Strawberry Margarita

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Never buy a margarita mix again. This strawberry margarita recipe is simple and easy to make so there is no reason not to make a batch or two all summer.

The full ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.

• Tequila: You don’t need to splurge, but buy a good tequila from a reputable brand. Blanco or Reposado tequila is preferred, as Añejo will be too smoky since it is aged in oak barrels—save that for sipping neat.
• Orange Liqueurs: So many orange liqueurs are available, but we prefer Cointreau or Grand Marnier since they add far more character to your margarita than standard triple sec. You should splurge on a good orange liqueur for the best margarita.
• Strawberries: You will need some frozen and fresh berries. If all you can find is frozen, you can allow them to come to room temperature before making the simple syrup.
• Strawberry Simple Syrup: We use homemade strawberry simple syrup instead of regular simple syrup or another sweetener like agave. It adds additional strawberry flavor to make this our favorite strawberry margarita. For the strawberry simple syrup, you can substitute agave nectar or store-bought simple syrup in a pinch.
• Fresh Lime Juice: It’s not a margarita without lime juice. The lime juice adds acidity, which helps brighten the cocktail’s overall flavor profile.

How to Make Strawberry Margaritas

Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
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Pro-tip: Making your own strawberry simple syrup is worth the extra effort. It keeps well in the refrigerator for 2 weeks, and the leftover strawberries are also a versatile treat. They’re fantastic on top of pancakes or waffles, adding a burst of fruity sweetness.

Strawberry Simple Syrup:

• Remove the stems from the fresh strawberries and cut them in half or quarters. Combine the strawberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan and boil over medium heat.
• Let the strawberries simmer until the sugar dissolves and they are tender (approximately 20 minutes). Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
• Once cool, strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a small bowl, squeezing any excess juice from the strawberries. Transfer the simple syrup into a bottle or jar, using a funnel if needed.
• The cooked strawberries are great as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, and waffles, so don’t toss them! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and you can enjoy their sweet, tangy flavor for up to three days.

Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks:

• Pour about 3 tablespoons of margarita salt or sugar onto a plate. Rub the rim of your favorite cocktail glass with a slice of lime, and then dip it into the salt or sugar. Carefully fill each glass halfway with ice.
• Add the tequila, orange liqueur, strawberry syrup, and lime juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, and then, using a cocktail strainer, pour into the prepared glasses.
• Garnish with strawberry and a lime wedge, and serve.

Frozen Strawberry Margarita:

• Pour about 3 tablespoons of salt or sugar onto a plate. Rub the rim of each glass with a slice of lime, and then dip it into salt or sugar.
• Add the tequila, orange liqueur, strawberry simple syrup, frozen strawberries, and lime juice to a blender. Blend until slushy.
• Pour into the prepared glasses, garnish with strawberry and a lime wedge, and serve.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• The strawberry simple syrup can be stored in an airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• You can use frozen for the simple syrup if you can’t find fresh, ripe strawberries. Allow them to come to room temperature before cooking them in the water and sugar.
• Margaritas on the rocks can be made in advance. Shake and store the mixture without ice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They are perfect after a long day.
• Leftover frozen margarita can be stored in a freezer-safe, airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 days. It won’t completely freeze because of the alcohol; prior to serving, mix thoroughly.
• Keep a couple of cocktail glasses in the freezer until you are ready to serve, as it will keep your margaritas colder a little longer.

Frequently Asked Questions