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This frozen strawberry margarita transports me to sunny patios and carefree summer evenings with each sip. The smooth, slushy texture and bright strawberry flavor create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, while the tequila adds just the right kick without overwhelming.
I discovered this recipe during a particularly hot summer when friends dropped by unexpectedly. With just frozen strawberries and basic bar ingredients, I created what has become our signature summer cocktail that everyone requests when they visit.
Ingredients
- Frozen strawberries: Provide the perfect slushy texture and natural sweetness without watering down your drink
- Fresh lime juice: Brings essential brightness and acidity that balances the sweetness of the berries
- Quality tequila: Forms the backbone of any good margarita look for 100% agave varieties for the smoothest flavor
- Orange liqueur: Adds complexity and depth that elevates this from simple to sophisticated
- Agave or simple syrup: Optional for adjusting sweetness depending on how sweet your strawberries are
- Ice: Helps achieve that perfect frozen consistency without diluting the flavors
- Coarse salt: For the rim creates that classic margarita experience and enhances all the flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Glasses:
- Take a lime wedge and run it around the rim of your margarita glasses then dip in coarse salt for that classic presentation. Chill the glasses in the freezer for about 10 minutes if you have time for an extra frosty experience.
- Blend The Ingredients:
- Add frozen strawberries, freshly squeezed lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, optional sweetener, and ice to a high-powered blender. Blend on high speed for approximately 30 seconds or until the mixture becomes completely smooth and takes on a creamy slushy consistency. The color should be a vibrant pink.
- Taste And Adjust:
- Before pouring, dip a spoon in to taste. This is where you can personalize your margarita. If it needs more sweetness, add a bit more agave. Too strong? Add more ice. Not strong enough? A splash more tequila will do the trick.
- Serve Immediately:
- Pour the blended mixture into your prepared glasses. The consistency should be thick enough to mound slightly above the rim. Garnish with a lime wheel pressed gently onto the rim or a fresh strawberry for an extra touch.
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The frozen strawberries are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I made this once with fresh berries and extra ice, but it wasn't nearly as intense in flavor or as perfectly slushy in texture. The frozen berries not only contribute to the ideal consistency but also provide a concentrated strawberry flavor that fresh ones simply can't match.
Storage Tips
This margarita mix can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the freezer. The alcohol prevents it from freezing solid, creating a perfect scoopable consistency. Store in an airtight container, and when ready to serve, give it a quick 10-15 second blend to refresh the texture.
Perfect Pairings
These frozen strawberry margaritas complement Mexican cuisine beautifully, especially dishes with a bit of spice like fish tacos or chicken enchiladas. The cold, sweet beverage creates a delightful contrast to spicy foods. For a casual gathering, serve alongside guacamole and fresh tortilla chips for a simple but crowd-pleasing combination.
Making It A Mocktail
Transform this into a family-friendly version by omitting the alcohol and substituting with 4 ounces of orange juice and 8 ounces of limeade or lemon-lime soda. The flavor profile remains similar, and kids and non-drinkers can enjoy the same festive experience. Garnish with strawberry slices for an extra special touch.
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Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these strawberry margaritas ahead of time?
Yes! You can blend the strawberry margarita mixture one day in advance and store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to serve, just give it a quick blitz in your blender to restore the perfect slushy texture.
- → Do I need to add sweetener to my margarita?
Sweetener is completely optional. After blending the initial ingredients, taste your margarita to determine if you'd prefer it sweeter, then add agave or simple syrup accordingly.
- → What can I substitute for the orange liqueur?
You have several options for the orange liqueur component: Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or any triple sec will work well. Each brings a slightly different orange flavor profile to complement the strawberries.
- → How do I properly salt the rim of my margarita glass?
Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass to moisten it, then dip the rim into a shallow plate of coarse salt. For a half-salted rim, only dip one side of the glass into the salt.
- → Can I make this as a non-alcoholic drink?
Absolutely! Simply omit the tequila and orange liqueur, and replace with orange juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda for a delicious virgin strawberry slushy.
- → How many calories are in each serving?
Each serving contains under 200 calories, making it a lighter alternative to many other frozen cocktails without sacrificing flavor.