Easy Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe: Summer Cocktail Idea!
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Our Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe made crafting the perfect summer cocktail easier!
The refreshing drink combines sweet strawberries, tart lemonade, aromatic basil, and the warm tones of gold tequila, offering a delicious twist on a classic margarita.
This margarita recipe is sure to impress, perfect for barbecues, girl’s nights, or just relaxing on a hot afternoon—so grab your cocktail shaker, and let’s go!
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While you may prefer to skip to the recipe card, we suggest reading the entire blog post to avoid missing valuable tips and substitution suggestions and to ensure you have the necessary ingredients, equipment, and understanding of the steps and timings.
Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe
Enjoy a perfect summer’s day with a pitcher of strawberry basil margaritas!
Made with simple ingredients from your grocery store, including fresh strawberries and basil leaves (although you may have them from your home garden!), this margarita has a vibrant flavor.
The taste of this cocktail balances the herbaceous basil flavor, the sweetness of strawberry liqueur, and the tanginess of lemonade with gold tequila and orange liqueur.
This easy margarita recipe is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it an ideal companion for spicy food and Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites like Homemade Guacamole and chips, Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos, and Steak Street Tacos.
Alternatively, pair the basil strawberry margaritas with barbecue fare and savory recipes using summer’s best flavors, like our Charcoal Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables or Lime-Marinated Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce.
Or simply make this fruity margarita recipe for outdoor sipping with a bag of chips and a good book!
Margaritas For A Festive Occasion!
One of the great things about this cocktail is that it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed on many occasions.
It’s perfect for a backyard barbecue or garden party but also sophisticated enough to serve at a dinner party or cocktail hour.
Or why not host a margarita party, complete with a Margarita Board? Guests can shake their own drink combos, enjoy some snacks, and have a blast dancing to lively Latin music all night long!
Whether enjoying it with friends or sipping it solo, the Strawberry Basil Margarita will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
So why not mix up a batch today and see for yourself!
(And for those not quite adventurous enough for the flavor profile in this recipe, make a batch of Frozen Strawberry Margaritas—they’re ideal for pool parties!)
Reasons Why You’ll Love Strawberry Basil Margaritas
- The pairing of sweet strawberries and fresh basil offers a fun twist on traditional margaritas that is simply irresistible.
- It’s a great summer margarita recipe that is ideal for different occasions – BBQs, parties, or a relaxing evening on the deck.
- Depending on your taste preferences, you can adjust the sweetness or tartness of your margarita or even add a spicy element with a jalapeño slice or two. For a stronger flavor, try Mezcal instead of Tequila.
- While ideal for summer, the ingredients can be easily sourced year-round, allowing you to enjoy this great margarita any time you like.
Ingredients & Equipment For Strawberry Basil Margaritas
The ingredients and tools in this recipe are conveniently linked to online retailers like Amazon or Amazon Fresh.
Strawberry Basil Margarita Ingredients
- Tequila – We used Gold Tequila in our strawberry basil margarita cocktail, but you can use Blanco Tequila, too.
- Strawberry Liquor – Brands include Volare, Bols, and De Kuyper
- Triple Sec – An orange-flavored liqueur.
- Lemonade – For my British readers, this is not fizzy lemonade but non-carbonated, still cloudy lemonade.
- Strawberry Margarita Mix – Substitute for regular margarita mix if you can’t source this.
- Fresh Ingredients: Basil, Strawberries
- Simple Syrup – You can buy this ready-made, but it is easy to make yourself.
- To make simple syrup, place equal measures of sugar and water in a pan and stir over medium heat.
- By the time it simmers, the sugar is dissolved, and that’s it!
- When the syrup has cooled, use it in cocktails as required.
- Store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to a week.
- Margarita Salt – You can use kosher salt, sea salt, or sugar crystals for glass rims.
- Garnish – Lemon Slices, Lime Slices, Whole Strawberries, Sprig of Basil
Cocktail Equipment
- This cocktail is shaken, but don’t worry if you don’t have a cocktail shaker!
- You can always use a container with a tight-fitting lid—like a mason jar or the cup on a blender or smoothie maker.
- Use a Muddling Tool to bruise the basil to release the oils and fragrance.
- Margarita Glasses or any glass you have available for your margaritas.
- A Rimming Dish is a handy gadget if you make a lot of margs, but a saucer will work too!
