This Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks only requires 5 ingredients and a blender. This refreshing cocktail boosts the classic margarita flavor, enhancing your margarita game.
My friends and I love a margarita on a hot summer day. Two favorites are my strawberry basil cocktail and a lime margarita.
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Why this Strawberry Margarita Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe for happy hour or as a wonderful addition to a cinco de mayo party. It’s super quick and easy, and gives you the opportunity to make it your own.
- Freshness Burst: Using real strawberries creates an authentic, bright, and naturally sweet flavor that bottled strawberry syrups simply can’t match.
- Perfectly Balanced: The combination of tequila, lime juice, and the natural sweetness of the strawberries creates a harmonious blend that’s tart, sweet, and boozy in just the right way.
- Customizable: As you’ll see in the variations and substitutions, this recipe is incredibly adaptable to your taste preferences and what you have on hand.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Strawberry margaritas are visually appealing and universally loved, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Relatively Simple: With a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch of these delightful cocktails.
Can I Make a Big Batch of Strawberry Margaritas?
Yes, if you’re hosting a party making a margarita pitcher can be the best way to go. Be sure to make refreshing strawberry margaritas just before serving.
Avoid this Common Mistake
Avoid pre-mixing the entire margarita too far in advance, as the lime juice can lose its brightness over time. It’s best to combine the ingredients just before serving.
Recipe Ingredient Notes and Ingredient Variation Suggestions for the Strawberry Margarita
To make this traditional margarita recipe, you will need just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is super customizable, so try using different strawberry margarita ingredients to achieve different flavors.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Strawberries: The key to getting this strawberry margarita on the rocks recipe just right is to use fresh, ripe berries.
- Sugar: The addition of sugar takes the strawberry flavor up a notch.
- Sweetener: Instead of granulated sugar, try agave nectar, simple syrup, honey, maple syrup or even a sugar substitute to your liking. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness.
- Orange Liqueur: If you don’t have Cointreau or Triple Sec, you can use another orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or even a splash of orange juice (though this will slightly alter the flavor and consistency).
- Tequila: While blanco or silver tequila is traditional, but you can experiment with reposado tequila for a slightly smoother, oakier flavor.
- Lime Juice: While fresh lime juice is highly recommended, in a pinch, you can use bottled lime juice, but be aware that the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
- Spicy Strawberry Margarita: To make it spicy, blend up a jalapeño in the strawberry puree.
Special Equipment Needed to Make A Strawberry Margarita
For this recipe, there’s a specific kitchen item that will greatly help the process.
- Blender: To ensure the best texture, use a blender. A blender will quickly and efficiently mix together all the ingredients.
How to Make the Best Strawberry Margarita Recipe on the Rocks
This is the exact method I use in my own kitchen, and it only takes 4 steps. I’ve made this recipe dozens of times and it never fails.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make Margarita Mix: Cut the strawberries in half. Add the strawberries to the blender with the lime juice and sugar. Add the tequila and orange liqueur, and blend until completely smooth.
- Prep your Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the upper outer rim of your glasses. Dip the rim into margarita salt or sugar.
- Prep your Glasses: Run a lime wedge around the upper outer rim of your glasses. Dip the rim into margarita salt or sugar.
- Serve It On the Rocks: Pour into a glass with a handful of ice. Garnish with a lime or garnish with a strawberry.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for this Easy Strawberry Margarita Recipe
Prepping ahead of time can really help to save time and kitchen space if hosting a party.
- Strawberry Puree: This is your best friend for prepping ahead. Hull and slice your strawberries, then blend them until smooth. Strain out the seeds if you prefer a smoother texture. Store the puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is crucial for the best flavor. You can juice your limes a few hours ahead of time and store the juice in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Infused Tequila (Optional): For an extra layer of strawberry flavor, you can infuse your tequila. Combine sliced strawberries with your tequila in an airtight container and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or even overnight. Strain out the strawberries before using.
- Salt/Sugar Rim: Prepare your glass rims in advance. Mix your kosher salt (or sugar) with a little lime zest or even a pinch of strawberry powder for an extra touch. Moisten the rims with a lime wedge and dip them into the mixture. Let the salt on the rim air dry on a tray.
How to Store, Freeze and Use Leftover of this Strawberry Cocktail Recipe
- Storing: Store any extra margarita in an airtight container in the fridge for just a day.
- Freeze: If you would like to freeze this recipe, do so before adding the alcohol. Alcohol can’t freeze, so freeze the strawberry puree and then add the alcohol just before blending.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers with ice and freshly cut slice of lime.
Common Questions About This Margarita on the Rocks Recipe
What’s the Best Tequila for Margaritas?
Really, any white or silver tequila works. Some popular brands include Casamigos, Patrón, Jose Cuervo or 1800.
Do I Need to Strain the Strawberry Puree?
