Strawberry Basil Margarita is a delicious twist on the classic margarita cocktail! It’s deliciously refreshing with a sweet and slightly herbal flavor. It only takes a few minutes to make this easy batch of margaritas that’s perfect for summertime parties!

close up of 2 strawberry basil margaritas slightly offset.

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What’s in Strawberry Margaritas?

This strawberry basil margarita is pure sunshine in a glass – all of the ingredients are vibrant and refreshing!

  • Strawberries: Be sure to only use fresh strawberries, not frozen. The difference in taste is huge!
  • Agave Syrup: This sweetener can be swapped with simple syrup or honey if preferred.
  • Basil Leaves: It’s very important to only use fresh, not dried basil.
  • Tequila: Silver or blanco tequila is preferred. Reposado will also work, but it may lend a darker color.
  • Lime Juice: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice only!

Pro Tip: You’ll also want to rim your glasses with some lime juice and sea salt (or sugar) to really send this drink over the top! Feel like showing off? Add some strawberry and basil garnishes as well.

Variations on this Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe

This easy margarita recipe is pretty perfect the way it is! You can always make it stronger by doubling down on the tequila, but keep in mind that the tequila taste will be very strong if you go that route. The way it’s concocted now is ideal because the tequila flavor is tamed beautifully by the sweet strawberries and aromatic fresh basil.

And of course, you can always go the opposite way and make it a mocktail! To make an alcohol-free version of this margarita, simply shake the muddled strawberries and basil with lime juice and pour over orange or lime seltzer water. Do not add seltzer to the shaker, or it will leak all over the place!

overhead view of ingredients for strawberry basil margarita.
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What is the best kind of tequila for a strawberry basil margarita?

A silver or blanco tequila is best for margaritas. Silver/blanco tequila hasn’t been aged as long and has a stronger flavor that mixes well, while gold tequila has been aged for longer and has a woodier flavor that doesn’t pair as well with the fresh fruit flavors. Reposado tequila is a type of gold tequila that has not been aged for as long, so it will also work in a margarita, although it is not my first choice!

Can I blend this to make a frozen margarita?

You can blend this recipe into frozen margaritas, but you may need to add more agave and/or lime juice for the best results. If you don’t add any extra liquid, your consistency may not be super smooth.

What should I use if I don’t have a cocktail shaker?

If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can shake margaritas up in a mason jar. Just make sure to screw the cap on tight to avoid a mess!

three-quarters view of a strawberry basil margarita garnished with basil and strawberries.

How to Make Ahead of Time

To make a strawberry basil margarita ahead of time, simply follow the recipe as written, but do not pour the drink over ice. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and pour over ice when ready to enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

If you really want to be the summertime host with the most, you’re going to need some vibrant finger foods to serve alongside these fruity margs! Some of my favorite summery appetizer recipes include shrimp summer rolls, summer fruit bruschetta, and avocado corn salsa.

overhead view of 2 strawberry basil margaritas.

More Strawberry Cocktail Recipes

Recipe Card

Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 drinks
Author: Becky Hardin
featured strawberry basil margarita.
Sweet strawberries come together with peppery basil to make this gorgeous and summery Strawberry Basil Margarita!
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Ingredients 

  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • ¼ cup agave syrup (2 ounces)
  • 6 fresh basil leaves
  • ½ cup tequila (4 ounces) silver or blanco preferred
  • ¼ cup fresh lime juice (2 ounces)

For Serving

  • Lime wedge and sea salt to rim the glass
  • Ice
  • Strawberry slices for garnish
  • Basil leaves for garnish

Instructions 

  • In a cocktail shaker, add the strawberries and agave syrup, and start muddling them. Add the basil leaves and continue muddling until they release their juices.
    1 cup sliced fresh strawberries, ¼ cup agave syrup, 6 fresh basil leaves
    strawberries, basil, and lime juice being muddled in a glass cocktail shaker.
  • Add the tequila and lime juice and shake to combine.
    ½ cup tequila, ¼ cup fresh lime juice
    tequila poured over muddled strawberries in a cocktail shaker.
  • Rub a lime wedge around the glasses and dip them in salt.
    Lime wedge and sea salt
    a glass turned upside down onto a dish of salt.
  • Fill the glasses with ice, pour the margarita into the glasses, and garnish with strawberries and basil leaves.
    Ice, Strawberry slices, Basil leaves
    2 strawberry basil margaritas slightly offset.

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • It’s really important to use fresh basil.
  • Use fresh strawberries if possible, but you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. 
  • Use fresh over bottled lime juice, although both will work.
  • Use blanco or silver tequila for the best flavor. Reposado will also work, but it may lend a darker color.
  • Use agave or honey for the best taste, although simple syrup will also work.
  • Feel free to make a salted or sugared rim. 
  • Shaking the cocktail is key. It aerates and mixes the ingredients much better than stirring.
  • Use large ice cubes to prevent the margarita from getting watered down too quickly.
  • If using a jigger, be aware of the measurements. The larger size is one jigger or 1½ ounces. The smaller cup is normally one-half jigger, or ¾ ounces.
Serving: 1drinkCalories: 255kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 3mgPotassium: 151mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 87IUVitamin C: 56mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

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Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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