
Some days, the Texas heat doesn’t just knock—it barges in, feet on the furniture, daring you to do something about it. The pavement shimmers, the dog won’t budge from the shade, and a cold drink isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. That’s exactly when you need a strawberry margarita—one so frosty, so refreshing, it makes you forget you’ve been sweating since breakfast.
Now, I know what you’re thinking—basil in a margarita? Trust me on this one. That little pop of fresh basil takes this frozen strawberry margarita from just another happy hour favorite to something special. It’s bright, it’s herbal, and it plays off the sweet strawberries and tart lime in a way that’ll have you wondering why you haven’t been doing this all along.
So go on, grab a margarita glass, fire up the blender, and make the kind of cold margarita that’ll make even the hottest Texas summer day a little more bearable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly balanced flavors – The fresh fruit flavors of sweet strawberries meet the herbal notes of basil, with just the right amount of lime juice and silver tequila to tie it all together.
- Easy to make – This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you planned ahead, even if you didn’t. A handful of ingredients, a blender, and five minutes later—you’re sipping a homemade margarita that tastes like summer in a glass.
- Refreshing and unique – A twist on the classic margarita, with an unexpected depth of flavor thanks to the basil.
- Perfect for gatherings – Whether it’s a backyard BBQ, girl’s night, or just a Tuesday, this refreshing cocktail is a crowd-pleaser.
A Texas Twist on a Classic
Here in Texas, margaritas are practically a way of life. Whether you like them frozen or on the rocks, salted or sugared rims, spicy or fruity, there’s a new margarita recipe for every occasion.
Basil might seem like an unusual addition, but trust me—just a couple of strawberries and the right amount of basil take this drink recipe to the next level. The combination of citrus and herbs is a well-loved technique in Mexican cocktails, and adding fresh fruit flavors was a game-changer.
Over the years, bartenders have played with variations—spicy margaritas, smoky mezcal margaritas, even frozen margaritas made with tropical fruits. But this one, with fragrant basil and sweet strawberries, is a standout. And if you can get your hands on some fresh Poteet strawberries, you're in for a real treat!

My Secret Weapon for the Perfect Frozen Margarita
Let’s talk about one of the best kitchen gadgets I’ve added to my arsenal—my portable countertop ice maker from Euhomy.

When you’re making delicious cocktails on repeat (which, let’s be honest, happens a lot around here), having an endless supply of ice is a game-changer. This little powerhouse sits right next to my blender, ready to churn out cold margarita ice anytime I need it.



Why I love this ice maker:
- Fast and efficient – It makes ice in just six minutes, so no waiting around when the craving for homemade margaritas hits.
- Endless ice supply – It recycles melted ice back into the reservoir, ensuring I always have ice on hand.
- Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s Cinco de Mayo, girl’s night, or a poolside party, it’s always ready.
- Multiple ice options – Euhomy offers everything from clear bullet ice to that famous chewy nugget ice.
- Quick shipping and affordable prices – These kitchen must-haves are surprisingly budget-friendly and ship fast!
I use mine constantly—no more fighting with half-frozen ice trays or running out right when it’s margarita time.
👉 Check out Euhomy’s ice maker selection and never run out of fresh ice again!

Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender – A high-powered blender ensures a perfectly smooth, slushy consistency.
- Margarita glasses – Because every classic margarita deserves a great presentation.
- Small plate – For the sugar rim.
- Citrus juicer – Makes squeezing fresh lime juice a breeze.
Ingredients
- Ice – Essential for the perfect cold margarita.
- Frozen sliced strawberries (sweetened) – Adds natural sweetness and vibrant berry flavor.
- Frozen limeade concentrate – Gives a tangy citrus boost.
- Silver tequila – A smooth, crisp tequila like Patron Silver works best.
- Cointreau – An orange liqueur that enhances the drink recipe.
- Fresh lime juice – The key to any great margarita recipe.
- Kosher salt – A pinch enhances the flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves – The secret ingredient for a unique strawberry margarita recipe.
- Granulated sugar and lime zest – For rimming the margarita glass.
- Lime wedges and basil leaves – For garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Glasses
- Mix the rim – Combine granulated sugar and lime zest on a small plate, mixing well with a fork.
- Prep the glasses – Run a lime wedge around the rims of two margarita glasses.
- Coat the rim – Dip the rims into the sugar mixture to coat. Set aside.
Blend the Margarita
- Add to blender– In a high-powered blender, combine:
- Ice
- Frozen sliced strawberries
- Frozen limeade concentrate
- Silver tequila
- Cointreau
- Fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt
- Fresh basil leaves
- Blend until smooth – Blend on high speed until smooth and slushy.
Serve and Garnish
Enjoy – Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pour into glasses – Divide the frozen strawberry margarita between the prepared glasses.
Garnish – Top each with a lime wheel and a few fresh basil leaves.
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Chef Secrets & Pro Tips
A good margarita is like a well-told story—balanced, refreshing, and just strong enough to leave an impression. Here’s how to take this frozen strawberry basil margarita from good to unforgettable.
- Use the right tequila – A good silver tequila (also called blanco), like Patron Silver – is the way to go. It’s clean, crisp, and lets the sweet strawberries and fresh basil shine. Skip anything labeled “gold”—that’s usually just tequila with caramel coloring, and it won’t do your margarita any favors.
- Fresh is best – Bottled lime juice? Not today. Fresh lime juice is what gives a margarita its signature bright, citrusy punch. While you’re at it, grab the fresh basil leaves instead of dried—dried basil just doesn’t hit the same way in a cocktail.
- Blending matters – Ever had a margarita that was more like a snow cone? That’s because it wasn’t blended long enough. Blend until the ice is completely smooth, not chunky, for that perfect restaurant-style slush. If you’re using a high-powered blender, start on a lower speed, then crank it up to high for the smoothest texture.
- Avoid over-dilution – Too much ice can water down your margarita fast. If you want a thicker, more flavorful drink, start with slightly less ice and adjust as needed. Bonus tip: using frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones helps keep the drink cold without watering it down.
- Salted rim vs. sugared rim – If you love the classic margarita glass rim, you’ve got options. A salted rimenhances the citrus and tequila flavors, while a sugared rim brings out the sweet strawberry notes. Want the best of both worlds? Try half-salt, half-sugar for a little something extra.
- Balance the flavors – If your margarita tastes too tart, add a touch of simple syrup or honey to round it out. If it’s too sweet, an extra squeeze of lime juice will fix that right up. It’s all about adjusting to your taste.
- Chill your glasses – If you really want to level up your cold margarita experience, pop your margarita glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving. It helps keep the drink colder for longer and makes you feel just a little fancier while sipping.
- The basil trick – Want even more fresh basil flavor? Give the basil leaves a quick clap between your handsbefore adding them to the blender. This helps release the oils and boosts that fresh, herbaceous taste.
Serving Suggestions
A margarita this good deserves the right company—both in people and in food. Whether you’re sipping one solo on the porch or mixing up a batch for a backyard hangout, here’s what to serve alongside it.
- Crispy Baja Fish Tacos – The light, crispy batter and fresh toppings make these tacos the perfect match for a cold margarita. The balance of crunch, citrus, and spice plays beautifully with the sweet strawberries and herbaceous basil.
- Homemade Tortilla Chips & Salsa – There’s just something about fresh, warm homemade chips with a spicy restaurant style salsa that screams margarita night. The salt and spice make every sip taste even smoother.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers – A fresh, light pairing that keeps things simple. A little squeeze of lime over the shrimp ties it all together.
- Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Hot Wings – If you like a little heat with your sweet, these sticky, spicy wings are the perfect match. The cool, fruity flavors of the margarita help balance out the kick of the sriracha.
- A Classic Margarita Flight – Why stop at one? Serve this strawberry basil margarita with a couple of other flavors—think mango, pineapple-jalapeño, or a smoky mezcal margarita—for the ultimate DIY margarita night.
Final Sips and a Little Porch Wisdom
There’s something about a strawberry margarita on a blazing summer afternoon that just hits different. Maybe it’s the way that first icy sip takes the edge off the heat, or how the lime juice and tequila balance each other—one tart, one smooth, always in step. Or maybe it’s the simple pleasure of slowing down, feet kicked up, glass sweating in your hand, while the world moves a little slower for a while.
Whatever it is, this frozen strawberry basil margarita belongs in your summer rotation. It’s the right mix of sweet strawberries, fresh basil, and just enough bite to keep things interesting—best enjoyed with good company and nothing on the agenda.
So go on, pour yourself one, find a shady spot, and let the cicadas handle the background music.
Join the Party!
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Cool Cocktails to Keep You Sippin’ All Summer
Whether you're lounging on the porch, hosting a backyard fiesta, or just looking for an excuse to shake up something fun, these cocktails are the perfect way to keep your glass full and the good times flowing.