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What Can I Serve With Strawberry Basil Margaritas?
- Spicy Shrimp Tacos: The sweet and tangy margarita perfectly balances the spice.
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: A refreshing drink to accompany a light main dish.
- Guacamole and Chips: A classic pairing with any margarita.
More Margarita Cocktails To Make
If you enjoy margs, you’re going to love our Unique Margarita Recipes:
Recipe Tips
- For a fresh strawberry basil margarita, muddle lots of juicy strawberries with basil in the recipe.
- For a sweet-salty twist, add a mix of sugar and salt to the rim of the glass.
- You can adjust the volume of liquors to your personal preference.
Strawberry Basil Margarita Variations
Here are some variations of the original cocktail recipe you might like to try.
Check out our FAQ section for more variations of our strawberry basil margaritas and different fruit and herb combos!
Virgin Strawberry Basil Margarita Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)
So that non-drinkers can enjoy this strawberry basil cocktail, we can make some simple changes.
- Muddle basil leaves with fresh strawberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker, and add the following:
- 8 oz Lemonade
- 2 oz Strawberry Syrup
- 4 oz Strawberry Margarita Mix
- Shake well and strain into two ice-filled glasses.
I recommend adding the syrups to your taste as they may add the sweetness you may not necessarily get from alcoholic liqueurs.
Strawberry Basil Mockaritas with Non-Alcoholic Spirits
For adults who would still like to enjoy the taste of alcohol in their mocktail, you could try non-alcoholic alternatives.
In the UK, try Lyre’s, which is also available on Amazon in the UK and Amazon.com.
Other brands include Strykk (UK) and Ritual (US & Canada). Non-alcoholic spirits are a growing trend, so be on the lookout in your local stores and online.
- Instead of Tequila, use Lyre’s Agave Blanco Spirit.
- Instead of Triple Sec, use Lyre’s Orange Sec.
Follow the recipe card using the non-alcoholic alternatives listed above instead of the alcoholic ones.
Frozen Strawberry Basil Margarita
Want to turn this aromatic fruit drink into a frozen slushie? Here’s how!
Put all the ingredients in a blender with a generous amount of ice – then blend till smooth.
Serve with a straw, and watch out for brain freeze!
You can do the same with the mocktail version too.
Want a frozen strawberry margarita? Just leave out the basil!
Big Batch of Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Want to make a big batch for a party or gathering? It’s easy – here’s how!
If you use the same measuring container (glass, cup, jug, etc.) for the “1 part”, the ratios will be correct, and you can make as much as you need to.
To make strawberry and basil margaritas for a crowd, mix together the following:
- 4 parts Gold Tequila
- 2 parts Strawberry Liqueur
- 1 part Triple Sec
- 3 parts Lemonade
- 4 parts Strawberry Margarita Mix
- Add Basil Syrup to taste.
Serve the large batch cocktail in drinks dispensers or pitchers, or go retro and serve from a punch bowl!
Add plenty of ice to your serving container to keep the cocktail chilled. Add some strawberries in there for garnish.
Saving Leftovers
While it’s best to enjoy the cocktail fresh to savor its flavors, you may have some left at the end of your party—don’t let it go to waste!
- Transfer it to an airtight pitcher or container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- Or, to make it last longer, turn it into Strawberry Basil Margarita Granita!
- Granita is a semi-frozen dessert made from sugar, water, and various flavorings. Originally from Sicily.
- Transfer the cocktail to a shallow freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer for 6 hours (or overnight). You can add some simple syrup or another sweetener if desired.
- Use a fork to break the frozen cocktail into small pieces. Serve and enjoy!
- Or pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze.
- Use the cocktail cubes to chill and flavor future cocktails without diluting the drink.
Setting Up Your Cocktail Bar
When setting up your cocktail bar or serving area, you could include the following:
- Ice Bucket – Filled with ice (of course!). Don’t forget a scoop or tongs.
- Cocktail Glasses
- Cocktail Napkins
- Cocktail Stirrers/Swizzle Sticks
- Cocktail Sticks/Picks – Skewer fruit onto cocktail picks for guests to garnish their drinks.
- Cocktail Decorations – Such as umbrellas, straws, etc.
This cocktail recipe is intended for adults of the legal drinking age in your country of residence.
