I whipped up a Spicy Blackberry Margarita Recipe that’s fruity, unapologetically bold, and basically a purple showstopper you need at your next party.

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I’m obsessed with this Blackberry Margarita Recipe because it turned a grocery mistake into my favorite guilty pleasure. I bought fresh blackberries for something else and they rotted faster than expected, so I reached for blanco tequila and chaos happened.

It’s messy, bold, and basically a party in liquid form. Frozen Blackberry Margarita vibes without the snooty garnish.

And yes, you’ll get juice on your fingers and probably on your shirt. That bruise of tartness against smooth booze is everything.

I want one before dinner, after dinner, and during the argument with my neighbor. No regrets.

Bring it, trust me.

Ingredients

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Blanco tequila — bright, peppery backbone that keeps the drink honest and lively.
Orange liqueur — sweet citrus hug that makes it taste like a grown-up candy.
Fresh lime juice — tart, zippy punch that wakes the whole thing up.
Simple syrup — smooth sweetness that tames the tartness without being cloying.
Fresh blackberries — jammy fruit notes and pretty color, plus a little texture.
Ice — chills fast and dilutes just enough so it’s not overpowering.
Coarse salt or Tajin rim — salty or spicy contrast that pops against the fruit.
Lime wedges or wheels — bright garnish and extra sour if you want more kick.
Optional club soda — Basically, a fizzy lighten up if you want a gentler sip.

Ingredient Quantities

8 ounces blanco tequila (about 1 cup)

4 ounces orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec

4 ounces fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)

3 ounces simple syrup (adjust to taste; start with 3 oz)

12 to 16 fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)

Ice (for shaking and serving)

Coarse salt or Tajin for rimming glasses

Lime wedges or wheels for garnish

Optional: club soda or sparkling water, 2 to 4 ounces, if you want a lighter drink

How to Make this

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1. Chill 2 to 4 glasses in the freezer for a few minutes while you get everything ready.

2. Rim each glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge, then dip into coarse salt or Tajin. Set aside.

3. In a cocktail shaker or a large jar, add 12 to 16 fresh blackberries and about 3 ounces simple syrup. Muddle well until the berries are broken down and juicy, but not totally pulverized.

4. Add 8 ounces blanco tequila, 4 ounces orange liqueur, and 4 ounces fresh lime juice to the shaker. Give it a quick taste and if you want it sweeter, add a little more simple syrup.

5. Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside is frosty. This chills and dilutes just enough.

6. If you like a smoother drink, double strain into a pitcher or directly into glasses over fresh ice to catch seeds and big pulp. Single strain if you want more texture.

7. For a lighter, fizzy version, top each glass with 1 to 2 ounces club soda or sparkling water and gently stir once.

8. Garnish with extra blackberries and a lime wedge or wheel. If you used Tajin, a little extra on the rim looks nice and tastes great.

9. Serve right away. Taste as you go next time and tweak the simple syrup or lime to match your sweetness and tartness preference.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker (or a large jar with a tight lid)
2. Muddler or wooden spoon to crush the blackberries
3. Jigger or measuring cup for the tequila, liqueur and syrup
4. Fine mesh sieve (for double straining seeds and pulp)
5. Hawthorne or cocktail strainer if you have one, otherwise just use the sieve
6. Rocks or margarita glasses (chilled)
7. Small plate or shallow dish for salt or Tajin to rim the glasses
8. Citrus juicer or reamer and a sharp knife for the limes
9. Pitcher (optional, if makin a batch)
10. Ice scoop or tongs and a few extra ice trays or a bag of ice

FAQ

Q: Can I make this without fresh blackberries? A: Yes, you can use frozen blackberries (thaw first) or a good-quality blackberry puree, but fresh gives brighter flavor. If frozen, you might need less simple syrup since they can be sweeter.

Q: How do I get rid of the seeds? A: Muddle the berries and strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into your shaker. Press with the back of a spoon to get the juice, leaving most seeds behind. It wont be perfect but it helps a lot.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party? A: Yes, mix tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and simple syrup with muddled and strained blackberry juice in a pitcher and chill. Add ice and shake or stir just before serving so drinks stay bright. If adding club soda, add it right before serving.

Q: How do I rim the glass without making it messy? A: Rub a lime wedge around the rim, then dip into coarse salt or Tajin on a flat plate. Do it before you pour the drink so the rim stays neat. If you want less salt, just dip the rim lightly.

Q: Can I make it less boozy or lower in calories? A: Use 2 to 4 ounces of club soda or sparkling water per glass to stretch the drink. You can also cut the simple syrup by half or use a sugar substitute syrup to reduce calories.