No you don’t need to strain it. However for a smoother drink, you can pour it through a fine-mesh strainer to get any seeds or pieces of strawberry flesh out.
How Can I Make my Margarita Less Sweet?
The key to make this strawberry margarita less sweet is to add less sweetener. Be sure to do a salted rim instead of a sugar rim.
How Do I Make a Frozen Margarita?
If you wish to make a frozen strawberry margarita, add ice to the blender after you have made the alcohol and strawberry puree. Blend until it’s a slushy consistency.
Expert Tips for Making a Fresh Strawberry Margarita
- Virgin Strawberry Margarita: Omit the alcohol and add more strawberries to make this non-alcoholic.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste test and add extra sweetener or alcohol if desired.
- Don’t Skimp on Fresh Lime Juice: It makes a world of difference! Bottled juice lacks the bright, zesty flavor of freshly squeezed lime.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Cold ingredients make for a more refreshing margarita. Chill your tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree before mixing.
- Shake Vigorously: When using a cocktail shaker, shake well with ice for about 20-30 seconds to properly chill and combine the ingredients.
- Garnish Creatively: Beyond the classic wedge of lime, consider garnishing with a fresh strawberry slice, a sprig of mint or basil, or even a sugared strawberry.
- Quality Tequila Matters (to a Point): While you don’t need the most expensive tequila, using a decent quality 100% agave tequila will significantly improve the flavor of your margarita. Avoid “mixto” tequilas, which contain added sugars and other ingredients.
- Proper Ice is Key: Use good quality ice. Avoid overly small or crushed ice if you’re serving on the rocks, as it will melt too quickly and dilute your drink.
- Frozen Berries: If you’re making a frozen marg, use frozen strawberries so that you don’t have to dilute it with ice.
- Serve With: Serve with Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, Elote Salad (Mexican Street Corn Salad) or Instant Pot Churro Bites.
More Recipes You Might Like
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks
This Strawberry Margarita on the Rocks only requires 5 ingredients and a blender. This refreshing cocktail takes the classic margarita to the next level.
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- ⅔ cup Sugar
- ½ cup Fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup Orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Cointreau
- 1 cup Tequila
- Ice
- Coarse salt or sugar , to rim the glass
- Strawberries and limes , for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the strawberries in half and put in blender.
- Add the lime juice and sugar or honey to the blender with the strawberries. Blend until you have a smooth puree.
- Add in the tequila and orange liqueur. Blend until well mixed. This is the time to taste and adjust the liquor if needed.
- Moisten the rims of the glasses with a slice of lime and garnish the rims with sugar or salt.
On the Rocks
- If serving on the rocks, pour into glasses filled with ice.
Frozen Margarita
- For frozen margaritas, add a good amount of ice to the blender with the puree. Blend until the ice is crushed and the consistency is slushy.
- Serve with strawberries and limes as garnish.
Christina’s Notes
- Virgin Strawberry Margarita: Omit the alcohol and add more strawberries to make this non-alcoholic.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste test and add extra sweetener or alcohol if desired.
- Don’t Skimp on Fresh Lime Juice: It makes a world of difference! Bottled juice lacks the bright, zesty flavor of freshly squeezed lime.
- Chill Your Ingredients: Cold ingredients make for a more refreshing margarita. Chill your tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree before mixing.
- Shake Vigorously: When using a cocktail shaker, shake well with ice for about 20-30 seconds to properly chill and combine the ingredients.
- Garnish Creatively: Beyond the classic wedge of lime, consider garnishing with a fresh strawberry slice, a sprig of mint or basil, or even a sugared strawberry.
- Quality Tequila Matters (to a Point): While you don’t need the most expensive tequila, using a decent quality 100% agave tequila will significantly improve the flavor of your margarita. Avoid “mixto” tequilas, which contain added sugars and other ingredients.
- Proper Ice is Key: Use good quality ice. Avoid overly small or crushed ice if you’re serving on the rocks, as it will melt too quickly and dilute your drink.
- Frozen Berries: If you’re making a frozen marg, use frozen strawberries so that you don’t have to dilute it with ice.
- Serve With: Serve with Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas, Elote Salad (Mexican Street Corn Salad) or Instant Pot Churro Bites.
Helpful Tips for All RecipesThese quick tips will help you get perfect results every time.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
Nutrition
Calories: 743kcalCarbohydrates: 102gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 433mgFiber: 5gSugar: 91gVitamin A: 57IUVitamin C: 152mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided are estimates. It is recommended that you verify this information with your own trusted resource.
Did You Make This Recipe?Leave a review & star rating to let everyone know what you thought.
I will definitely check out the festival on Spring Break!
My newest favorite Margarita flavor is Pomegranate
I will check it out for my bday!
I plan on checking out the festival on my husband’s birthday.