This Strawberry Basil Margarita recipe is a delicious blend of fresh strawberries, basil leaves, lime juice, tequila, and strawberry syrup.
I love a good margarita! The cocktail is so versatile, you can make a margarita with just about any fruit and flavors. These Basil Strawberry Margaritas are a delicious blend of fresh basil leaves, sweet strawberries, Blanco tequila, and lime juice. It’s a fun twist on a classic cocktail that you can easily make at home.
This is one of the best strawberry margarita recipes because it is a delicious twist on a classic drink. Enjoy this refreshing cocktail for girl’s nights, Cinco de Mayo, or relaxing by the pool.
Ingredients for a Strawberry Basil Margarita
- Tequila – Silver tequila, also called tequila blanco, is the best tequila for this cocktail. Silver tequila has a stronger, clearer taste than gold tequila. It is better for a fruity margarita because it doesn’t mask the sweetness of the fresh strawberries. I always have a bottle of Jose Cuervo in my liquor cabinet for margaritas.
- Triple Sec – This orange liquor enhances the fruit flavor of the margarita. Substitute triple sec for Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or any other orange liqueur you have on hand.
- Lime Juice – No margarita is complete without a bit of fresh lime juice. It adds a distinct margarita flavor and a bit of bright, citrus to the drink.
- Strawberry Syrup – Increase the sweet strawberry flavor of this margarita with rich strawberry syrup. Purchase strawberry syrup from a brand like Monin. Homemade strawberry syrup is also a great alternative and it is simple to create.
- Fresh Strawberries – The key ingredient to a strawberry cocktail is fresh muddled strawberries. Thawed frozen strawberries are also a great alternative. Wash fresh fruit in water and baking soda to clean off any remaining dirt or debris.
- Basil Leaves – Basil has a pungent, slightly sweet flavor. It is a key ingredient in many Italian dishes, but it’s also amazing in cocktails. It complements the sweetness of berries and melon beautifully.
Homemade Strawberry Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is one of the best ingredients for adding sweetness to a cocktail. If you can stir, then you can make strawberry simple syrup!
- Add 1 cup of water, 1 cup of strawberries, and 1 cup of sugar to a small saucepan.
- Heat the saucepan on medium-low heat. It does not need to boil!
- Continuously stir the water-sugar mixture until all of the sugar dissolves and the strawberries turn mushy.
- Pour into a glass jar.
- Allow the syrup to cool in the refrigerator. It should last up to 6 months in the refrigerator!
Cocktail Tools You’ll Need
- Muddler – You need a muddler to smash the strawberries and basil leaves. It releases the flavors of the fruit and leaves into the cocktail.
- Strainer (Optional) – I don’t like chunky cocktails. So I prefer to use a mesh strainer to remove them from my drinks. However, many people enjoy the additional flavor of the smashed fruit and leaves in the cocktail glass. This is a personal preference. The cocktail tastes great either way!
How to Make a Strawberry Basil Margarita
This easy margarita is going to be your new favorite! It’s full of vibrant flavor from the muddled basil and fresh berries. Enjoy a single serving, or make a large batch for guests.
Step 1 – Add half a cup of juicy strawberry pieces, 3-4 basil leaves, and lime juice to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to smash (aka muddle) the fruit and leaves.
Step 2 – Add tequila, triple sec, and strawberry syrup to the smashed strawberry mixture.
Step 3 – Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Then firmly place the lid on the cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to combine the cocktail ingredients and chill them.
Step 4 – Use a mesh strainer to strain the cocktail into a margarita glass or a cocktail glass over ice.
Step 5 – Garnish the cocktail with a fresh strawberry on the rim and a sprig of basil.
Make It a Frozen Cocktail!
Make this a frozen strawberry basil margarita recipe with a few small changes to this recipe! Instead of using fresh strawberries, substitute for a cup of frozen strawberries.
Blend the ingredients in a blender with a handful of ice cubes instead of using a cocktail shaker. The result is a delicious frozen margarita made with fresh basil!
What Type of Glass Do I Use?
- Margarita glass – Margarita glasses are ideal for frozen margaritas. They have a stem and a wide mouth. The stem allows you to hold the cocktail without it melting from the warmth of your hands.
- Short tumbler – Not everyone has a set of margarita glasses at home. So a short tumbler, or rocks glass, is also great for a margarita on the rocks. I prefer my margaritas over ice with a straw!
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Can I Make These Strawberry Basil Margaritas In a Big Batch?
Margaritas are the perfect big-batch cocktail and you can make them in advance! Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests you wish to serve. Then mix all the ingredients, without ice, in a large pitcher. Keep the pitcher in the refrigerator until it’s time to serve drinks. Then guests may serve themselves from the pitcher.
You may store this cocktail in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, the flavor profile will change the longer you store it! The basil and strawberry flavors will infuse with the tequila over time and become stronger.
This Strawberry Basil Margarita cocktail recipe is unique in the best way. It’s made with fresh ingredients and your favorite tequila, so what’s not to love?!
More Delicious Margarita Recipes You’re Sure to Enjoy
Strawberry Basil Margarita
Equipment
- muddler
- mesh strainer
- cocktail shaker
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries chopped
- 3 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz lime juice
- 4 oz tequila blanco
- 2 oz triple sec
- 2 oz strawberry syrup
Instructions
- Add strawberry pieces, basil leaves, and lime juice to the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to smash the ingredients together.
- Add tequila, triple sec, and strawberry syrup to the smashed strawberry mixture.
- Add a handful of ice cubes and firmly place the lid on the cocktail shaker. Shake for 30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
- Strain the margarita into a glass using a mesh strainer.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim of the glass and a sprig of basil.
