tequila hasn’t been aged as long and has a stronger flavor that mixes well, while gold tequila has been aged for longer and has a woodier flavor that doesn’t pair as well with the fresh fruit flavors. Reposado tequila is a type of gold tequila that has not been aged for as long, so it will also work in a margarita, although it is not my first choice!
You can blend this recipe into frozen margaritas, but you may need to add more agave and/or lime juice for the best results. If you don’t add any extra liquid, your consistency may not be super smooth.
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can shake margaritas up in a mason jar. Just make sure to screw the cap on tight to avoid a mess!
How to Make Ahead of Time
To make a strawberry basil margarita ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as written, but do not pour the drink over ice. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and pour over ice when ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
If you really want to be the summertime host with the most, you’re going to need some vibrant finger foods to serve alongside these fruity margs! Some of my favorite summery appetizer recipes include shrimp summer rolls, summer fruit bruschetta, and avocado corn salsa.
More Strawberry Cocktail Recipes
Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
- ¼ cup agave syrup (2 ounces)
- 6 fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup tequila (4 ounces) silver or blanco preferred
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (2 ounces)
For Serving
- Lime wedge and sea salt to rim the glass
- Ice
- Strawberry slices for garnish
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, add the strawberries and agave syrup, and start muddling them. Add the basil leaves and continue muddling until they release their juices.1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, ¼ cup agave syrup, 6 fresh basil leaves
- Add the tequila and lime juice and shake to combine.½ cup tequila, ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- Rub a lime wedge around the glasses and dip them in salt.Lime wedge and sea salt
- Fill the glasses with ice, pour the margarita into the glasses, and garnish with strawberries and basil leaves.Ice, Strawberry slices, Basil leaves
Video
Becky’s Tips
- It’s really important to use fresh basil.
- Use fresh strawberries if possible, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch.
- Use fresh over bottled lime juice, although both will work.
- Use blanco or silver tequila for the best flavor. Reposado will also work, but it may lend a darker color.
- Use agave or honey for the best taste, although simple syrup will also work.
- Feel free to make a salted or sugared rim.
- Shaking the cocktail is key. It aerates and mixes the ingredients much better than stirring.
- Use large ice cubes to prevent the margarita from getting watered down too quickly.
- If using a jigger, be aware of the measurements. The larger size is one jigger or 1½ ounces. The smaller cup is normally one-half jigger, or ¾ ounces.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
