A fun twist on the classic, this Strawberry Basil Margarita is bright, fragrant, and easy to make. Ready in about five minutes, it’s perfect for warm evenings on the patio, casual get-togethers, or any time you want a refreshing tequila-based cocktail with a summery flair.
A traditional margarita is simple and timeless: tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, with a touch of sweetener if desired and an optional salted rim. This Strawberry Basil Margarita layers in fresh strawberries and fragrant basil for a lively, slightly sweet variation that elevates the standard tequila cocktail.
When strawberries are in season, their natural sweetness and acidity blend beautifully with basil’s herbaceous notes, creating a cocktail that’s both bright and balanced. You can make this drink on the rocks, chilled and strained, or prepare a pitcher for a party.
Why You Will Love This Strawberry Basil Margarita
- Ideal for summer: Fresh strawberries and basil give the margarita a seasonal, garden-fresh taste that’s impossible to replicate with juices alone.
- A creative take on a classic: If you enjoy traditional margaritas, this version adds a new dimension of flavor while staying familiar and refreshing.
- Quick and simple: Except for a bit of muddling, the recipe comes together fast with everyday tools—no special bartending gear required.
Ingredients and Swaps
See the ingredients list and amounts in the recipe section below. Key ingredient notes and convenient swaps are summarized here.
- Strawberries: Fresh berries work best when in season for flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries will work if thawed first.
- Basil: Use fresh basil leaves for the best aroma and flavor—dried basil will not provide the same freshness.
- Tequila: Blanco (unaged) tequila is a great choice for its clean agave notes. Reposado can be used for a slightly richer, oaky flavor.
- Orange liqueur: Cointreau or another quality orange liqueur yields a smoother finish; triple sec is an acceptable, more economical alternative.
- Fresh lime juice: Always recommended—bottled lime juice lacks brightness and can alter the balance of the cocktail.
- Sweetener: Honey or agave syrup both work. Agave is more traditional for margaritas; use honey if that’s what you have on hand.
- Sea salt or sugar rim: Optional, depending on whether you prefer a salted or sweeter rim.
How To Make It
Step 1: Place hulled, sliced strawberries and fresh basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker or a sturdy glass that can be sealed.
Step 2: Gently muddle the strawberries and basil with a muddler, wooden spoon, or fork. Press enough to release juices and basil aroma but avoid over-muddling the basil to keep bitterness at bay.
Step 3: Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and honey or agave to the shaker. Add several ice cubes and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and combine the ingredients.
Step 4: Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. For a salted or sugared rim, run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in salt or sugar first. Garnish with a lime slice, a strawberry, and a basil sprig.
Recipe Tips
- Shake well: Shaking aerates the drink and improves texture. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, seal the ingredients in a jar and shake vigorously.
- Use larger ice cubes: Bigger cubes melt more slowly and keep your margarita from diluting too quickly.
- Avoid immediate blending: Blending into a frozen margarita changes the balance; frozen versions often need extra sweetener and lime. If you prefer frozen, taste and adjust accordingly.
Does a margarita need Cointreau?
Orange liqueur (also called triple sec) is a classic margarita ingredient. Cointreau is a smoother, higher-quality triple sec that enhances the drink, but it’s not strictly required. Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur can be used as alternatives depending on the flavor you prefer.
Want to make this cocktail a mocktail?
You can easily make a nonalcoholic version. Muddle the strawberries and basil with lime juice, then shake with ice and top with orange or lime-flavored sparkling water or soda. Sweeten to taste with honey or agave.
You can also make this large batch
For a pitcher to serve a group, combine the following in a large pitcher and chill or serve over ice. Stir before serving and garnish individual glasses as desired.
- 1 lb strawberries
- 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
- 1 1/2 cups tequila (12 oz)
- 3/4 cup orange liqueur
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3–4 tablespoons honey or agave
This yields roughly six servings and can be prepared a few hours ahead; add ice and garnish just before serving to preserve freshness.
Other cocktails you may like
- Blood Orange Champagne Sangria
- Watermelon Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
- Ginger Peach White Sangria
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Strawberry Basil Margarita Cocktail
By: Lorie Yarro
A bright, fragrant twist on the classic margarita: strawberries, basil, tequila, and lime combine for a refreshing, quick cocktail.
Prep Time: 5 minutes • Total Time: 5 minutes • Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 4–5 strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or similar)
- 1½ oz fresh lime juice
- 2 tsp honey or agave
- Sea salt for rim, if desired
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Add strawberries and basil to the bottom of a cocktail shaker or a sealable glass. Gently muddle to release juices and aroma.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and honey or agave. Add several ice cubes and shake for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
- If salting the rim, wet the rim with a lime wedge and dip into salt. Fill the glass with fresh ice, strain the margarita into the glass, and garnish with fresh berries, lime, and basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Shaken, not stirred: Shaking adds texture and blends flavors. Use a sealed jar if you don’t have a shaker.
Ice matters: Use larger ice cubes to keep your drink from diluting too quickly.
Frozen version: Converting this to a frozen margarita will change the balance; you may need extra sweetener and lime juice to taste.
Nutrition
Calories: 287 kcal • Carbohydrates: 28 g • Protein: 1 g • Fat: 1 g • Sugar: 24 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below.