I love a backyard gathering on a summer day, especially when the grill is going and there’s some good food on the table. And as someone who’s often the host of these gatherings, I know one crowd-pleaser I can always count on is a big batch of frozen margaritas. Enter our strawberry margarita recipe. It makes the classic, sweet-salty combo that’s easy to make and goes down just as easily.
Like all good margarita recipes, a strawberry margarita is made with tequila, Cointreau and lime. Add frozen strawberries, and you’ve got the perfect blended drink. When thinking about how to make frozen margaritas perfectly slushy, our tips include using one of the best blenders for an ultra-smooth consistency.
Make a big batch for a party or just enough for you and a friend. Strawberry margaritas never disappoint! They’re the perfect quencher at a backyard bash alongside easy barbecue recipes and anything from the grill.
Ingredients for a Strawberry Margarita
- Blanco tequila:Â The best tequila for margaritas is blanco tequila, also called “silver tequila,” which gives the drink a great agave-forward flavor. If you want more aged flavor, go with a reposado tequila. If you prefer a smokier flavor, use mezcal instead of tequila.
- Frozen strawberries: Frozen strawberries are key in this drink. They act like ice cubes when blended and give the drink that slushy texture we all love. Use your favorite store-bought brand or some you popped in the freezer yourself. (Psst: Here’s how to freeze fresh strawberries.)
- Triple Sec: Triple Sec is an orange liqueur that gives margaritas an extra-citrusy edge. You can also substitute curaçao, Cointreau or Grand Marnier for the same effect. There are a few differences between Cointreau vs. Triple Sec vs. Grand Marnier, including price. When you’re blending a fruit-forward margarita, it’s OK to stick with the cheaper stuff.
- Lime juice: Limes are essential in margaritas, and it’s just not quite the same with any other citrus. Make sure to use fresh limes for the tastiest margarita.
Directions
Step 1: Make a sugar rim (optional)
If desired, moisten the rim of a cocktail glass with a lime wedge. Place the sugar in a shallow bowl that’s at least as wide as the glass.
Dip the rim of the glass into the sugar so that it hits just the lip of the glass.
Step 2: Blend everything together
Place tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice and strawberries in a blender. Cover with the lid, and process well until very smooth. Pour the frozen margarita into the prepared glass, and garnish with a lime wedge. If desired, garnish with fresh strawberries.
Recipe Variations
- Make it on the rocks: Moisten the rim of 1 cocktail glass with lime wedge. If desired, sprinkle coarse sugar on a plate; dip rim in sugar. Fill glass with ice. In a small dish, sprinkle 1 teaspoon sugar over 1/4 cup fresh or thawed sliced strawberries. Muddle gently. Let stand 10 minutes. In an empty cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Triple Sec, lime juice and strawberry mixture. Fill with ice; cover and shake until frost forms on the outside of the shaker, 15 to 20 seconds. Strain into prepared glass. Garnish with lime wedge.
- Add basil: Fresh basil is a great pairing with strawberry, and it gives this drink a refreshing kick. To add basil, muddle it with the strawberry mixture in an on-the-rocks margarita, or toss it into the blender with the frozen marg. And for either option, you can garnish your glasses with fresh basil leaves.
- Make it a virgin drink: If you love the strawberry but don’t want the alcohol, you can still make a delicious drink. Ditch the tequila and Triple Sec, add orange juice instead, and blend everything together. Pour into a glass, and top it with some sparkling water.
- Change up the flavors: There are all sorts of delicious flavored margaritas. If strawberry isn’t your jam, you can always change it up. Try watermelon margaritas instead of strawberries, or add some jalapenos for a kick!
How long does a strawberry margarita last?
A batch of these strawberry margaritas should be enjoyed immediately! The slushy part will only last as long as the ice stays icy. If they’re not stored in the freezer, the slushy texture will melt; it will still be tasty but won’t be frozen.
Can you make strawberry margaritas ahead of time?
To make strawberry margaritas ahead of time, blend the ingredients together, and store the margarita mixture in the freezer. With the alcohol in there, the mixture shouldn’t freeze completely, and it should maintain its slushy texture. If needed, blend the frozen mixture a bit to loosen it up before pouring into a glass.
Strawberry Margarita Tips
How can you keep strawberry margaritas cold longer?
To keep strawberry margaritas cold longer, start with cold ingredients. In addition to using frozen strawberries, store your liquor in the freezer ahead of time, and use when ready.
What tequila is best for strawberry margaritas?
The best tequila for strawberry margaritas is blanco or silver tequila, which is 100% de agave or puro de agave. My favorite tequila for margaritas is Espolon Blanco Tequila, but some other crowd-pleasers are Casamigos Blanco and Patron Silver.
How can you make strawberry margaritas sweeter?
To make strawberry margaritas sweeter, consider adding some simple syrup, honey or agave syrup to the blender. Depending on the variety used, strawberries can vary in sweetness. Adding a little sugar to the mixture never hurts.
