Blackberry Basil Margarita

The Blackberry Basil Margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic margarita, blending sweet blackberries and aromatic basil with tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice. Perfect for summer, this easy-to-make cocktail offers a unique and delightful flavor experience.

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Refreshing Blackberry Basil Margarita

There's nothing quite like a refreshing cocktail to cool down on a hot day, and this Basil Blackberry Margarita Recipe is just what you need to elevate your summer gatherings. I have always loved using blackberries in cocktail recipes. The combination of sweet, juicy blackberries and aromatic basil paired perfectly with the classic margarita ingredients, perfect for happy hour!

This Blackberry Basil Margarita is a delightful twist on the traditional margarita, bringing a burst of fresh, fruity flavors with a hint of herbal notes. It's simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve at any occasion. Let's dive into why you should make this drink and how to prepare it.

Why You Should Make This Drink

1. Unique Flavor Profile: The sweet and tart blackberries combined with the fresh, fragrant basil create a flavor explosion that takes the classic margarita to a whole new level. It's a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and herbal notes.
2. Perfect for Summer: This drink is the ultimate summer cocktail. Its refreshing qualities make it an excellent choice for hot days, outdoor parties, and relaxing evenings on the patio.
3. Easy to Make: You don't need to be an expert mixologist to make this drink. With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious and sophisticated cocktail that will impress your guests.

Ingredients

• Fresh Blackberries - Use fresh berries for the best flavor, that is what makes this the perfect summer drink since berries are in season. Don't forget the additional blackberries for the garnish. 
• Basil Leaves - You will want fresh basil leaves for muddling and a basil sprig for the garnish.
• Agave Nectar - I prefer agave syrup to sweeten my margaritas but you can also use simple syrup. 
• Limes - For fresh lime juice, you don't want to use the bottled stuff it will make your drink sour. 
• Cointreau - Or other orange liqueur like triple sec or grand marnier.
• Tequila - I use blanco tequila also known as silver tequila for this recipe. I like the brand Tres Agave. (Also this will taste delicious with gold tequila or aged tequila.)
• Kosher Salt or Sea Salt - If you like salt on the rim of the glass you will want either kosher salt or sea salt, both work great. 

Instructions

Muddle the Blackberries: Add ¼ cup of blackberries to a cocktail shaker and muddle them until they are nice and jammy.

Add Basil: Add 6 basil leaves to the shaker and muddle gently to release their aromas.

Combine Ingredients: Add ½ ounce of agave nectar, 1 ounce of lime juice, 1 ounce of Cointreau, and 2 ounces of tequila to the shaker. Add a handful of ice.

Shake Well: Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously until well-chilled and properly diluted, about 10 to 20 seconds.

Rim the Glass (Optional): Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and dip the rim into salt. Carefully add ice to your glass.

Strain the Margarita: Use a Hawthorne strainer Affiliate Link to strain the margarita into your prepared glass. For a smoother drink, double strain using a fine mesh strainer Affiliate Link.

Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge, basil leaf, and/or fresh blackberry. Serve immediately.