I don’t need an excuse to make a margarita but I can’t deny Cinco de Mayo is a good reason. It’s party central in the US (even if not so much in Mexico!). These Fresh Blackberry Margarita Cocktails are worthy of the celebration…or any time for that matter!
I was really determined to share this recipe for a fresh Blackberry Margarita Cocktail today. Every summer it’s the same battle between the Derby and Cinco de Mayo.
You can imagine if I didn’t get a post for a Kentucky Derby Pie with Walnuts and Bourbon completed and published until last night that I might be behind the 8-ball just a bit on a cocktail for today.
Trying to manage sharing food and/or drink for two celebrations in one weekend? Priceless!
Still, another better late than never I hope because I really wanted to make this one happen, especially since I’ll be taking a big pitcher of these Blackberry Margaritas to a party tomorrow and it’s nice to have a post on my blog for those who are interested in recreating them at home.
There are some days I think I’ve made about every version of margarita possible and then I realize, well, that’s just silly. Because if I have shared it, chances are half of them need to have new photos taken anyhow so they will always be on a continuous cycle and that’s good with me.
I love, love, love them. Take a peek at a couple more of my favorites…you could really spend all year sampling them!
Blood Orange Margarita Cocktail
Strawberry Margarita Cocktail
That wasn’t always the case; I actually recall the first time I had a margarita and I literally wanted to spit it out. I had to graciously sip the drink while grimacing with every taste.
It was awful so I blamed the establishment and tried, tried again. I finally decided they just were not for me and gave up the effort…until one magical day when I had a magazine with an article about margaritas and learned enough in just a few paragraphs to change everything.
Simple points that I have never forgotten and never change.
- Good tequila. Not pricey necessarily but just a good, decent brand. The cheap stuff is what they use for house margaritas at restaurants and that awful burn is what was part of what I found distasteful. Try a reposado or blanco; that’s a good start.
- Fresh fruit. And not just for the one chosen for flavoring; but fresh limes and lemons too. No sweet and sour mixers or bottled citrus juices. Nope.
- Use real fresh squeezed juices and it will make a world of difference. I use a handheld juicer for lemon and limes and wouldn’t be without one; they extract way more juice than I can do just by squeezing by hand.
- Real orange liqueur, not the cheap triple sec that is simply sugar, water, and artificial flavoring. Again, pricey is not important but it should have essence of real oranges. I use whatever one has the best price when I shop so I’m only discriminating to a point!
Those rules apply across the board to any margarita and I think if you make them a part of your game plan that you and guests will never look back. Forget about going out…plan a party at home with your homemade drinks…bet you’ll have way more fun!
More Margaritas? I've got them!
PIN ‘Fresh Blackberry Margarita Cocktails’
Fresh Blackberries Margaritas
Fresh is the best and this Fresh Blackberry Margarita Cocktail proves it! Try this and a couple of other favorites for Cinco de Mayo and all summer long!
Ingredients
For the Blackberry Syrup
- 6 oz blackberries
- 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup water
For the Blackberry Margarita
- 8 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange liqueur
- 4 oz lime juice
- 4 oz blackberry syrup
- Blackberries and lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
To Make the Blackberry Syrup
- Heat the sugar, blackberries, and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Simmer on low for 10 minutes, do not let boil. Remove from heat and smash blackberries with a fork or potato masher.
- Pour mixture through a mesh strainer into a bowl or cup; pressing the solids to extract as much syrup as possible.
- Refrigerate until cool.
To Make the Blackberry Margarita
- Combine the blackberry syrup, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a pitcher or carafe filled with 2 cups of ice. Stir to chill thoroughly.
- Moisten rim of glasses with lime wedge, dip into a combination of sugar and salt (equal proportions).
- Pour mixture into glasses filled with ice and garnish with blackberries and lime slice.
I’m sipping a (traditional) Margarita right now! Yours always look so good — they are always so creative. Kinda nice that we have the Derby and Cinco de Mayo on the same day this year — perfect daily double. 🙂
I can’t believe how much I used to hate margaritas…now I want to make one of every flavor imaginable…well, within reason I guess. I suppose I should serve a Kentucky Derby steak with a side of guacamole for dinner hmm? 🙂