The Ultimate Frozen Strawberry Margarita: Your Homemade Oasis & Cruise Companion
No need to book a flight; bring the luxurious resort experience home! Craft your favorite frozen strawberry margarita with just a few simple ingredients and savor the taste of paradise.
This post is proudly sponsored by Princess Cruises. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.
There’s something undeniably magical about sipping a perfectly chilled, fruity cocktail, especially when it evokes memories of sun-drenched beaches and azure waters. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on another unforgettable Caribbean Cruise with Princess Cruises. This wasn’t my first adventure with them; you might recall my breathtaking Alaskan journey last year, and the year before, I cruised the iconic Panama Canal, sharing my Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil recipe inspired by the coastal flavors. Each trip has offered unique culinary delights and stunning scenery, but the Caribbean truly shines when it comes to vibrant, refreshing drinks.
So, what’s the natural inclination when you’re surrounded by the Caribbean’s gorgeous weather, endless blue skies, and rhythmic ocean waves? Indulging in exquisite cocktails, of course! High on my list was the frozen strawberry margarita. It’s a close second only to the dazzling Blue Margarita I’ve previously shared. The combination of sweet strawberries and tangy lime, blended to icy perfection, is simply irresistible, whether you’re on deck or in your own backyard.
Relive the Cruise: Princess Cruises’ Mile-High Margaritas at Home
If you ever find yourself on a Princess Cruise, prepare to be amazed by their legendary “mile-high” frozen margaritas. They are truly a sight to behold, almost a work of art in their presentation! While I didn’t dare attempt such a towering creation in my home kitchen – I could just envision the fruity avalanche across my countertop – the essence of their deliciousness is perfectly captured in this simple, homemade version. My recipe focuses on flavor and ease, allowing you to recreate that vacation feeling without the fuss.
This strawberry margarita recipe is incredibly straightforward, requiring only a few key ingredients. Unlike many store-bought mixes that can be overly sweet and syrupy, I prefer to build flavors from scratch. However, I do leverage a secret weapon from the grocery store: frozen limeade concentrate. This brilliant shortcut not only intensifies the zesty lime flavor but also helps achieve that perfect, super-frozen, slushy consistency without diluting the drink with too much ice. It’s the ideal base for a truly refreshing and well-balanced frozen margarita.
Mastering the Homemade Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Making a restaurant-quality frozen strawberry margarita at home is much simpler than you might think. With the right ingredients and a good blender, you’re only minutes away from a taste sensation. Here’s a breakdown of the easy steps to create this vibrant, refreshing drink:
Equipment You’ll Need
- A powerful blender is essential for achieving that smooth, slushy texture.
- Margarita glasses (optional, but they add to the experience!).
Ingredients for Your Perfect Margarita (Serves 4)
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen strawberries (essential for that icy texture)
- 12 oz frozen limeade concentrate (the secret to intense lime flavor and slushiness)
- 1 cup tequila, I prefer white tequila (blanco or silver, for a cleaner taste that lets the fruit shine)
- 1/2 cup triple sec (or Cointreau/Grand Marnier for a more refined orange flavor)
- 8 oz fresh strawberries (adds brightness and natural sweetness)
- Simple Syrup to taste (only if you prefer a sweeter drink)
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Begin by preparing your blender. Ensure it’s clean and ready to create a perfectly smooth, icy concoction.
-
Combine all the ingredients in your blender: the pound of frozen strawberries, 8 oz of fresh strawberries, the entire 12 oz container of frozen limeade concentrate, 1 cup of tequila (I find a good quality white/blanco tequila works best here, as its crisp flavor allows the fruit to truly shine), and 1/2 cup of triple sec.
-
Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and slushy. There should be no visible chunks of strawberry left. If the blender struggles, you can add a tiny splash of water or a bit more tequila to help it along, but avoid adding too much liquid to maintain the thick, frozen consistency.
-
Taste your margarita. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add simple syrup a tablespoon at a time, blending briefly after each addition, until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. Remember, you can always add more sweetness, but you can’t take it away!
-
Pour into chilled margarita glasses. For an extra touch, you can rim your glasses with sugar or salt before pouring. Garnish with a fresh strawberry or a lime wedge. Serve immediately and enjoy the taste of a Caribbean getaway!
Tips for the Perfect Frozen Margarita
- Chill Your Glasses: A simple trick to keep your margarita colder for longer is to chill your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15-30 minutes before pouring.
