If you love a classic margarita but want something a little more vibrant, this Strawberry Basil Margarita hits the sweet spot. It’s fruity without being sugary and herbal without tasting grassy. Fresh strawberries bring a natural sweetness, while basil adds a clean, peppery lift that pairs beautifully with lime and tequila.
It’s the kind of drink that feels special but comes together fast. Perfect for a weekend hangout, a warm evening on the patio, or whenever you want a colorful cocktail that tastes like summer.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
This margarita keeps things fresh and simple. You’ll use real strawberries instead of syrups, so the flavor is bright and clean.
The basil isn’t just garnish—it’s shaken with the drink to release its aroma and give the cocktail a layered, slightly savory edge.
It also balances flavor the way a good margarita should. You get citrusy tartness from lime, smooth warmth from tequila, and a silky finish from a touch of agave. The result is a drink that’s refreshing, not cloying.
It’s easy to scale, too, whether you’re making one glass or a pitcher for friends.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh strawberries: Ripe, fragrant berries give the best flavor and color.
- Fresh basil leaves: Sweet basil complements the strawberries and lime.
- Tequila blanco: Clean and crisp; choose a 100% agave tequila.
- Fresh lime juice: Squeezed to order for brightness and acidity.
- Orange liqueur: Triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier for a subtle citrus note.
- Agave syrup (or simple syrup): To gently sweeten and round out the tartness.
- Ice: For shaking and serving.
- Optional rim: Kosher salt, a mix of sugar and salt, or Tajín for a spicy kick.
- Garnish: Strawberry slice and a small sprig of basil.
Suggested amounts per drink:
- 2 large strawberries, hulled
- 4–6 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz orange liqueur
- 0.5 oz agave syrup (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Prep your glass: If you want a rim, run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks or coupe glass. Dip into salt, a salt-sugar mix, or Tajín. Fill with ice and set aside.
- Muddle strawberries and basil: In a cocktail shaker, add strawberries and basil.
Gently muddle until the berries release their juice and the basil is fragrant. Don’t shred the basil to bits; a light press is enough.
- Add the liquids: Pour in tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave syrup.
- Shake with ice: Add ice to the shaker, then shake hard for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Strain: Double strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice to catch seeds and basil bits. If you like a more rustic look, single strain is fine.
- Garnish and serve: Add a strawberry slice and a small sprig of basil.
Sip right away while it’s ice-cold.
Keeping It Fresh
Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor and color. Pale or out-of-season berries can taste watery, so add a touch more agave if needed. Basil is delicate, so keep it chilled and dry before using to maintain its aroma and color.
If you’re making these for a group, prep a strawberry-basil puree: blend strawberries with a few basil leaves and lime juice, then strain.
Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add tequila, orange liqueur, and syrup right before serving. Always shake with ice just before you pour to keep the drink lively.
Why This is Good for You
This is still a cocktail, but it leans on fresh ingredients and thoughtful balance.
Strawberries bring vitamin C and antioxidants, and lime juice adds more vitamin C and brightness without extra sugar. Basil contributes a fresh aroma and small amounts of beneficial phytonutrients.
Because you control the sweetener, you can keep it light and let the fruit stand out. Using a quality 100% agave tequila means a cleaner taste and fewer additives.
It’s a smarter, fresher way to enjoy a margarita.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-muddling the basil: This can make the drink bitter. Press gently to release fragrance, not juice the leaves to death.
- Using bottled lime juice: Fresh lime juice is essential for brightness and balance.
- Skipping the double strain: Without it, you’ll get seeds and leaf bits that muddle the texture.
- Too much sweetener: Agave should support the fruit, not drown it. Taste and adjust.
- Cheap tequila: Lower-quality tequila can taste harsh.
Choose a mid-range 100% agave blanco.
- Watery shake: Don’t under-shake or let the shaker sit. Shake hard and pour immediately.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Strawberry Basil Margarita: Add 2–3 thin slices of jalapeño to the muddle or use a Tajín rim.
- Smoky Mezcal Twist: Swap half or all of the tequila for mezcal for a smoky backbone.
- Frozen Version: Blend the ingredients with 1 cup of ice. Use slightly more strawberries and a touch more agave to keep flavor vivid.
- No-Refined-Sugar Option: Skip orange liqueur and use 0.75 oz agave plus a splash of fresh orange juice for citrus complexity.
- Basil-Lime Salt Rim: Pulse kosher salt with a few basil leaves and lime zest for a fragrant rim.
- Berry Swap: Mix in raspberries or blackberries with the strawberries for a deeper, jammy note.
- Low-ABV Spritz: Use 1 oz tequila and top with 2–3 oz sparkling water.
Serve in a tall glass with ice.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Frozen berries can actually be sweeter and more consistent when fresh strawberries aren’t in season.
You may need a touch less agave.
What’s the best tequila for this?
A 100% agave blanco is ideal. Look for a bottle that’s smooth and peppery rather than overly sweet or oaky. Save aged tequilas for sipping or different styles of cocktails.
Do I have to use orange liqueur?
No, but it adds a nice citrus roundness.
If you skip it, increase the agave slightly and consider a splash of fresh orange juice for balance. Keep tasting as you go.
How can I batch this for a party?
Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and mix everything except ice in a pitcher. Chill well.
When ready to serve, shake each portion with ice or stir with plenty of ice in the pitcher and strain into glasses. Garnish fresh.
What if my drink tastes too tart?
Add a little more agave syrup, 0.25 oz at a time, and shake again. You can also use slightly riper strawberries or increase the orange liqueur for a smoother finish.
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes.
Replace tequila and orange liqueur with 2 oz sparkling water and 1 oz fresh orange juice. Keep the strawberries, basil, lime, and agave. Shake gently and top with bubbles.
How do I keep the color bright?
Use very ripe strawberries and fresh lime juice, and serve immediately after shaking.
Double straining also helps, creating a clean, jewel-toned drink.
Wrapping Up
This Strawberry Basil Margarita is a fresh, fun upgrade to the classic. It’s simple to make, hard to mess up, and easy to tweak to your taste. With ripe strawberries, fragrant basil, and a balanced mix of citrus and sweetness, you get a cocktail that feels special any night of the week.
Shake one up, garnish simply, and enjoy that bright, summery sip.
