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 complete 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 due to its oak aging. Save that for sipping neat.
• Orange Liqueurs: There are so many orange liqueurs available, but we prefer Cointreau or Grand Marnier because 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 both frozen and fresh berries. If you can only find frozen ones, 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, such as agave. It adds extra strawberry flavor, making 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: A margarita is not complete without lime juice. The lime juice’s acidity 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, including the exact ingredients, in the recipe card below.

Pro-tip: Making homemade strawberry simple syrup is worth the extra effort. It keeps well in the refrigerator for two weeks, and the leftover strawberries are also a versatile treat. They’re fantastic on top of pancakes or waffles, adding 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, then bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Let the strawberries simmer until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries are tender (about 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 enjoy their sweet, tangy flavor for up to 3 days.

Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks:

• Pour about three tablespoons of margarita salt or sugar onto a plate. Rub the rim of your favorite cocktail glass with a slice of lime, then dip it in 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, then strain into the prepared glasses.
• Garnish with a strawberry and a lime wedge, and serve.

Frozen Strawberry Margarita:

• Pour about three tablespoons of salt or sugar onto a plate. Rub the rim of each glass with a slice of lime, 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 a strawberry and a lime wedge, and serve.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Frozen strawberries work too. If fresh, ripe strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones work great for the simple syrup. Just let them come to room temperature before cooking them in the water and sugar.
• Make margaritas ahead. Mix up margaritas on the rocks in advance by shaking all the ingredients (without ice) and storing the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add ice when you’re ready to serve.
• Freeze leftover frozen margaritas. Store leftover frozen margarita in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to 2 days. The alcohol prevents it from freezing solid, so just mix thoroughly before serving.
• Chill your glasses. Keep a couple of cocktail glasses in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. This keeps your margaritas colder for longer.

Frequently Asked Questions