Blackberry Margarita

Ingredients (1 serving)

• 8–10 fresh blackberries
• 2 oz (60 ml) tequila (blanco/silver tequila works best)
• 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
• 1 oz (30 ml) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• ½ oz (15 ml) simple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
• Ice cubes
• Coarse salt or sugar for the rim (optional)
• Fresh blackberries and a lime wheel for garnish

Instructions

1. If desired, rim a margarita glass with salt or sugar:
   • Rub a lime wedge around the rim.
   • Dip the rim into a plate of salt or sugar.
2. In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries until they release their juice.
3. Add:
   • Tequila
   • Lime juice
   • Orange liqueur
   • Simple syrup/agave nectar
   • A handful of ice
4. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds.
5. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. For a smoother drink, use a fine-mesh strainer to remove blackberry seeds.
6. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a lime wheel.

Tips

• Use ripe blackberries for the sweetest, most flavorful margarita.
• Adjust sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup.
• Make it spicy by muddling a slice of jalapeño with the blackberries.
• Frozen version: Blend all ingredients with 1 cup of ice until smooth.
• Batch for a party: Multiply the ingredients by the number of servings and shake or stir in a large pitcher before serving.
• Premium flavor: Use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than bottled juice.

Optional Variations

• Blackberry Basil Margarita: Add 2–3 fresh basil leaves while muddling.
• Blackberry Mint Margarita: Muddle a few mint leaves with the berries.
• Sparkling Blackberry Margarita: Top with a splash of sparkling water or club soda.