If there’s a cocktail that instantly transports you to a sun-soaked patio, it’s the Frozen Strawberry Margarita. Blushing pink, blissfully icy, and bursting with real berry flavor, this classic drink is my all-time favorite way to turn any gathering—or even just a Tuesday night—into a celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Freshness: Real frozen strawberries and tangy lime juice create a naturally sweet, ultra-refreshing flavor.
- Blissfully Simple: Just toss everything in your blender—no cocktail shaker or bartending skills required—or fancy ingredients.
- Makes Any Moment Festive: Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, a Frozen Strawberry Margarita feels like a party in a glass.
- Easy to Customize: You can make it sweeter, more tart, boozier, or even kid-friendly! The possibilities are endless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of a Frozen Strawberry Margarita lies in its simplicity—just a few wholesome ingredients working together for big flavor. Each element brings something special: strawberry brightness, boozy warmth, citrus zip, and just the right hint of sweetness. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips for getting the most out of every component.
- Frozen Strawberries: The star of the show! Choose unsweetened strawberries for vibrant flavor and that luscious, frosty texture.
- Reposado Tequila: Slightly aged for smoothness, reposado gives your margarita a gentle, mellow finish. Silver tequila also works well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Cointreau: This classic orange liqueur adds depth and citrusy notes, but you can swap in triple sec in a pinch.
- Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Don’t skip the fresh squeeze—bottled lime just isn’t the same! It adds that beautiful tart pop.
- Agave Syrup or Simple Syrup: Either sweetener will work; use agave for authentic, earthy sweetness or simple syrup if you prefer more neutral sugar.
- Kosher Salt: A tiny bit goes into the mix to brighten the flavors and a little more for rimming the glass.
- Ice: This helps create that irresistible slushie texture and ensures your drink is ultra-chilled.
- Margarita Salt & Lime Zest (For the Rim): Mix zest into coarse salt (and a touch of raw sugar if you love a sweet-salty rim) for a punchy finish on every sip.
Variations
Your Frozen Strawberry Margarita is endlessly adaptable! Don’t be shy about riffing on the recipe to suit your mood, the season, or whatever’s in your kitchen. Here are some of my favorite ways to spin it.
- Make it Booze-Free: Omit the tequila and Cointreau, then add extra lime juice and top with sparkling water for a festive strawberry mocktail.
- Berries Galore: Swap some strawberries for frozen raspberries, cherries, or mixed berries for a deeper berry flavor and gorgeous color twists.
- Tropical Vibes: Add a handful of frozen mango or pineapple chunks for a bright, tropical twist on the classic.
- Fiesta Fizzy: For a bubbly lift, stir in a splash of sparkling cranberry juice or lemon-lime soda just before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Muddle a jalapeño slice in the blender or rim your glass with chili salt for a margarita with heat and attitude.
How to Make Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Step 1: Prep Your Glasses
Start by rubbing a lime wedge around the rims of your margarita glasses. Whisk together margarita salt, lime zest, and, if you like, a tablespoon of raw sugar on a plate. Dip the moistened glasses into this irresistible blend—it adds a burst of flavor to every sip and instantly elevates your presentation.
Step 2: Blend the Margarita Mix
Add all the frozen strawberries, ice, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave (or simple syrup), and a pinch of salt to your blender. Use the “CHOP” or high-power setting and blend until smooth and frosty, scraping down the sides as needed. It should be thick, velvety, and perfectly pourable—taste and adjust sweetness if you’d like!
Step 3: Pour & Garnish
Divide the luscious frozen mixture among your prepared glasses. For the finishing touch, top with a fresh strawberry or two and slip a lime wedge onto each rim. Sip, smile, and imagine yourself on vacation—even if you’re just on your couch!
Pro Tips for Making Frozen Strawberry Margarita
- Frothier Texture, Every Time: Use pre-frozen, unsweetened strawberries straight from the freezer to create that dreamily slushy, not-watery consistency that’s key to a perfect Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
- Don’t Skimp on Lime: Fresh lime juice livens up the whole drink—roll the limes first to get maximum juice with minimum effort.
- Taste & Adjust: After blending, give your margarita a quick taste—add more sweetener for a dessert-like treat or a bit more lime for brightness, and blend briefly again.
- Party Prep Hack: You can blend the mix in advance (minus the ice), freeze it in a big bag, and re-blend with ice just before serving for instant, crowd-ready cocktails.