- Rim It Right: For a classic touch, moisten the rim of your glass with a lime wedge, then dip it into coarse sugar (for sweetness) or margarita salt (for a savory kick). Strawberry margaritas often pair wonderfully with sugar.
- Adjust Sweetness: Start with the suggested ingredients and taste as you go. Add simple syrup gradually if you desire a sweeter cocktail. Homemade simple syrup is easy: equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled.
- Consistency is Key: If your margarita is too thick, add a tiny splash of water or lime juice. If it’s too thin, add a few more frozen strawberries or some ice cubes and blend again.
- Garnish Generously: A fresh strawberry slice on the rim, a lime wheel, or even a sprig of mint can elevate the visual appeal and add an aromatic touch.
Why This is My Go-To Frozen Margarita Recipe
I’ve sampled countless margarita recipes over the years, and this one consistently comes out on top. Trust me, finding the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and boozy can be a challenge, but this recipe nails it every time. My love for Mexican food is immense; I could honestly live on Enchiladas almost every single day. And what complements authentic Mexican cuisine better than a refreshing, perfectly balanced margarita? They are simply a match made in culinary heaven, enhancing every spicy, savory bite.
My Enchanting Caribbean Princess Experience
My recent voyage was aboard the magnificent Caribbean Princess, a stellar example of a MedallionClass ship. For those unfamiliar, the OceanMedallion is truly a game-changer in the cruise industry – arguably one of the coolest innovations in years. Imagine having a small, wearable medallion that acts as your personalized digital concierge. Using the intuitive Princess app, you can order your favorite food and drinks, and they will be delivered right to your location on the ship, whether you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying a quiet moment on your balcony. This means no more missing out on prime sunbathing spots just to grab another one of those incredible frozen margaritas; your drink comes directly to you!
Beyond the unparalleled convenience of on-demand service, MedallionClass ships boast the best internet at sea. And I’m not exaggerating! The Wi-Fi connection was remarkably fast, rivaling the speeds I experience at home. This allowed me to FaceTime with family, comfortably work remotely, and even stream movies seamlessly while sailing across the vast ocean. It truly redefines what’s possible when you’re away from land, blending relaxation with connectivity. Stay tuned for an upcoming post where I’ll dive into even more details about the fantastic features of the OceanMedallion.
Beyond Strawberries: Margarita Variations
While the frozen strawberry margarita holds a special place in my heart, the beauty of this cocktail lies in its versatility. Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, you can easily experiment with other fruits to create your own signature blends:
- Mango Margarita: Swap out strawberries for frozen mango chunks for a tropical twist.
- Raspberry Margarita: Use frozen raspberries for a tart and vibrant pink drink.
- Peach Margarita: Blend frozen peaches for a sweet, summery flavor.
- Mixed Berry Margarita: Combine various frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries for a complex fruity profile.
- Spicy Margarita: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the blender before adding other ingredients for a kick!
The History of Margaritas: A Brief Dive
The origins of the margarita are somewhat debated, with several captivating stories claiming to be the true beginning of this iconic cocktail. One popular tale credits a socialite named Margarita Sames, who supposedly created the drink for her guests at her Acapulco villa in 1948. Another legend points to bartender Francisco “Pancho” Morales in Juárez, Mexico, who concocted it in 1942 for a customer who asked for a “Magnolia,” a drink he couldn’t remember, so he improvised. Regardless of its exact birth, the margarita quickly became a global phenomenon, evolving into countless variations, from classic on-the-rocks to frozen delights like our strawberry favorite. Its enduring appeal lies in its refreshing simplicity and perfect balance of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur.
Best Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Equipment
-
Blender
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen strawberries
- 12 oz frozen limeade concentrate
- 1 cup tequila, I prefer white tequila
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 8 oz fresh strawberries
- Simple Syrup to taste
Instructions
-
Add all of the ingredients to a blender
-
Blend until smooth
-
Add simple syrup to taste if desired
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!
I’ve cultivated a vibrant community on Facebook, and I’d be absolutely thrilled for you to join us! It’s the perfect spot to share YOUR favorite recipes, ask cooking questions, and stay updated on all the exciting new creations from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts, ensuring you never miss a new recipe. If you’re eager to connect with fellow food lovers, simply request to join HERE.
Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful DINNERS, DISHES, AND DESSERTS recipes YOU whip up!
Connect with Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts!
Be sure to follow me on my social media channels so you never miss a post or a delicious new recipe!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram