A bright twist on the classic, this Strawberry Basil Margarita is full of fresh, vibrant flavor. Easy to make for a warm evening on the patio or a casual dinner with friends — ready in about five minutes and a refreshing variation on the beloved tequila cocktail.
A traditional margarita is straightforward: tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, with a touch of sweetener if desired. It can be served on the rocks, frozen, or strained neat, often with a salted rim.
This Strawberry Basil Margarita adds muddled strawberries and fresh basil to that foundation, creating a lively, slightly herbaceous profile that plays beautifully with the natural sweetness of the berries. Basil isn’t limited to savory dishes — it pairs wonderfully with fruit in cocktails.
Why You Will Love This Strawberry Basil Margarita
- Perfect for summer: Fresh strawberries and basil bring seasonal brightness directly to your glass. If you have a garden, it’s delightful to pick and add ingredients fresh.
- A tasty twist on a classic: If you enjoy margaritas, this version offers a refreshing, flavorful variation that updates the familiar profile without losing what makes a margarita satisfying.
- Quick and simple: Apart from a brief muddling step, this cocktail comes together in minutes. No special bartending tools are required — a wooden spoon or fork will work to muddle and a jar can substitute for a shaker.
Ingredients and Swaps
Full measurements are listed below in the recipe card.
- Strawberries: Fresh are preferred when in season for the best flavor. Frozen can work if thawed first.
- Basil: Use fresh leaves for aroma and brightness.
- Tequila: Blanco tequila is recommended for a clean agave flavor. Reposado can be used if you prefer a slightly aged character.
- Cointreau or another orange liqueur: A higher-quality orange liqueur like Cointreau yields a smoother, more balanced margarita, but any triple sec can substitute.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is strongly recommended for the best acidity and brightness.
- Honey or agave: Honey is convenient and flavorful; agave syrup is a traditional choice for margaritas and works well if you prefer it.
- Sea salt (optional): Salted, sugared, or plain rims are all fine depending on your taste.
How To Make It
Step 1: Place hulled, sliced strawberries and basil leaves in the bottom of a glass or cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Gently muddle the strawberries and basil with a muddler, wooden spoon, or fork until the fruit is broken and the basil is fragrant. Avoid over-muddling to prevent a bitter note from the basil.
Step 3: Add the muddled mixture to a shaker (or keep it in the sealed glass), then add tequila, Cointreau (or other orange liqueur), lime juice, and honey or agave. Add ice and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and combine.
Step 4: Strain or pour the cocktail over fresh ice in your serving glass. If you like a salted rim, run a lime wedge around the rim and dip it in salt. Garnish with a lime wedge, basil sprig, or a strawberry and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Shaken, not stirred: Shaking aerates the drink and improves texture. If you don’t have a shaker, use a jar with a tight lid.
- Use larger ice cubes: Bigger cubes melt slower and keep the cocktail from diluting too quickly.
- Frozen version: Blending the cocktail into a frozen drink changes texture and balance. Frozen margaritas usually need extra sweetener and lime, so adjust if you try that method.
Does a margarita need Cointreau?
Orange liqueur (often labeled Triple Sec) is a traditional component of margaritas. Cointreau is a premium triple sec with a smoother, more refined flavor. It enhances the drink but is not strictly necessary — other triple secs or Grand Marnier can be used depending on preference.
Want to make this cocktail a mocktail?
Yes. To make a non-alcoholic version, muddle the strawberries and basil with lime juice, then shake with orange or lime-flavored seltzer water. Serve over ice for a refreshing alcohol-free option.
You can also make this large batch
To prepare a pitcher for a small gathering, combine the following and stir or shake before serving. Chill in advance if desired.
- 1 lb. strawberries
- 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
- 1 1/2 cups tequila (12 oz.)
- 3/4 cup Cointreau
- 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 3–4 tablespoons honey (or agave) to taste
This batch yields roughly six servings.
Other cocktails you may like
- Blood Orange Champagne Sangria
- Watermelon Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
- Ginger Peach White Sangria
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to the newsletter and follow on social channels for new recipes and ideas.
Strawberry Basil Margarita Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4-5 strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- 2 oz. tequila
- 1 oz. Contreau, or another orange liqueur
- 1½ oz. lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 tsp honey or agave
- sea salt, if desired
- ice cubes
Instructions
-
Add strawberries and basil to the bottom of a shaker or a sealable glass. Gently muddle until the basil is aromatic.
-
Add tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and honey or agave along with several ice cubes. Shake well for about 15 seconds.
-
If salting the rim, moisten it with a lime wedge and dip into salt. Fill the serving glass with fresh ice, strain or pour the margarita over the ice, garnish with lime, basil, or a strawberry, and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Larger ice cubes are best. They melt more slowly and keep your drink from diluting too quickly.
Blending changes the drink. Frozen margaritas require adjustments to sweetener and lime, so experiment if you prefer a frozen version.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be treated as an approximation.