Blueberry Basil Margarita
If you’re looking for a season spin on the classic margarita, try this vibrant blueberry basil version. The combination of the fresh fruity and herbal flavors are perfect for the summer when these ingredients are in their peak season. You can also learn how to make this drink as a mocktail with a few simple swaps.
Here’s what ingredients and tools you’ll need for this drink:
- 2 oz tequila
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz blueberry syrup
- 1 oz lime juice
- Ice cubes
Tools:
- Cocktail shaker
- Muddler or the back of a spoon (for muddling basil)
- Jigger or measuring cup
- Citrus juicer (for extracting lime juice)
- Fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth (optional, for straining blueberry syrup)
- Glasses for serving
- Ice cube trays (if using homemade ice cubes)
- Cutting board and knife (for garnishing with fresh basil or lime slices)
When are blueberries in season?
Generally, blueberries reach their peak season from late spring to early fall, depending on your location. However, thanks to modern food preservation techniques, we can enjoy the delectable taste of blueberries year-round, whether fresh or frozen. So, fear not if you can’t find fresh blueberries in your local market – the frozen variety works just as well in many recipes, preserving that burst of summer flavor for any season.
What is muddling?
Muddling is a bartending technique that involves gently crushing herbs, fruits, or spices to release their flavors and aromas. It’s a simple yet essential skill in mixology, particularly when crafting cocktails or mocktails that require the infusion of fresh ingredients. By muddling blueberries, for instance, you can extract their juices and essence, imparting a rich, fruity flavor to your beverages.
How to make blueberry syrup at home
Making your own blueberry syrup at home is easier than you might think, and the results are infinitely superior to store-bought alternatives. Here’s a simple recipe to elevate your mocktails and cocktails alike:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and blueberries.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved.
- Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the blueberries have softened and released their juices.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
- Transfer the syrup to a bottle or jar, and refrigerate until ready to use.
How to make it a mocktail
For those opting for a non-alcoholic alternative, transforming a classic cocktail into a mocktail is easy to do at home. Just replace the Tequila with a non-alcoholic Tequila Alternative and the orange liqueur with a non-alcoholic triple sec.
How To Make A Blueberry Basil Margarita
Blueberry Basil Margarita Recipe
Blueberry Basil Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 oz blueberry syrup
- 1 oz lime juice
Blueberry Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup blueberries
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle fresh basil leaves to release their aromatic oils.
- Add tequila, orange liqueur, blueberry syrup, lime juice, and ice cubes to the shaker.
- Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
- Strain the margarita into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a basil leaf or a few fresh blueberries.
Blueberry Syrup
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of blueberries.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture gently until the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- As the blueberries soften and release their juices, the mixture will thicken into a syrup-like consistency.
- Once the syrup has reached your desired thickness, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Let the syrup cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a heatproof container or jar.
- If desired, you can strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids and achieve a smoother consistency.
- Allow the syrup to cool completely before using it in your favorite recipes or storing it in the refrigerator for future use.
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