Strawberry Margarita

Name: Strawberry Margarita
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 pint fresh strawberries (washed and hulled); 3 ounces lime juice; 6 ounces tequila; 3 ounces orange liqueur (like Cointreau); 2 ounces simple syrup; 2 cups cold water; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 lemon (juiced); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; lime slices; sugar or salt for rim; ice

Recipe Video Print

This Strawberry Margarita is a must for any summer party. I make it with fresh strawberries, lime juice, and homemade simple syrup. It’s always a win for me, especially since I can prepare this refreshing drink in just 20 minutes. Perfect for BBQs and holiday get-togethers!

When strawberries are in season, I’m always inspired to make recipes that highlight their fresh flavor and keep the ingredients simple. If you’ve seen my homepage, you’ll know I have a thing for strawberry-packed summer recipes. I’ve shared everything from strawberry tiramisu to a creamy cheesecake pie topped with fresh strawberries. And then there’s that strawberry arugula salad I keep coming back to. It’s bright, easy, and definitely the one I make the most this time of year.

Why you will love this recipe
What you will need
How to make
Expert tip
Recipe variations:
Serving suggestions
How to store leftovers:
Frequently asked questions
More summer drinks to try:

And since summer is really hitting its peak right now, I had to share one of the most popular drinks I’ve made lately. This strawberry margarita was the star of my birthday last year and everyone; friends and family, absolutely loved it. If you’ve got a celebration coming up, this is definitely worth making.

Why you will love this recipe

Fresh flavor in every sip: I use real strawberries, fresh lime juice, and a splash of tequila to make this drink taste fruity and smooth without anything fake or overly sweet.
Quick to blend and pour: When I’m short on time but want something fun for the adults, this comes together fast in the blender and shaker, then straight into a glass over ice.
Perfect for warm-weather parties: Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a birthday, or just a Friday afternoon, this chilled drink is always a favorite with friends and family.
Easy to make your way: Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. Skipping alcohol? Leave out the liquor and top it with sparkling water. It’s flexible and still delicious!

What you will need

Photo of strawberry margarita ingredients.

Fresh strawberries: I blend fresh strawberries until smooth to give the margarita that bright fruity flavor.
Lime juice: I squeeze fresh limes for a tangy twist that balances the sweetness.
Tequila: I go with a blanco tequila that keeps the flavor clean and smooth.
Orange liqueur: A splash of Cointreau adds the right hint of citrus depth.
Simple syrup: I make my own syrup with sugar, water, lemon juice, and vanilla to sweeten things naturally.
Sugar or salt: I rim the glass with sugar or salt depending on the mood.
Ice: I fill each glass with ice to keep the drink nice and chilled from the first sip to the last.

How to make

Puree the strawberries: I blend the strawberries until smooth, then pour the mixture through a mesh sieve to strain out any leftover bits.

Combine everything: I pour the strawberry puree into a cocktail shaker with the lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, and simple syrup (you’ll find the steps for that in the recipe card below), then give it a good shake.

Photo of simple syrup for strawberry margarita.

Get the glass ready and serve: I slide a lime wedge around the rim, dip it in sugar or salt, and gently shake off the extra. Then I fill the glass about three quarters with ice, pour in the margarita, garnish, and serve it right away.

Expert tip

Strain for smooth sips

My best advice? Take the time to strain the strawberries after blending. I know it’s tempting to skip it when you’re in a rush, but it makes a big difference. When I strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve, the drink comes out smooth and easy to sip, without any bits getting in the way. Totally worth the extra minute.

More tips to consider:

The sweeter and juicier the strawberries, the better the flavor. If they’re a little underripe, the drink might taste flat.
I like to let the simple syrup cool completely and keep the strawberries in the fridge before blending. It helps the drink stay nice and cold without needing too much ice.
Some days I go for sugar when I want it a little sweeter, and other times salt adds a nice contrast to the fruity mix.
I usually make a batch of syrup the day before if I know we’re having people over. It keeps well in the fridge and saves me time when it’s party hour.

Recipe variations:

Make it a mocktail: I skip the tequila and orange liqueur and add sparkling water or a splash of lime soda instead. Still super refreshing and perfect for everyone.
Go frozen: I blend everything together with a handful of ice instead of shaking it. It turns into a slushy drink that’s fun for summer afternoons.
Add a spicy twist: I muddle a slice of fresh jalapeño into the shaker or use a chili-lime salt on the rim for a little heat.
Try a tropical version: I mix in a bit of pineapple juice or swap out the tequila for coconut-flavored tequila to give it a beachy vibe.

Serving suggestions

If I’m serving these strawberry margaritas for a summer BBQ or weekend get-together, I love pairing them with something grilled. My grilled pineapple chicken is always a favorite and brings out the fruity flavors in the drink. You could also make a batch of my pineapple salsa to serve with chips while everyone settles in.

For something sweet to finish, I usually go with my peach crumb bars or even a slice of my cherry Amaretto tiramisu. Both are simple to make ahead and taste great with a cold drink in hand.

How to store leftovers:

Refrigerate: If you have any extra margarita mix, I pour it into a jar with a lid and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a good shake before serving since it might settle a bit.
Freezing: You can freeze the strawberry puree and syrup separately in small containers. When you’re ready, just thaw them in the fridge and mix everything fresh for a quick drink.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, I’ve used frozen strawberries plenty of times, especially when fresh ones are out of season or a little too pricey. I let them thaw completely before blending, and I still make sure to strain the puree so the texture stays nice and smooth. It works really well and still tastes great.

What’s the best tequila for this recipe?

I stick with blanco tequila because it has a clean, crisp taste that pairs really well with the strawberries and lime. I’ve tried others, but this one keeps the drink light and refreshing instead of heavy or too strong. It lets the fruit shine without getting in the way.

How sweet is this margarita?

It’s sweet enough to balance the lime but not overly sugary. The homemade syrup makes it really easy to control the sweetness. If your strawberries are extra ripe, you might not need as much syrup. I always taste the mix before serving and adjust it a little if needed.

More summer drinks to try:

Loved this recipe? I’d love to hear from you! 💛 Leave a 5-star rating ⭐️ in the recipe card below and share your thoughts in the comments – I read and appreciate every single one!

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