Strawberry Margarita

Key Ingredients and Substitutions

Strawberry margaritas are simple to make with just five ingredients; there is no reason not to make a batch or two all summer long.

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

• Tequila: You don’t need to splurge but you should buy a reputable brand. Blanco or Respado are preferred as Añejo will be too smoky – save that for sipping neat.
• Orange Liqueurs: There are so many orange liqueurs available, but we prefer to use 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 if you want the best margarita.
• Strawberries: You will need some fresh and frozen. 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. In a pinch, you can substitute agave nectar or store-bought simple syrup for the strawberry simple syrup.

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: It is worth the extra time to make your own strawberry simple syrup. It stores in the refrigerator for 2 weeks and the leftover strawberries are great on top of pancakes or waffles.

Strawberry Simple Syrup:

• Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them in half or in quarters. Combine the strawberries, water, and sugar in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Let the strawberries simmer until the sugar has dissolved and the strawberries are tender (approximately 20 minutes.) Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool completely.
• Once cool, strain the strawberry and liquid through a fine-mesh strainer making sure to squeeze 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! You can store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Strawberry Margaritas on the Rocks:

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

Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

• Pour about 3 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 and garnish with strawberry and lime slices 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.
• If you can’t find fresh strawberries you can use frozen for the simple syrup. Allow them to come to room temperature prior to cooking 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.
• Frozen margaritas 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. 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