Strawberry Basil Margarita Summer Cocktail Recipe
Introduction
This Strawberry Basil Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, perfect for warm summer days. Combining ripe strawberries with fragrant basil and a splash of tequila, it offers a vibrant and flavorful drink to enjoy with friends.
Ingredients
- ½ pint fresh strawberries
- ½ cup blanco tequila
- 1.5 oz Cointreau
- 1 lime, juiced (about 1 ounce)
- 1 tablespoon honey, raw if possible
- 2-3 basil sprigs
- Ice
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and hull the strawberries. Juice the lime and pick the basil leaves from their stems.
- Step 2: In a blender, combine the strawberries, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, honey, and basil leaves. Blend until smooth.
- Step 3: Rim the edges of your glasses with kosher salt by moistening the rim first and dipping it into the salt.
- Step 4: Fill the glasses with ice and pour the margarita mixture over the ice.
- Step 5: Garnish with a strawberry and a fresh basil leaf before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a sweeter drink, add a bit more honey or a splash of simple syrup.
- Try substituting basil with mint for a fresher, different herbal note.
- If you prefer a frozen margarita, blend the ingredients with ice instead of adding it to the glass.
- Use kosher salt or a flavored salt like smoked salt for a unique rim flavor.
Storage
This margarita mixture is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving if stored. Avoid freezing, as it can affect the texture and flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well and can even make the drink colder and more slushy, especially if blended with ice.
What can I use if I don’t have Cointreau?
You can substitute Cointreau with other orange liqueurs like Triple Sec or Grand Marnier. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, a splash of orange juice and a bit of orange zest will add a similar flavor.
PrintStrawberry Basil Margarita Summer Cocktail Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant Strawberry Basil Margarita that combines fresh strawberries, aromatic basil, and classic tequila flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or a relaxing evening cocktail.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Fruit and Herbs
- ½ pint fresh strawberries
- 2–3 basil sprigs
- 1 lime, juiced (about an ounce)
Liquids
- ½ cup blanco tequila
- 1.5 oz. Cointreau
- 1 tablespoon honey, raw if you have it
Other
- Ice (as needed)
- Kosher salt (for rimming glasses)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash and hull the fresh strawberries carefully to remove the green tops. Juice the lime to extract approximately one ounce of fresh lime juice. Pick the basil leaves from the stems, discarding any tough or woody parts.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the hulled strawberries, blanco tequila, Cointreau, freshly squeezed lime juice, raw honey, and basil leaves. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and well combined, creating a vibrant, flavorful margarita base.
- Prepare Glasses: Moisten the rims of your serving glasses and dip them into kosher salt to coat the edges evenly, adding a classic salty touch that complements the cocktail.
- Serve: Fill each glass with ample ice to keep the drink chilled. Pour the blended margarita mixture over the ice and garnish with an extra fresh strawberry and a basil leaf for visual appeal and an added burst of aroma. Serve immediately for best taste and freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust honey sweetness to taste depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- For a stronger basil aroma, gently bruise the basil leaves before blending.
- Rimming the glass with kosher salt is optional but enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Can be made in larger batches and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours but best served fresh.
Keywords: strawberry basil margarita, summer cocktail, fresh strawberry cocktail, tequila margarita, basil cocktail, blended margarita
