A strawberry margarita is a delicious twist on a classic margarita cocktail. It combines tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, strawberry flavor, and ice into a refreshing fruity drink perfect for warm weather. The key ingredients that go into a strawberry margarita are:
Tequila
Tequila forms the alcoholic base of a margarita. It is distilled from the fermented juices of the blue agave plant. There are several main types of tequila that may be used in margaritas:
- Blanco or silver tequila – Unaged and clear in color, with a crisp flavor.
- Reposado tequila – Aged for 2 to 12 months in oak barrels for a mellower taste.
- Añejo tequila – Aged for 1 to 3 years for an even smoother, oaky flavor.
Any 100% agave tequila can be used, but blanco and reposado are most common. Avoid lower quality “gold” tequila, which has added sugars and colorants.
How much tequila is in a margarita?
A standard margarita uses 2 ounces (a shot) of tequila per drink. Adjust to taste preferences, or follow a specific margarita recipe.
Orange Liqueur
Orange liqueurs like triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier add sweetness and fruit flavor. Triple sec is the most common. It is clear and mildly sweet with orange essence. Cointreau is a high quality triple sec with a crisp orange flavor. Grand Marnier has cognac added for a bolder taste.
What can I substitute for orange liqueur?
If lacking orange liqueur, possible substitutions include other citrus liqueurs, curaçao, or even fresh orange juice. Reduce other sweeteners in the recipe if substituting liqueur with juice.
Lime Juice
Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the signature margarita tartness and adds an extra layer of citrus flavor. Key lime, Persian lime, or standard lime juice may be used. Bottled commercial lime juice is acceptable, but fresh squeezed is best.
How much lime juice in a margarita?
A standard margarita uses around 1 ounce of lime juice. Recipe proportions can vary from 1:1 to 4:1 tequila to lime juice, depending on taste preferences.
Strawberry Flavor
The strawberry flavor that distinguishes a strawberry margarita from a regular margarita can be added a couple ways:
- Strawberry liqueur – Strawberry schnapps or other flavored liqueurs provide bold, concentrated strawberry taste.
- Fresh strawberries – Muddled or blended fresh strawberries infuse natural sweetness and strawberry essence.
- Strawberry syrup – Commercial strawberry syrups offer convenience and consistent results.
- Strawberry puree – Pureed fresh or frozen strawberries lend texture and strawberry fruit flavor.
Get creative with combinations, like muddling fresh strawberries with schnapps or liqueur for extra strawberry intensity.
Ice
Ice is integral to the smooth, chilled consistency of a margarita. Cubed ice, crushed ice, or even snow cones or shaved ice can be used. Standard cube ice is most common. Use plenty of ice to achieve an icy drink without getting watered down too quickly.
What kind of ice is best for margaritas?
Margaritas are often served over crushed ice for a slushy texture, but cubed ice works well too. Avoid large chunky ice that melts slowly and waters down drinks. Soft pellet ice also dilutes quickly. Stick with crushed, cubed, or shaved ice for best results.
Salt
A salted rim gives a signature savory contrast to the sweet fruity flavors. Either coarse kosher salt or finer table salt may be used. Lime juice along the rim helps the salt crystals adhere. Skip the salt for a less tart, all-sweet strawberry margarita.
Should a strawberry margarita be salty?
It’s up to personal preference! A salted rim is traditional, but unsalted strawberry margaritas allow the fruit flavors to shine. Try both versions to decide.
Optional Ingredients
Customize your strawberry margarita with extra ingredients:
- Fruit slices – Float fresh strawberry and lime slices for garnish.
- Sugar – A bit of simple syrup or sugar adjusts sweetness.
- Sparkling water – For a lighter, fizzier drink.
- Rosemary – Herbal rosemary complements the strawberry.
- Jalapeño – For a spicy kick.
- Agave nectar – Balances sweetness if needed.
Making a Strawberry Margarita
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect strawberry margarita:
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces (1/4 cup) good quality tequila
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) triple sec
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/4 cup strawberry schnapps (optional)
- 1/4 cup ice
- Coarse salt
- Lime wedge
Instructions:
- If using a salted rim, spread lime juice around half the rim of a margarita glass or cocktail glass. Dip rim into plate of coarse salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the strawberries and schnapps if using.
