Strawberry Basil Margarita

A Strawberry Basil Margarita is an herbaceous twist to a strawberry margarita, served on the rocks! The vibrant flavors make this cocktail sweet, tart, and totally refreshing. It’s ideal for sipping on the patio all summer long!

about this strawberry basil margarita

Say hello to the summer cocktail of the year!

I had a refreshing and fruity margarita when we were out last month, and I was reminded just how much I love a good fruity margarita!

what makes a good fruity margarita?

It’s all about balance! I want sweet, but I also want tart and refreshing. It can’t be so sweet that it feels like I’m drinking dessert, and it can’t be so tart that it makes my lips pucker uncontrollably.

This recipe mashes up strawberries and basil leaves (literally!) to take your favorite strawberry margarita to the next level in terms of flavor.

It’s such a simple addition to a margarita, and it’s served on the rocks (which is my personal preference!). You’ll want to sip on these all summer long, trust me!

ingredients

strawberries – you can use fresh or frozen strawberries for this recipe! Just be sure to thaw frozen strawberries before using them.

basil – fresh basil is key! You will need it not only for the cocktail recipe, but also for garnish if you want to achieve the same look you see here.

lime juice – I always recommend using fresh lime juice!

agave – the flavor that agave adds to a margarita is elite. It’s definitely my go-to but you can also swap it out for honey or simple syrup if you prefer.

tequila – I recommend using a blanco (silver) tequila. You can use one that is at a mid-range price point like El Jimador or Dobel. You can use something more top shelf if you prefer like Patron.

orange liqueur – for this cocktail, I recommend using Cointreau, but you can also reach for the triple sec if you need a more affordable option.

this recipe’s must haves

To start, I like to use a Boston cocktail shaker because it’s very easy to muddle the ingredients together in the bottom of the glass.

Of course you will also need a muddler and a cocktail shaker to finish off the drink.

I used double old fashioned glasses here for serving (from CB2 but discontinued now).

our favorite cocktail glasses

Aperol spritz glass

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here’s how to make a strawberry basil margarita

muddle

In an empty shaker, muddle strawberries, basil leaves, lime juice, and agave until the strawberries are broken up.

shake

Pour in with tequila and Cointreau, then add ice. Shake well.

strain

Strain into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with strawberry and basil.

Pro Tip! Muddle the ingredients together, but don’t over-mash them! Take your muddler, press it down and twist into the mixture gently. Don’t grind into the glass as you don’t want to tear up the leaves!

tips for success

be sure to shake it. Shaking this cocktail is a must since it aerates the cocktail and coaxes more texture out. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, simply use a sealed mason jar with ice!

don’t serve it frozen. I know people like their frozen margs, but this margarita is not meant to be served frozen! By throwing it into the blender with ice, you’ll dilute the overall flavor. This recipe has not been taste tested as a frozen drink, just so you know!

make it a large batch! Want to make this a pitcher drink? I’ve included large batch instructions in the recipe card notes below!

More strawberry cocktail recipes to try: Strawberry Tequila Fizz | Strawberry Margarita Mimosa | Vodka Strawberry Lemonade | Strawberry Mint Vodka Gimlet

should I use triple sec or Cointreau?

You can use either! Cointreau is technically a type of triple sec. Triple sec is an inexpensive orange liqueur that is often used in cocktails, but Cointreau is a smoother and more complex flavor.

I personally like to use Cointreau, but unless you use it often, it can be expensive! Using triple sec will give you the right amount of orange in the cocktail without the big ticket price.

can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw them before you use them as this will make the whole muddling process a lot easier, haha!

do I have to use fresh basil leaves?

I recommend using fresh. It’s the best way to get the purest flavor from the basil. Dried basil is tough to muddle and it ends up not tasting quite right in the cocktail. Either use fresh or omit!

can I do a salt or sugar rim?

Yes, you can do either a salt or a sugar rim if you like! This strawberry basil margarita cocktail lends itself to both.

Need some more inspiration for cocktails? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a strawberry basil margarita

A refreshing cocktail like this is meant for the classic pairings that you usually see with margaritas! So I’ve listed below what to serve this cocktail with, whether you are making it for a party in a big batch or making it to go with your Taco Tuesday dinner.

• For a party, I like a simple chunky salsa and/or a big batch of crispy instant pot carnitas tostadas!
• For Taco Tuesday, check out these easy sheet pan pineapple chipotle chicken tacos or instant pot chipotle chicken tacos! If you need a vegetarian option, guacamole tacos are always a good idea.

Finally, if you make these strawberry basil margaritas, please be sure to give this recipe a rating or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment. Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram if you make the recipe! Love being able to see these recipes come to live in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!