How to Serve Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Garnishes
Dress up your Frozen Strawberry Margarita with cheerful garnishes—think juicy whole strawberries, lime wheels, or sprigs of fresh mint. Edging the rim with salt, zest, and a little raw sugar takes each sip to the next level, creating a sweet-salty-citrusy burst you won’t want to skip.
Side Dishes
This vibrant cocktail pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips and fresh guacamole, zesty shrimp tacos, or a crisp, fresh salad. The icy, tangy sweetness of the margarita is a fantastic contrast to spicy or salty snacks—think of it as a palate-cleansing treat between bites!
Creative Ways to Present
For your next party, try serving Frozen Strawberry Margaritas in mini mason jars for a playful twist, or pour them into hollowed-out lime halves as “margarita shooters.” A little edible flower or a stripey straw adds an instant festive flair and makes everyone feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any margarita left (rare, but it happens!), you can store it directly in your margarita glasses in the freezer for up to two weeks. The mixture firms up into a boozy sorbet—just let it sit a few minutes and give it a good stir for the perfect slush again.
Freezing
Frozen Strawberry Margarita mix freezes beautifully! Pour leftovers into freezer-safe jars or a ziptop bag—just thaw slightly and remix in the blender with a few ice cubes for that freshly-made magic, even days later.
Reheating
Since margaritas are all about icy bliss, there’s no need to reheat—just let your frozen margarita sit on the counter a few minutes, then blend or stir until smooth and sippable. If it gets too runny, simply add a handful of ice and blend again.
FAQs
-
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If you have super-ripe fresh strawberries, wash, hull, and freeze them in advance. Frozen berries are essential for that classic frozen margarita slush, so use them straight from the freezer for best results.
-
What’s the best tequila for a Frozen Strawberry Margarita?
I love using reposado tequila for its mellow depth—but silver (blanco) tequila is crisp and classic if that’s what you have. Always choose a brand you enjoy sipping!
-
Can I make these margaritas ahead of time for a party?
Yes! Blend your margarita mix (minus the ice) and freeze it in advance. When it’s party time, just blend with ice until slushy and serve. It’s the ultimate stress-free party hack!
-
How do I make the rim extra special?
Mix margarita salt with fresh lime zest and a little raw sugar. Rim your glass just before pouring for a burst of sweet, salty, and citrus flavor in every sip—it’s a small detail that makes a big impression.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or you simply want to treat yourself, this Frozen Strawberry Margarita is pure sunshine in a glass. Give it a try, and cheers to easy, happy moments—one sweet, frosty sip at a time!
Print
Frozen Strawberry Margarita Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 drinks 1x
- Category: Drink/Cocktail
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cool off with this refreshing Frozen Strawberry Margarita Recipe. Made with frozen strawberries, Cointreau, lime juice, tequila, and a touch of sweetness, it’s the perfect cocktail for a hot summer day.
Ingredients
For 2 Servings
- 8 ounces frozen strawberries (1 cup)
- 1 ounce Cointreau (2 tablespoons)
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (2 tablespoons) from about 1 lime
- 2 ounces Reposado Tequila (1/4 cup)
- 1 ounce agave syrup or simple syrup (2 tablespoons)
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 ounces ice (1 cup)
For 6 Servings
- 32 ounces frozen strawberries (4 cups)
- 4 ounces Cointreau (1/2 cup)
- 4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (1/2 cup) from about 4 limes
- 8 ounces Reposado Tequila (1 cup)
- 4 ounces agave syrup or simple syrup (1/2 cup)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 32 ounces ice (4 cups)
- 2 tablespoons margarita salt
- 1 teaspoon lime zest from 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar (optional)
For the Salt/Zest Rim
Instructions
- Rub the rim of the glasses: with a lime slice and dip in the prepared salt blend; set aside.
- Place all ingredients in a blender: and mix on CHOP until desired consistency.
- Pour into prepared glasses: garnish with fresh strawberries and a lime wedge.
Notes
- For a fizzy twist, add sparkling fruit juice or clear soda to each serving.
- To make simple syrup, boil 1 cup of sugar and water until clear.
- Taste test before adding sweetener, and rim glasses by pressing into salt mix.
- Storage: Freeze margaritas in glasses for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
- Sugar: Varies based on added sweetener
- Sodium: Varies based on ingredients
- Fat: Negligible
- Saturated Fat: Negligible
- Unsaturated Fat: Negligible
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies based on added sweetener
- Fiber: Varies based on ingredients
- Protein: Negligible
- Cholesterol: 0mg
