Living in Texas means that summers are hot and cocktails are frozen. Our go-to frozen drinks are usually margaritas but occasionally we like to mix it up with a frozen daiquiri, pina colada, or a glass of frose. Our recipe for frozen strawberry daiquiris is quick, easy, and refreshing -there’s no-store bought mix in our recipe.
Daiquiri vs Margarita – What’s the Difference?
Daiquiris and Margaritas are both popular classic cocktails. While both cocktails share some similarities, such as the use of lime juice, they also differ in terms of liquor, sweetener, and taste. Daiquiris are rum-based, simple syrup-sweetened drinks, while Margaritas are made with tequila and orange liqueur. Here’s a breakdown of the some of differences between these two classic drinks:
- Base Liquor:
- Daiquiri: The base liquor in a traditional Daiquiri is white rum although aged or flavored rums can also be used. It forms the foundation of the cocktail and provides its distinctive flavor.
- Margarita: The base liquor in a Margarita is tequila, which gives the drink its characteristic taste. Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant.
- Sweetener:
- Daiquiri: A Daiquiri traditionally includes simple syrup (sugar dissolved in water) or sometimes granulated sugar. This sweetener balances the tartness of the lime juice and complements the rum.
- Margarita: Margaritas commonly feature orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau) as a sweetener along with a simple syrup or agave nectar. The combination of tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur creates a sweet and tangy flavor profile.
- Citrus Juice:
- Daiquiri: Lime juice is the classic citrus juice used in a Daiquiri. It provides the drink with a refreshing, tangy taste.
- Margarita: Margaritas primarily rely on lime juice for their citrus component. However, variations may add other citrus juices like lemon, blood orange, or grapefruit to add different flavor dimensions.
- Garnish:
- Daiquiri: A Daiquiri is typically garnished with a lime wheel or twist. The glass is not rimmed with sugar or salt.
- Margarita: Margaritas are commonly garnished with a lime wedge or wheel and served in a salt or sugar-rimmed glass.
Both daiquiris and margaritas can be customized with different fruits, syrups, or garnishes. Additionally, they can be served on the rocks, shaken with ice then strained into a chilled glass, or frozen to create a slushy refreshing cocktail that’s perfect for summer.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris are simple to make with just a few key ingredients so there is no reason ever to buy a frozen mixer again.
The full ingredient list and measurements are listed in the printable recipe below.
- Rum: Daiquiris are made with white rum. There is no reason to splurge on the expensive stuff since it is getting mixed with berries and lime but we would also suggest that you not cheap out. Buy a mid-priced, good rum.
- Strawberries: You will need frozen strawberries for this recipe. Using fresh strawberries will not get as slushy of a texture that makes this cocktail so refreshing.
- 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 the best-frozen daiquiri but in a pinch, you can substitute agave nectar or store-bought simple syrup for the strawberry simple syrup.
- Lime: It isn’t a daiquiri without the lime.
How to Make a Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
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.
Pro-tip: You can substitute store-bought simple syrup but we recommend using strawberry simple syrup to get more strawberry flavor.
1. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri: Add frozen strawberries, ice, strawberry simple syrup, rum, and lime juice to a blender. Blend until completely smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh berries and lime slices if desired.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Frozen daiquiris can be made and stored in a freezer-safe airtight container the freezer for up to 2 days. It won’t completely freeze because of the alcohol. Mix thoroughly prior to serving.
- Keep a couple of cocktail glasses in the freezer until you are ready to serve as it will keep your daiquiris frozen a little longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strawberry simple syrup can be substituted with agave nectar or store-bought simple syrup.  Note: the taste will be altered by the substitutions. Adjust amounts based on tastes.
Adjust the servings in the recipe card and then combine the appropriate amounts of strawberry simple syrup, rum, frozen strawberries, ice, and lime juice in a blender and blend until slushy. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze until ready to be served. Give it a quick stir before pouring it into prepared cocktail glasses.
There are lots of great choices for rum. We usually use Bacardi Superior, Flor de Caña, Don Q, or Plantation 3 Star.
You can but premade mixes often contain extra additives and preservatives and making it without is just as easy.
To make this into a virgin daiquiri replace the rum with tonic water or use Sprite or 7-Up for a sweeter flavor.
More Summer Cocktail Recipes To Try
Looking for more refreshing summer cocktail recipes? Try these other favorites:
- Frozen Pina Colada with Coco Lopez – Made with Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut it is full of coconut flavor and is a refreshing frozen summer cocktail.
- Strawberry Pineapple Frosé – This frozen rosé is a perfect summertime drink. It’s a light and refreshing frozen drink that’s not too sweet.
- Strawberry Margarita – Using homemade strawberry simple syrup enjoy easy refreshing strawberry margaritas two ways – on the rocks or frozen. They are the perfect cocktail for a few people or for a crowd.
- Traditional Red Sangria – Easy, authentic Spanish sangria recipe! This refreshing cocktail is loaded with fresh fruit and is perfect for summer parties.
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Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
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Ingredients
- 6 ounces white rum
- â…“ cup lime juice, about 3 medium limes
- 1 ounce strawberry simple syrup
- 8 ounces frozen strawberries
- 2 cups ice
- strawberries and limes for garnish
Instructions
- Add frozen strawberries, ice, strawberry simple syrup, rum, and lime juice to a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh berries and lime slices if desired.
Notes
Update Notes: This post was originally published on July 1, 2022, but was republished with new photos, instructions, tips, and FAQs in July of 2023.
I made this for my book club meeting and it was perfect. Everyone loved it!
So refreshing and very easy to make!
Turned out great! I did have to use spiced rum but it was still wonderful!
Refreshing and delicious!