Q: Any tips for muddling blackberries well? A: Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, press gently but firmly until berries burst. Don’t overdo it or you’ll get too many bitter bits. A quick strain after muddling keeps the texture smooth.

Blackberry Margarita Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Blanco tequila: reposado for a smoother, slightly oaky flavor, mezcal if you want a smoky edge, or blanco vodka in a pinch for a cleaner, neutral base
Orange liqueur (Cointreau/triple sec): Grand Marnier for richer orange and cognac notes, orange curaçao if that’s what you have, or 1 oz fresh orange juice + 1 oz simple syrup for a fresh but less boozy swap
Fresh lime juice: bottled lime juice if you’re in a rush, fresh lemon juice for a brighter tang, or 3 oz sour mix if you prefer a sweeter, more stable option (but it will change the cocktail balance)
Simple syrup: agave nectar for a more authentic agave sweetness, honey syrup (equal parts honey + warm water) for floral depth, or maple syrup for a deeper, slightly smoky sweet note

Pro Tips

1) Muddle with a light hand, not like you’re trying to win a fight. Break the berries enough to release juice but don’t pulverize every seed or you’ll get bitter grit in the drink. If seeds start flying, stop and press with the back of a spoon instead of smashing.

2) Taste as you go. Lime and simple syrup can swing the whole drink, and different limes and even different tequilas change things. Add syrup in small bits, stir or shake, taste, then add more if it needs it. It’s easier to add than take away.

3) Shake longer than you think, especially with fruit. 15 to 20 seconds gives good chill and dilution, but if your shaker gets really frosty let it go a few more seconds. The tiny extra dilution smooths the bite; just don’t overdo it or it’ll get watery.

4) Strain based on texture you want. Double strain to keep seeds and big pulp out for a cleaner cocktail, single strain if you want a rustic, jammy mouthfeel. And if you’re serving a group, prepare one pitcher, then taste again before topping with soda so the fizz doesn’t hide any imbalances.

Blackberry Margarita Recipe

Recipe by Sam Ecclestone

0.0 from 0 votes

I whipped up a Spicy Blackberry Margarita Recipe that's fruity, unapologetically bold, and basically a purple showstopper you need at your next party.

Servings

servings

Calories

321

kcal

Equipment: 1. Cocktail shaker (or a large jar with a tight lid)
2. Muddler or wooden spoon to crush the blackberries
3. Jigger or measuring cup for the tequila, liqueur and syrup
4. Fine mesh sieve (for double straining seeds and pulp)
5. Hawthorne or cocktail strainer if you have one, otherwise just use the sieve
6. Rocks or margarita glasses (chilled)
7. Small plate or shallow dish for salt or Tajin to rim the glasses
8. Citrus juicer or reamer and a sharp knife for the limes
9. Pitcher (optional, if makin a batch)
10. Ice scoop or tongs and a few extra ice trays or a bag of ice

Ingredients

8 ounces blanco tequila (about 1 cup)
4 ounces orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec
4 ounces fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
3 ounces simple syrup (adjust to taste; start with 3 oz)
12 to 16 fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
Ice (for shaking and serving)
Coarse salt or Tajin for rimming glasses
Lime wedges or wheels for garnish
Optional: club soda or sparkling water, 2 to 4 ounces, if you want a lighter drink

Directions

Chill 2 to 4 glasses in the freezer for a few minutes while you get everything ready.
Rim each glass by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge, then dip into coarse salt or Tajin. Set aside.
In a cocktail shaker or a large jar, add 12 to 16 fresh blackberries and about 3 ounces simple syrup. Muddle well until the berries are broken down and juicy, but not totally pulverized.
Add 8 ounces blanco tequila, 4 ounces orange liqueur, and 4 ounces fresh lime juice to the shaker. Give it a quick taste and if you want it sweeter, add a little more simple syrup.
Fill the shaker with ice, secure the lid, and shake hard for 15 to 20 seconds until the outside is frosty. This chills and dilutes just enough.
If you like a smoother drink, double strain into a pitcher or directly into glasses over fresh ice to catch seeds and big pulp. Single strain if you want more texture.
For a lighter, fizzy version, top each glass with 1 to 2 ounces club soda or sparkling water and gently stir once.
Garnish with extra blackberries and a lime wedge or wheel. If you used Tajin, a little extra on the rim looks nice and tastes great.
Serve right away. Taste as you go next time and tweak the simple syrup or lime to match your sweetness and tartness preference.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.