Please drink responsibly. Do not drink and drive.
Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe Card
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Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Our Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe is perfect for unwinding after a long day. Relax and enjoy the blend of sweet strawberries and aromatic basil.
Ingredients
For Glass Rim
- Simple Syrup*
- Salt or Sugar
For the Margaritas
- 10 Basil Leaves
- 2 Fresh Strawberries
- 4 oz Gold Tequila
- 2 oz Strawberry Liqueur
- 1 oz Triple Sec
- 3 oz Lemonade
- 4 oz Strawberry Margarita Mix
- Ice
For Garnish
- Whole Strawberries
- Lemon Slices
- Fresh Basil Leaves
Instructions
- To add salt or sugar rim to margarita glasses, pour some simple syrup into a small shallow dish and salt (or sugar) into a separate shallow dish. Dip the glass rim into the syrup, then into the salt (or sugar), and twist. Fill glasses with ice and set them aside.
- Place the basil leaves and two fresh strawberries into a cocktail shaker and muddle with a muddling tool to release their oils.
- Add ice to the shaker with the Tequila, Strawberry Liqueur, Triple Sec, lemonade, and strawberry margarita mix.
- Shake well for 15-30 seconds to combine.
- Strain into the prepared glasses.
- Garnish as desired strawberries, lemons, and fresh basil leaves. Cheers!
Notes
*You can also use the lime wedge to add the salted rim to the glasses. Rub the lime wedge around the rim and dip into salt.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 645Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 299mgCarbohydrates: 108gFiber: 2gSugar: 102gProtein: 1g
This site uses Nutritionix to provide estimated nutrition. Nutritional information is always approximate and will depend on the quality of ingredients used and serving sizes. If you need exact calories and macros, please do your own calculations.
Dinner Party Menu Suggestions!
The beverage is covered, but what about the rest of the courses?
Here are additional recipes to create a menu for a dinner party or special meal:
- Appetizer: Watermelon & Cantaloupe Melon Pico de Gallo & Chips
- Soup: Spicy Sweet Corn Chowder
- Salad: Grilled Corn and Tomato Salad
- Main Dish: Beef Enchiladas
- Side Dish: Mexican Rice
- Dessert: Mexican Corn Cake
FAQ About Margaritas
Here are some questions people often ask about making margarita cocktails.
Click the question to read the answer. If you have one of your own, please comment on this post!
A traditional margarita contains tequila, orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau), and lime juice.
The primary differences between blanco and gold (reposado) tequilas are their aging processes and flavor profiles.
Blanco Tequila, often clear, is typically unaged, offering a crisp, bright, agave flavor. On the other hand, gold tequila can be one of two types. Reposado Tequila is aged from 2 months to a year, lending it a smoother, woody flavor and a golden hue. Conversely, “gold” or “oro” tequila is usually an unaged tequila with added color and flavor, and it’s commonly used in mixed drinks due to its lower cost.
You can make a cost-effective margarita by using less expensive ingredients. You can replace premium tequila with a more budget-friendly option, use homemade lime juice instead of a pre-made mix, and use triple sec instead of Cointreau.
While Cointreau is a type of triple sec, not all triple secs are Cointreau. Triple Sec is a broad category of orange-flavored liqueurs. Cointreau, on the other hand, is a specific brand within that category. It’s a premium triple sec known for its distinct flavor, clarity, and higher alcohol content. Although they are not exactly the same, Cointreau and other types of triple sec can often be used interchangeably in cocktail recipes.
Triple sec is used in margaritas to add a sweet and citrusy flavor which helps balance out the tartness from the lime juice and the strong flavor of the tequila.
Traditionally, a margarita glass is rimmed with salt to enhance the flavors of the drink. However, depending on personal preference, you can add sugar to a sweet touch.
Instead of triple sec, you can use other orange liqueurs such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or a splash of orange juice for a non-alcoholic version.
No, you don’t need both. Either Cointreau or triple sec can be used in a margarita recipe. Both are types of orange liqueur, but Cointreau is a premium brand that is often considered to have a more refined flavor.
Homemade margaritas can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Be sure to store it in a sealed container to preserve its freshness and flavors.
Use fresh ingredients like freshly squeezed lime juice and high-quality tequila to improve your margarita. Also, you can experiment with additional flavors like strawberry or basil or rim the glass with salt or sugar for an extra flavor element.
