The Strawberry Lemonade Margarita is the perfect refreshing cocktail for summer gatherings. This easy and crowd-pleasing drink combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and lemonade with the bold kick of tequila and Triple Sec. It’s an ideal option for BBQs, pool parties, or any celebration, and it’s ready in just a few minutes! For convenience, you can prepare this in large batches to serve guests effortlessly.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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1 lb fresh strawberries (stems removed)
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1 (12 oz) can frozen lemonade, thawed
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1 cup water
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1 to 1 ½ cups Tequila
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½ to ¾ cup Triple Sec
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Juice from 2 limes (1 for the drink, 1 for glass rimming)
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Coarse salt for glass rims
Directions
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Blend the Base:
In a large blender, combine strawberries, thawed lemonade, and water. Blend until smooth. -
Mix the Margarita:
Pour the strawberry mixture into a large pitcher and stir in tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice. -
Prepare the Glasses:
Moisten the rims of your glasses with a lime wedge and dip them into coarse salt. -
Serve:
Fill the glasses with ice and pour the margarita mix over the ice. Garnish with lime wedges or fresh strawberries if desired.
Nutrients (per serving)
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Calories: 253
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Carbohydrates: 31g
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Sodium: 6mg
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Potassium: 130mg
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugar: 26g
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Vitamin A: 5 IU
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Vitamin C: 41.3mg
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Calcium: 15mg
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Iron: 0.3mg
The Perfect Blend of Fresh Flavors
What makes the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita stand out is its use of fresh ingredients that come together to create a refreshing and vibrant flavor profile. The base of the cocktail is made from fresh strawberries, which add natural sweetness and a rich, fruity flavor that pairs perfectly with the tartness of lemonade. The frozen lemonade concentrate is a convenient way to add a zingy, citrusy taste without requiring fresh lemons or laborious squeezing.
Strawberries are naturally high in vitamin C, which not only adds a refreshing taste but also contributes to immune health. The combination of strawberries and lemonade results in a drink that’s both fruity and slightly tangy, providing the perfect balance of flavors.
Adding the water ensures that the strawberry and lemonade base isn’t too thick or syrupy, keeping the consistency light and easy to sip, even on the hottest days.
The Boldness of Tequila and Triple Sec
While the base of the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita is sweet and fruity, the addition of tequila and Triple Sec brings a strong, bold punch to the cocktail. Tequila, made from the blue agave plant, gives the margarita its signature flavor. It has a slightly earthy, bold taste that complements the sweetness of the fruit and the citrus of the lemonade.
Triple Sec, an orange-flavored liqueur, adds an additional layer of complexity to the margarita. The slightly bitter, citrusy notes from the Triple Sec balance the sweetness of the strawberry and lemonade mix, making for a well-rounded and vibrant drink. Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of Triple Sec used, but it’s typically the perfect way to enhance the cocktail without overwhelming the other flavors.
Together, the tequila and Triple Sec elevate the margarita to something truly special, making it a standout drink for any celebration or casual get-together.
Easy to Make and Serve in Batches
One of the greatest advantages of the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients—strawberries, lemonade, tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice—it’s easy to whip up a large batch in minutes. You can make the base ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, which makes this drink ideal for parties or BBQs where you need to prepare drinks in advance.
For serving, the margarita is poured over ice, ensuring it’s chilled and refreshing when you hand it to guests. If you’re making a big batch, simply pour the margarita mix into a large pitcher and keep it on hand for refills throughout the event.
Preparing the Glasses for a Festive Touch
For an added festive touch, the glasses for the margarita are rimmed with coarse salt, which enhances the drink’s flavor and adds a satisfying crunch with every sip. To rim the glasses, simply moisten the edges with a lime wedge and then dip them into the coarse salt. This adds a salty contrast to the sweet, fruity cocktail, which brings out the flavor of the tequila while enhancing the overall experience.
If you want to take it a step further, you can also garnish the glasses with lime wedges or fresh strawberries. These simple additions not only enhance the visual appeal of the drink but also offer an extra burst of freshness as you sip.
Serving Suggestions
While the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita is delicious on its own, it can be paired with a variety of foods to make your gathering even more enjoyable. The refreshing, fruity nature of the drink makes it a great match for grilled meats, seafood, and BBQ dishes. It pairs particularly well with dishes like grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, and tacos, where the sweetness of the cocktail complements the smoky, savory flavors of the food.
If you’re hosting a more casual event, this margarita also goes well with lighter appetizers like chips and salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad. The balance of flavors in the drink ensures that it pairs with a wide range of foods, making it a versatile option for different types of parties and gatherings.
For a non-alcoholic version, you can easily make a mocktail by omitting the tequila and Triple Sec and serving the strawberry lemonade mixture over ice with a splash of soda water for added fizz.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
While this cocktail is certainly indulgent, it does offer some nutritional benefits, especially with the use of fresh strawberries and lime juice. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which support your immune system and skin health. Vitamin C also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, helping to protect your body from harmful free radicals.
The lime juice in the margarita provides an extra dose of vitamin C, boosting the drink’s immune-boosting benefits. Limes also contain potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure and supports muscle function, making this margarita a good way to hydrate and refresh during a warm day.
While the addition of tequila and Triple Sec does increase the calorie count and alcohol content, when consumed in moderation, the drink is a fun way to enjoy the refreshing flavors of summer while still offering a touch of health from its fruity ingredients.
Customizing Your Strawberry Lemonade Margarita
As with any cocktail, the beauty of the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita lies in its flexibility. If you like your drinks a little sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar or agave syrup to the strawberry mixture. Conversely, if you prefer a more tart or less sweet cocktail, you can reduce the amount of sweetener or add extra lime juice to brighten the flavor.
For an extra touch of complexity, consider experimenting with different types of tequila, such as reposado for a richer, oak-aged flavor, or blanco for a more straightforward, crisp taste. You can also adjust the ratio of tequila to Triple Sec to suit your preference for a stronger or lighter margarita.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Lemonade Margarita is the ultimate summer cocktail—refreshing, fruity, and perfectly balanced with a bold kick of tequila. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, enjoying a poolside gathering, or celebrating a special occasion, this margarita is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation, ability to be made in large batches, and vibrant flavor make it a go-to drink for any summer event. The addition of fresh strawberries, lemonade, and lime juice ensures a sweet, tangy drink, while the tequila and Triple Sec bring the bold flavors that make the margarita so iconic. Serve it in glasses rimmed with coarse salt, and garnish with lime or fresh strawberries for an extra festive touch. With its versatility and delicious taste, the Strawberry Lemonade Margarita is a cocktail that’s guaranteed to keep everyone coming back for more.