Strawberry Margarita Recipe

Strawberry Margarita

1. 1

   Prepare glass

   Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a chilled cocktail or rocks glass. Pour the coarse salt or superfine sugar onto a small plate, then gently dip the rim into the salt/sugar to coat. Set the glass aside and add 3–4 ice cubes to chill if desired.

2. 2

   Prep strawberries

   If using fresh strawberries, hull and roughly chop enough to measure 1 cup. If using frozen strawberries, let them sit for 2–3 minutes to loosen slightly (still should be mostly frozen for a slushy texture). Reserve one slice for garnish.

3. 3

   Make simple syrup (if needed)

   If you don't have ready simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water (e.g., 1/4 cup sugar + 1/4 cup water) in a small saucepan, heat gently until sugar dissolves, then cool. Measure 1/2 ounce (about 1 tbsp) for this recipe. (This step can be skipped if you have syrup on hand.)

4. 4

   Blend the cocktail

   In a blender add 1 cup fresh (or 3/4 cup frozen) strawberries, 3 oz silver tequila, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz simple syrup, and 1 cup ice for a frozen-style margarita. Secure lid and blend on high 20–40 seconds until smooth and slushy. If mixture is too thick, add 1–2 tbsp water or additional lime juice and pulse once; if too thin, add a few more ice cubes and pulse until desired consistency.

5. 5

   Adjust sweetness and balance

   Taste a small spoonful. If the strawberry flavor is muted, add 1/4–1/2 oz more simple syrup. If too sweet, add 1/4 oz more lime juice. If too strong on alcohol, add 1–2 tbsp water or another small handful of ice and blend briefly.

6. 6

   Serve

   Discard chilling ice from the prepared glass if used. Add fresh ice cubes (about 4–6) to the glass if you prefer on-the-rocks presentation. Pour the blended strawberry margarita into the rimmed glass. Garnish with the reserved strawberry slice and a lime wedge on the rim.

7. 7

   Optional variation - shaken (not frozen)

   For a shaken Strawberry Margarita: Muddle 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries and 1/2 oz simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add 3 oz tequila, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz lime juice, fill shaker with ice, and shake vigorously 10–15 seconds. Double strain into a salt/sugar-rimmed glass over fresh ice and garnish.