- Add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and several ice cubes to shaker. Shake vigorously for 10-20 seconds.
- Fill glass with fresh ice. Strain margarita from shaker into glass.
- Garnish with lime wedge. Serve chilled.
For a frozen strawberry margarita:
- Blend ingredients with 1/2 cup ice in a blender until smooth.
- Pour into salted rim glass and garnish with lime.
Choosing ingredients
The ingredients you choose impact the flavor, color, and budget of your strawberry margarita. Follow these tips:
- 100% agave tequila – Go for quality over quantity.
- Fresh lime juice – Bottled is okay but fresh is best.
- Real strawberries – For natural texture and taste.
- Top shelf orange liqueur – Splurge on Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
- Ice type – Crushed or cubed, not pellet ice.
Non-alcoholic strawberry margarita
To make a refreshing non-alcoholic strawberry margarita, simply omit the tequila (and orange liqueur if used). Boost strawberry flavor with extra muddled berries, strawberry syrup, or puree. Add a splash of lime juice and serve over crushed ice for a family-friendly treat.
Strawberry margarita nutrition facts
Margaritas made with fresh ingredients have nutritional benefits. Here are the nutrition facts for a 6-ounce strawberry margarita made with 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce Cointreau, lime juice, and strawberries:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 188 |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
The strawberries provide vitamin C, manganese, and beneficial plant compounds. Overall, strawberry margaritas can be a relatively balanced cocktail when enjoyed in moderation.
Serving suggestions
Strawberry margaritas are extremely versatile drinks. Here are serving ideas:
Summertime sipper
Serve frozen strawberry margaritas at your next warm weather gathering. Garnish with slices of fresh lime and strawberries for a pop of color.
Fiesta ready
Bring a batch of strawberry margaritas to a Cinco de Mayo or Mexican fiesta. They’ll fit right in with classic Tex-Mex flavors.
Ladies night
Make a pitcher of strawberry margaritas for a girls night in or bachelorette party. The sweet fruity drink makes a festive cocktail to enjoy with friends.
Dessert drink
Surprise guests by serving strawberry margaritas after dinner in place of dessert. They satisfy that sweet tooth in drinkable form.
Spicy and fruity
For adults only, rim half the glasses with spicy chili-lime salt. Top with a jalapeño slice for a spicy, sweet combo.
Strawberry margarita variations
Change up your standard strawberry margarita with fun variations like:
Frozèn strawberry margarita
– Blend with ice for a slushy, frozen drink.
Spiked strawberry lemonade margarita
– Use lemonade instead of lime juice.
Raspberry margarita
– Substitute raspberries for strawberries.
Mango strawberry margarita
– Add diced mango for a tropical twist.
Skinny strawberry margarita
– Lower sugar with diet lemon-lime soda instead of Cointreau.
Strawberry jalapeño margarita
– Muddle in spicy jalapeño slices.
Cucumber strawberry margarita
– Muddle in fresh cucumber with the strawberries.
Frequently asked questions
Are strawberry margaritas good?
Yes! Strawberry margaritas are a delicious, refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. The sweet strawberry flavor balances the tart lime and tequila.
Are frozen strawberry margaritas better?
It’s a matter of personal preference. Frozen strawberry margaritas have a thicker, icy slushy texture that some people enjoy. But regular strawberry margaritas are excellent too.
Can you make a margarita without tequila?
Yes, you can make non-alcoholic margaritas by omitting the tequila altogether. Add extra strawberry flavor instead.
Is it safe to muddle strawberries for margaritas?
Yes, muddled strawberries are completely safe and add great flavor. Just be sure to muddle gently to release the juices without bruising the fruit.
Can I use frozen strawberries for margaritas?
You can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water content. Frozen berries are best for blended frozen margaritas.
Conclusion
A strawberry margarita is an exciting twist on a classic cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather sipping. It brings together sweet strawberry flavor, tart lime juice, smooth tequila, and orange liqueur or triple sec shaken or blended with ice. The essential ingredients include tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, strawberries, ice, and optional salt on the rim. With so many possible variations, from frozen to spicy versions, you can tailor your strawberry margarita to your own unique taste.
