Blackberry Margarita

Add sweet summertime flavor to the classic lime cocktail with the Blackberry Margarita. This refreshing drink will add color to any taco night or Cinco de Mayo celebrations!

About this Blackberry Margarita recipe

There’s nothing quite like a good margarita. The refreshing, tart flavor complimented by the salt — or sugar — on the rim just hits the spot, every time.

The best part is that you don’t need an occasion to mix one up. They’re easy enough that you can make one on a whim to go with your tacos or craft a big batch for an impromptu cook-out.

Lime juice and tequila play so nicely with other flavors, the options are virtually endless for this iconic drink. This Blackberry Margarita takes on the flavor of summertime, with a subtle sweetness that’s the perfect compliment to hot days in the sun.

More margarita recipes: Peach Margarita • Blue Margarita • Strawberry Margarita

History of the Margarita

Like any classic cocktail, the origin is a bit murky. Plenty of bartenders claim to have been the first to mix up this iconic recipe starring the Mexican spirit, tequila.

The recipe took a few different forms over the years, but the roots remained the same. According to Patron Tequila, this Mexican drink made its widespread debut in the pages of Esquire Magazine in 1953. The recipe was the same as the classic we know today, a combination of tequila, lime juice, triple sec with salt on the rim.

From there, variations continued including the ever-popular frozen margarita. Now there are countless margaritas available at bars and restaurants, from the Texas margarita with an orange twist to the virgin margarita with all of the flavor and none of the booze.

Tools & glassware

One other thing to love about margaritas is the simplicity to mix them up. With a cocktail shaker and a jigger, you’re pretty much set!

Since this Blackberry Margarita uses flavored simple syrup, you’ll also need the tools for that — luckily, the list isn’t long! A saucepan, something to stir with and a fine mesh strainer are my go-to’s.

Glassware is really up to you. I like to have a few options on hand, depending on the occasion. Stemmed glasses are great for feeling like you’re sipping at your favorite Mexican restaurant, while stemless glasses are a bit better for gatherings and outdoor enjoyment. You can use whatever glasses you prefer or have on hand, the drink will be just as delicious no matter what!

The only other thing that you’ll want on-hand is a small plate to rim your glasses. Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to go!

favorite margarita glasses

cactus margarita glasses

Buy Now →

art deco lowball glasses

Buy Now →

stemless margarita glasses

Buy Now →

Ingredients

• Blackberry syrup: You can use store-bought, but I prefer to make my own at home for the best blackberry flavor! All you need is blackberries, sugar and water.
• Tequila: I used blanco tequila for this recipe, which is a common choice for margs. You could also use reposado tequila for another level of flavor. 
• Triple sec: Triple sec is a home bar staple, and perfect for margs. You could also use a top-shelf orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau for a more sophisticated flavor like in the Cadillac margarita.
• Lime juice: I always opt for fresh lime juice when I can — I think it gives you the best flavor with the most zest. In a pinch, the store-bought stuff will work too, but keep in mind it is more tart.

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishes, I like to reflect the flavor of the drink. Whether that means a strawberry slice for a pink drink or a grapefruit slice on a paloma, it gives a hint of what the drink will taste like and enhances the flavor of the drink thanks to the sight and smell.

For the Blackberry Margarita, I stuck with a blackberry and a lime wedge. I kept the rim simple with margarita sugar for an added touch of sweetness.

Best sugar rim for margaritas

A sugar rim is easier than you think! Granulated sugar, the same kind that goes into your simple syrup, is the best choice for rimming a glass. If you use sugar that is too coarse, it’s hard to get it to stick to the glass!

Plain sugar is an option, or you can make your own margarita sugar by adding lime zest to your sugar for a little extra zing. I love the tart/sweet combo for this Blackberry Margarita!

Why stop there? Dehydrated fruits are great additions to make other flavors of sugar, like strawberry sugar or blueberry.

Substitutions & variations

Non-alcoholic version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic drink with all of the flavor, but none of the booze, swap out the tequila for a zero-proof spirit and the triple sec for orange juice.

Spicy blackberry margarita: To spice up your night, opt for homemade jalapeño tequila in place of blanco tequila. The result will be a spicy blackberry margarita!

Salt rim: Margarita salt can be used to rim your glass instead of sugar if you prefer savory over sweet.

Big batch: If you’re hosting, make a big batch of these blackberry margaritas in a pitcher and serve a crowd.

Frozen version For even more refreshment, add your ingredients to a blender with 1 cup of ice and create a frozen blackberry margarita.

Instructions

Now, let’s get shaking on a Blackberry Margarita!

First, you’ll want to make your blackberry syrup. Wash your fruit — I like to buy mine at the local farmers market when its in season — and place it a medium saucepan. Add the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Then, remove from heat.

Use a fine mesh strainer to remove the solids, then strain the hot liquid into a bowl. While the syrup is hot, stir in the sugar until dissolved. Let your syrup cool to room temperature.

Fill your cocktail shaker with ice — you’ll want plenty to cool down your drink! Use your jigger to measure the lime juice and cooled blackberry syrup, adding each to the shaker.

Next add tequila and triple sec into the mix and cap off the shaker.

Shake everything well to combine. Ideally, your shaker will be cold in your hand — that’s when you know it’s ready!

Now, you’re almost ready to serve your margarita! Start by running a lime wedge around the rim of your margarita glass, then roll in sugar to rim your glass. Strain the drink into your prepared glass over ice. Enjoy!

Other uses for Blackberry Syrup

With plenty of color and flavor, there are plenty of ways to use your blackberry syrup.

You can substitute this stunning syrup into any recipe that calls for simple syrup. It would be especially good in a bramble cocktail, a blackberry mint julep or in a blackberry Italian soda! You can also add splash to something like lemonade for an extra boost of summertime flavor.

Don’t stop at drinks — simple syrup is great in other recipes, too! Drizzle it over pancakes, add some to your oatmeal or sprinkle some onto your donuts. Yum!

Food pairings

Sweet Blackberry Margaritas are a perfect match for salsa and tortilla chips, every time. If you need something a little more substantial, switch up your tacos for totchos, a delicious tater tot nacho that can be an appetizer or a meal.

If you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a group, try queso fundido. This ooey, gooey dip is a crowd-pleaser! Add poblano enchilada chicken empanadas and you’re ready for a fiesta!

Satisfy your sweet tooth with a batch of margarita bars. They’re the perfect boozy treat for summer fun!

FAQ

More tequila recipes

• Pineapple Margarita
• Tequila Mockingbird
• Blood Orange Margarita
• Mexican Martini