Summer Strawberry Basil Margarita Drink Recipe

There’s something magical about sipping a chilled Strawberry Basil Margarita as the summer sun sets. With its vibrant pink hue, refreshing citrus kick, and herbaceous twist, this cocktail is as pretty as it is delicious.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up for a backyard BBQ when I had an overabundance of fresh strawberries and basil in the garden. It’s been my go-to summer drink ever since—crowd-pleasing, elegant, and just the right amount of sweet.

Whether you're hosting a gathering or treating yourself to a quiet evening on the patio, this margarita is the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Strawberry Basil Margarita

If you're a fan of fresh, flavorful cocktails, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your summer rotation.

First off, it’s incredibly refreshing. The combination of ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and zesty lime juice creates a cool, crisp flavor profile that’s practically made for hot weather.

It’s easy to make, even for beginners. No fancy equipment required—just a blender and a cocktail shaker. You can whip up a batch in under 10 minutes.

It’s a showstopper at parties. The color alone is enough to impress, but the flavor will have your guests asking for the recipe before they finish their first glass.

It’s endlessly customizable. Prefer it less sweet? Use more lime. Want to skip the alcohol? Make a mocktail version with sparkling water. This drink adapts to your taste and mood.

Get ready to fall in love with a cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.

Ingredients Notes

This margarita is all about fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each one adds something special to the mix.

Fresh strawberries are the heart of this drink. Choose ripe, juicy berries with a deep red color—they’ll add natural sweetness and a gorgeous hue. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work in a pinch.

Fresh basil might seem unexpected, but it adds a subtle herbal note that elevates the whole drink. Tear the leaves gently to release their aroma without bruising them too much.

Tequila blanco is the spirit of choice here. Its clean, crisp flavor pairs beautifully with the fruit and herbs. If you prefer a smokier edge, you can try reposado tequila, but it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Triple sec or orange liqueur gives this margarita its signature citrusy backbone. It balances the sweetness of the strawberries and the acidity of the lime juice.

Fresh lime juice is essential. Don’t use the bottled stuff—the bright tang of freshly squeezed lime makes a world of difference.

To make this cocktail, you'll need a blender for the strawberries, a cocktail shaker, and a fine mesh strainer if you want a smoother texture.

How To Make This Summer Strawberry Basil Margarita

Making this margarita is easier than it looks. Just follow these simple steps and you'll have a refreshing cocktail in no time.

Start by blending your strawberries. Hull and halve about a cup of fresh strawberries and place them in a blender. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother drink, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.

Next, prepare your shaker. In a cocktail shaker, combine 2 oz of tequila, 1 oz of triple sec, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1.5 oz of the strawberry puree. Add 2-3 torn basil leaves and a handful of ice.

Shake it well—about 15-20 seconds should do the trick. You want the basil to infuse the drink, but not overpower it. The shaking also helps chill the cocktail and mix all the flavors together.

Strain your cocktail into a glass filled with fresh ice. A rocks glass or short tumbler works well for this. If you’re going for presentation, rim the glass with salt or sugar beforehand and garnish with a strawberry slice and basil leaf.

This entire process takes less than 10 minutes, and the result is a cocktail that’s light, aromatic, and bursting with fresh summer flavor.

Storage Options

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the strawberry puree ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before using, as separation may occur.

You can also make a larger batch of the margarita mix (without ice) and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir well before serving.

If you have leftover margarita, pour it into popsicle molds and freeze for a fun adult treat. Just note that alcohol doesn't freeze solid, so it will be more of a slushy texture.

Reheating isn't necessary here, but always serve this cocktail chilled over ice for the best experience.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

For a mocktail version, simply omit the alcohol and replace it with sparkling water or club soda. You’ll still get all the fruity, herbal flavors without the booze.

If you love spice, add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker. The heat plays surprisingly well with the sweetness of the strawberries and the freshness of the basil.

Not a fan of basil? Swap it out for mint. Mint brings a cooler, more familiar note that still complements the strawberries beautifully.

You can also try other fruits. Raspberries or peaches work well with this recipe—just adjust the sweetness to taste.

Don’t be afraid to play around and find your perfect combination. This drink is a celebration of summer, and that means making it your own.

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