This fresh, vibrant basil blueberry margarita recipe is just what we all ( over the age of 21+ ) need to ring in the warmer temperatures of Spring.
Historically, I have not been a huge lover of cocktails with herbs. I've found them to be overpowering and often herby just for the sake of herby-ness.
Basil is a different story. The namesake of the blog, basil is an herb that I've always loved and found to be so versatile. Its flavor can be strong and powerful, like in a pesto, or soft and delicate, like in this cocktail.
I will say though, this fresh blueberry cocktail comes with a warning! and not just the standard "For 21+ only" warning.
Yes, it is bright red / pink. Yes, it looks fabulously vibrant.
NO, it is not a super sweet chain restaurant style cocktail. It's fresh. It uses real fruit, and only JUUUUUUST enough symple syrup to balance out the acidity of the lime juice and bite of the tequila.
Okay then. You've been warned.
On that note though, if you'd like something a little less strong, this cocktail is really fantastic topped off with some soda water as well. It makes more of a porch sipper that way, without adding any extra booze or calories.
Sometimes you want something a little lighter, and I get that. And I am here for you.
So, seltzer. Seltzer is the answer!
But for me, while it's still not quite 120 degrees outside here in Charleston, I'll opt for this blueberry basil margarita in its full strength glory.
OH, and don't forget to freeze a few blueberries for the garnishes! That gives them the gorgeous iced over look, and they also help cool your cocktail without watering it down any more than necessary.
If you love this Basil Blueberry Margarita Recipe, you might also like:
Basil Blueberry Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- ½ oz Cointreau
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz blueberries fresh or frozen
- 1 handlful fresh basil leaves 10 - 15 leaves
- 1 oz lime juice fresh
Instructions
- Place the blueberries, basil, and lime juice in a large cocktail shaker and muddle together. If you don't have a muddler to work the basil and blueberries into the lime juice, you can use the end of a wooden spoon, but make sure to use it aggressively as it doesn't have the same teeth at the end to tear into the leaves and fruit.
- Fill the shaker with ice, and add the tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Place the top on the shaker and vigorously shake to combine all ingredients.
- Strain the contents of the shaker into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with fresh basil and blueberries. Serve!
Looks delish!