Mexican Martini – A bold and boozy twist on a margarita, this Austin favorite mixes tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and a splash of olive brine for a perfectly balanced sweet, tart, and salty sip.

Frozen Peach Bellinis – Sweet, sun-ripened peaches blended with bubbly Prosecco make this icy Italian-inspired cocktail the perfect toast to summer.

Classic Margarita – You can’t go wrong with the OG. Smooth tequila, fresh lime juice, orange liqueur, and a salted rim—simple, timeless, and always refreshing.

Piña Colada – Creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and a splash of rum transport you straight to a beachside hammock with every sip.

Salted Caramel Bourbon Milkshakes – A decadent, boozy dessert in a glass—rich vanilla ice cream, buttery caramel, and a shot of bourbon, all topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Cucumber Watermelon Mojito – Cool cucumber, juicy watermelon, fresh mint, and a splash of rum make this mojito the ultimate thirst-quencher for hot summer nights.

Before You Get Started! If you whip up this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a review and rating to let me know how it turned out. Your feedback helps keep the kitchen running and allows me to keep sharing free recipes with y’all!
Frozen Strawberry Basil Margaritas
Equipment
- Small Plate
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice
- 1 (23.2-ounce) cartons Sliced Strawberries with Sugar
- ½ (12-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate
- 4 ounces Patron Silver Tequila
- 2 ounces Cointreau
- 2 ounces fresh lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 6 large fresh basil leaves
- 1 lime cut into wheels for garnish
- Basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Glasses
- On a small plate, combine granulated sugar and lime zest, mixing with a fork to evenly distribute.Run a lime wedge around the rims of two margarita glasses.Dip the rims into the sugar mixture to coat. Set the glasses aside
Blend the Margarita
- In a high-powered blender, combine: Ice, Frozen sliced strawberries with sugar, Frozen limeade concentrate, Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh lime juice, Kosher salt, Fresh basil leaves, and blend on high speed until smooth and slushy.1 cup ice, 1 (23.2-ounce) cartons Sliced Strawberries with Sugar, ½ (12-ounce) can frozen limeade concentrate, 4 ounces Patron Silver Tequila, 2 ounces Cointreau, 2 ounces fresh lime juice, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, 6 large fresh basil leaves
Serve & Garnish
- Pour the blended margarita evenly into the prepared glasses. Garnish each drink with a fresh lime wheel and a few basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Tequila: Any silver or blanco tequila works well, but Patron Silver provides a smooth finish.
- Cointreau Substitute: Swap for Grand Marnier or Triple Sec if needed.
- Frozen Strawberries: If using unsweetened frozen strawberries, add 1-2 tablespoons of simple syrup or honey for balance.
- Basil Alternative: Fresh mint can be used for a slightly different herbal note.
- Salted Rim Option: Replace the sugar rim with a classic salted rim for a tangy contrast.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is automatically calculated based on ingredient data and should be considered an estimate. When multiple ingredient options are provided, the first listed is used for calculation. Optional ingredients and garnishes are not included in the nutrition analysis.
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