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Fruity Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe for Your Next Fiesta

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This Strawberry Basil Margarita is a delicious twist on my favorite tequila cocktail.
 
The strawberry simple syrup add so much sweetness and flavor while the basil gives it the most glorious fragrance!
 
It’s a refreshing drink that moves seamlessly from spring to summer.
 
Making a batch of the strawberry syrup means it’s easy to mix up one or a bunch. 
 
If you’re looking for cocktails to make at home add this one to your list!
a pink Strawberry Margarita with a basil garnish on a table next to a few strawberries

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

I also participate in affiliate programs for other retailers. I was sent a bottle of Camarena Tequila to make this recipe with. 

Originally posted on October 3, 2015. Updated with better images and recipe.

Summer calls for a Strawberry Basil Margarita

From the moment strawberries come into season, I think about how often I can make this delicious strawberry margarita with basil.
 
It’s great for Cinco de Mayo or any other party you throw.
 
It’s also fantastic to sip during the warm summer months. 
 
I love herbs in my cocktails. So this Strawberry Basil Margarita Recipe, that I got from Camarena Tequila, sounded like the perfect drink for me to try.
 
There’s never a bad day for a margarita, right? 
 
And when you put tequila with strawberries and basil you get the best possible fruity cocktail option.
 
ingredients for a strawberry basil margarita

How to Make a Strawberry Basil Margarita

This recipe is super easy. It uses fresh ingredients and is different from your run of the mill margarita. It has just a hint of citrus from the fresh lime juice.
 
While I typically don’t use flavored simple syrups in my cocktails, they really are a great way to get a concentrated fruit flavor.
 

Scroll down to the end of the post for a printable recipe card with full measurements and instructions.

Ingredients

  • Tequila
  • fresh lime juice
  • fresh basil
  • Strawberry Simple Syrup

What tequila should I use

Because of the strong strawberry flavor, you can get away with using any tequila you want. But I prefer to use one that I know I love when the flavor shines through.

My two favorite brands are Casamigos and DeLeon. I always use the blanco but you will get a little bit of a different flavor with something more aged. 

The Camarena was delightful. It is easy to find in the grocery store and is a great price point. I would have used it when I updated these photos but I ran out! 

strawberry simple syrup on a table next to some strawberries

Instructions

First, make this Strawberry Simple Syrup. 

I made the strawberry simple syrup the day before I wanted to make these Strawberry Basil Margaritas so I knew it would be nice and cold.

I’m not a fan of sweet drinks. I always cut the amount of sugar I use for a simple syrup. I used about 3/4 cups of sugar on this last batch and next time I would use 1/4 – 1/2 cup of sugar.

The strawberry flavor is right on though! It’s tastes just like fresh strawberries. 

Cocktail shaker with muddled basil and lime juice next to other ingredients on a cutting board.

How to make the fruity margarita

Place the basil in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and add tequila.

Use the back of a spoon (or muddler – or end of a metal ice cream scooper like I used to use) to mash the basil leaves into the tequila.

strawberry simple syrup and lime juice next to a cocktail shaker on a table

Add ice to the shaker, then add the strawberry simple syrup and lime juice.

Shake well.

strawberry basil margarita on a table with a sprig of basil for garnish

Strain into a low ball glass over ice.

Garnish with sliced strawberries and/or basil.

The basil flavor is subtle and is a wonderful partner for the sweet strawberry flavor. 

Top tips

If you are short on time or extra lazy, you can skip making the homemade simple syrup.
 
Instead, you can just muddle the strawberries with the basil and tequila in the cocktail shaker.
 
Or better yet, you can toss the strawberries into a blender and liquefy them then add to the shaker. Both options will change the texture of the drinks. 
 
To get a stronger basil flavor, try adding more basil leaves when you muddle or make a strawberry basil simple syrup. A syrup is the best way to get that concentrated flavor!


 
Close up of a margarita with basil and strawberry and a kid in the background.
 
This is one of my oldest cocktail posts on the blog! Here’ what it originally looked like. That little guy in the photo is about to be in high school. Yikes! 
 
The simple syrup puts this Basil Strawberry Margarita on the sweeter side. I don’t typically enjoy overly sweet drinks but the fresh strawberry flavor is so tasty!
 
I REALLY liked this recipe. A LOT. The tequila smelled really good. Be sure to check out the Camarena website for this and other recipes. There are definitely others I am going to try.    
 
I made these cute papel picado inspired straw flags to dress up the drinks. Cute, right? 


 
Yield: 1 serving

Strawberry Basil Margarita

A close up of a glass of cocktail with basil garnish.

If you are looking for a delicious tequila cocktail to make for summer, you HAVE to make this Strawberry Basil Margarita! With a sweet strawberry simple syrup and fresh muddled basil, this refreshing cocktail is full of fruity flavor you'll crave!

Prep Time 4 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 14 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 oz. tequila
  • 1/2 cup strawberry simple syrup, *see recipe below
  • 1 oz. fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped roughly
  • Sliced strawberries for garnish

Strawberry Simple Syrup Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 5 sliced strawberries

Instructions

Strawberry Simple Syrup

  1. Combine 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water and 5 sliced strawberries in a saucepan.
  2. Bring to a boil, then let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  3. Cool the syrup, then strain the liquid through a sieve or cheesecloth, pressing the strawberries to extract all liquid.
  4. Let cool completely before using in the Strawberry Basil Margarita

Strawberry Basil Margarita

  1. To a cocktail shaker, add the basil and tequila.
  2. Muddle basil leaves to release their oils.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice and add strawberry simple syrup and fresh lime juice
  4. Shake well and strain into a low ball glass over ice.
  5. Garnish with sliced strawberries or basil.

Notes

Want to skip the simple syrup? Try muddling the strawberries with the basil. Or blend the berries in a blender before adding to the drink.

Want more basil flavor? Add more basil leaves or create a strawberry basil simple syrup.

Nutrition Information

Yield

1

Serving Size

1 Servings
Amount Per Serving Calories 1577Total Fat 1gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 19mgCarbohydrates 373gFiber 6gSugar 363gProtein 2g

Nutrition information isn't always accurate.

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© Sharon Garofalow
Cuisine: American / Category: Cocktails
 

Pin this Recipe for Later

A strawberry basil margarita on a table next to a cocktail shaker and bottle of tequila with text overlay.
You’re really going to really like these.
 
Have you ever had a Strawberry Basil Margarita? I really think you’ll love this delicious recipe. It’s a great one to make for company!

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About Sharon Garofalow

Sharon lives in Southern California with her adorable family. She loves to share ideas to make mom life easier and encourage busy gals to make time for themselves too! Sharon's "me" time often includes watching Hallmark Channel movies, sipping sauvignon blanc, trying not to eat Salt and Pepper potato chips, and planning girlfriend getaways.

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