If you’re tired of the same old margarita flavors and want to try something new, a blackberry basil margarita may be just what your taste buds need. This spin on the classic cocktail adds fresh blackberries and fragrant basil for a unique and fun twist on the traditional drink. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply looking for a fun new drink to enjoy with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your shaker and get ready to mix up a deliciously fruity and herbaceous blackberry basil margarita.
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The Perfect Summer Cocktail: Blackberry Basil Margarita
Don’t get me wrong I love a classic margarita. But sometimes you want to spice it up a little bit and add some flavor. With a deliciously easy blackberry simple syrup and basil, trust me your friends will be impressed you made it yourself.
Easy enough to make a margarita for one, but delicious enough to make a whole pitcher to share. That can also be for one, no judgment here. It makes a refreshing cocktail perfect for spring and summer.
Our Favorite Tequilas for Margaritas
Typically margaritas are made with a blanco tequila. They are not aged for long periods of time leaving them more of a blank canvas.
Another really great option for margaritas is a Mezcal. It’s still made from agave, just multiple different ones. Whereas tequila only comes from a blue agave plant.
Equipment Needed
You’ll need:
- Cocktail shaker – this helps fully chill your cocktail and get everything mixed together
- Muddler – we’re going to use this to grind the basil
- Jigger – this is used to keep your measurements consistent
- Fine mesh strainer – you’re going to use these to get your seeds out of the syrup
- Small plate – for rimming your glass
- Cocktail glasses– Margarita glasses are perfect!
- Small saucepan– we’ll use this for making our simple syrup
Ingredients
For this recipe, we’ll use a few fresh ingredients like limes, basil, and blackberries. Then you’ll need your bar supplies. We of course need white tequila and triple sec or Cointreau.
For the rim, I prefer sugar, but salt always works.
- 3 Limes- 1 lime will give you 1 oz lime juice
- Fresh basil leaves– using fresh herbs really helps the flavor come through
- Tequila– this is going to be our base liquor of the drink
- Orange liqueur- like Cointreau or grand marnier
- Blackberries– this is for the blackberry syrup, plus leave a few additional blackberries out for garnishing
How to Make a Blackberry Simple Syrup
I’m not kidding, aking your own blackberry simple syrup really is easy. All you’ll need is blackberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of water.
First, you’ll put a 6 oz container of blackberries in your saucepan with 1 cup of sugar. Let that heat up, the blackberries and sugar will start to break down.
You can help your blackberries break down faster by mashing them with a silicone spatula.
Let that simmer on low to medium heat, stirring consistently. Then you will add your 1 cup of water. Keep stirring. It will start to thicken. Once it’s to a good consistency, like syrup, you will strain it.
Set aside in a container with a secure lid, like a mason jar. This will need to cool before using.
Making a Blackberry Basil Margarita
Juice your 3 limes, it’s ok if you cheat and use store-bought lime juice too.
Place your large basil leaf in the bottom of your cocktail shaker. Muddle blackberries well. Just place your muddler down, press, and turn.
Next you’ll add your tequila, lime juice, blackberry syrup, triple sec, and ice to the shaker. Shake well.
Add sugar or salt to the plate. Use one of your limes to go around the rim of the glass, then dip it into sugar or salt.
Pour margarita over fresh ice in your prepared glass, or place it into a blender with ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of your glass and fresh basil or cocktail pick with blackberries.
Enjoy your new favorite summer cocktail.
Tips & Tricks
Basil Salt– add a basil leaf to your rimming salt, and rub the salt and the basil between your fingertips until it’s broken down.
Variations and Substitutions
- You can always make any cocktail into a mocktail by leaving out the alcohol!
- If you don’t have Cointreau, an alcoholic or non alcoholic triple sec will work fine.
- If you don’t have blanco tequila, mezcal works.
When to Serve Blackberry Basil Margaritas
- Happy hour
- Backyard barbecue
- Brunch
- Girls Night
What to serve with Margaritas
Tacos, always. But check out these Cilantro Lime Tostadas
FAQ
What is better in a margarita Cointreau or Triple Sec?
Cointreau gives a margarita more of a citrus-sweet flavor that is more balanced. Triple sec has the tendency to taste like just sweet oranges, but it will do in a pinch.
What’s the difference between basil and Thai Basil?
Regular basil has more of a sweet, peppery flavor. Thai basil tends to taste a little like licorce.
Do all margaritas have to be made with triple sec?
It is one of the key ingredients for a classic margarita! But you never HAVE to include any ingredient.
More Recipes
- Kentucky Oaks Lily Cocktail
- Cinnamon Streusel Banana Bread
- Bailey’s Salted Caramel Brownies
- Guinness Braised Short Ribs
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Blackberry Basil Margarita
Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- muddler
- jigger
- sauce pan
- fine mesh strainer
- plate
- drinking glass
Ingredients
Blackberry Simple Syrup
- 6 oz blackberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Margarita
- 3 limes juiced
- 1 large basil leaf
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 1.5 oz cointreau or triple sec
- 2 oz blackberry syrup
- 3 tbsp sugar or salt for rim
Instructions
Blackberry Syrup
- Add all 6 oz package of blackberries to your pot and your sugar.
- Bring to a simmer on low heat stirring consistently.
- Add 1 cup of water to your blackberry sugar mixture, stirring consistently.
- Once to desired consistency, pour over a cheesecloth or strainer into a container of your choice. I prefer a mason jar.
Margarita
- Juice your 3 limes, saving one peel for rimming the glasses.
- Add a basil leaf to the bottom of your cocktail shaker and muddle.
- Add tequila, Cointreau, blackberry syrup, and ice to the shaker. Shake well.
- Use your reserved lime peel to go around the edge of your glass.
- Add 3 tbsp of sugar to a plate, and roll the edge of the glass into the sugar.
- Then pour your margarita into your prepared glass and enjoy.
- Garnish with basil and blackberries if desired.