Add fresh ingredients like lime juice, top shelf tequila, and an orange liqueur like Triple sec or Cointreau to make a margarita mix better. Experimenting with flavors like fresh fruit purees or herbs can also enhance your margarita mix.
Margarita mix will taste sour and very sweet, as it’s meant to be balanced out by adding tequila and orange liqueur. While technically, it is okay to drink it alone, it’s not recommended due to its strong flavors.
Your margarita may not be sweet enough if you haven’t added enough triple sec or if your lime juice is too tart. You can add simple syrup or sugar to balance the flavors.
A perfect margarita should taste balanced with the sweetness of the orange liqueur, the lime’s tartness, and the tequila’s robust flavor. It should not be too sweet or too sour, and the alcohol should not overpower the other flavors.
While the classic margarita is the most popular, many beloved flavors exist. Strawberry and mango margaritas are especially popular, as are variations with a spicy kick like jalapeño margarita.
You can jazz up a margarita by adding fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or mangoes. Adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can also provide an interesting twist. If you like a bit of spice, try adding a sliced jalapeño. For a smoky flavor, consider using a smoked salt rim.
It’s amazing how many different ways you can make it! We’ve listed some ideas for you below.
More Fruit & Herb Margaritas To Try
The best way to make these variations work is to taste as you go and adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Enjoy experimenting!
Fizzy Strawberry Basil Margarita: For a different way to enjoy this beverage, try topping it with club soda or lime seltzer water. Serve it in a rocks glass with a wedge of lime. This adds a delightful effervescence that makes the cocktail even more refreshing.
Spiced Strawberry Basil Margarita: Add a kick to the full recipe above with a slice or two of jalapeño. The spicy flavor profile contrasts the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully. Our Jalapeño Cantaloupe Margaritas is a must-drink for spice lovers!
Peach-Thyme Margarita: The sweetness of ripe peaches pairs well with thyme’s subtle, earthy flavor. Muddle the peach and thyme together before adding your tequila, fresh lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur. You can also try our Peach Margaritas recipe.
Pineapple-Cilantro Margarita: Pineapple provides a tropical sweetness that pairs brilliantly with the distinctive, fresh flavor of cilantro. Combine fresh pineapple juice, a few sprigs of cilantro, tequila, and lime juice for a refreshing twist.
Blackberry-Sage Margarita: The tartness of blackberries works well with the slightly peppery flavor of sage. Muddle the fresh berries and sage leaves together, then add tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur for a uniquely flavored margarita.
Watermelon-Mint Margarita: Watermelon adds a sweet, refreshing flavor that’s enhanced by the coolness of mint. Blend watermelon to create a juice, then mix it with fresh lime juice, a touch of orange liqueur, tequila, and mint leaves.
Grapefruit-Rosemary Margarita: The tangy flavor of grapefruit combined with the pine-like flavor of rosemary creates an invigorating margarita. Use fresh grapefruit juice, a sprig of rosemary, tequila, and a dash of lime for a zesty and aromatic cocktail.
Raspberry-Lime Margarita: Replace the strawberries with fresh raspberries for a tangier flavor. Swap out the lemonade for fresh lime juice for extra zest. Muddle the raspberries with basil before adding the other ingredients. Or try our Mixed Berry Margaritas made with Grand Marnier and fresh berries
Spicy Mango Margarita: Use ripe, sweet mango instead of strawberries and add a few jalapeño slices for a spicy kick. Muddle these with the basil, then follow the rest of the recipe as stated. You can also turn them into Frozen Mango Margaritas!
Cucumber-Mint Margarita: Substitute fresh mint for basil and add a handful of cucumber slices for a cool, refreshing twist. Muddle the cucumber and mint before adding them to the rest of the mix.
Blueberry-Thyme Margarita: Swap strawberries for fresh blueberries and use thyme instead of basil. The thyme’s earthiness complements the sweet-tart flavor of the blueberries. Muddle them together for a deeper flavor infusion. Here’s a Frozen Blueberry Margarita to try next.
Tropical Pineapple Margarita: Replace strawberries with fresh pineapple for a tropical spin. Add a few cilantro leaves to the basil for a complementary herbaceous note. Muddle the pineapple and herbs together before adding the remaining ingredients.