Caribbean to Vermont: How This Blueberry Margarita Recipe Came to Be
After years of living in the Caribbean, my husband’s job brought us to Vermont. It was a dramatic shift, especially when it came to fresh produce. Suddenly, summer meant blueberry orchards and weekends spent filling baskets with berries.
I found myself with more blueberries than I knew what to do with. That is how this blueberry margarita started.
Over the years, I tested it with fresh blueberries, frozen blueberries, and even blueberry juice to get the balance just right.
I did not want it to taste like a tequila smoothie, an issue most people encounter with fruity cocktails. I wanted it to still feel like a margarita. Bright, citrus-forward, and clean, with just enough blueberry to make it special, and I think I nailed it with this recipe.
What’s in a Blueberry Margarita?
While the blueprint of a margarita is standard, when it comes to a margarita recipe that uses a fruity twist, how you handle the fruit makes or breaks the experience. The challenge in this particular recipe is to capture the essence of the blueberries without crossing into “smoothie” territory.
To make things easier, I will break the ingredients into 3 sections: blueberries, margarita essentials, and optional garnishes.
Blueberries
I have tested this recipe using three different blueberry mixtures. Feel free to use whichever is more convenient for you.
- Blueberry puree: Yes, you will need to take out your blender for this, but this cocktail is truly wonderful when made with a quick homemade Blueberry Puree Recipe. All you need is three basic ingredients: fresh blueberries, simple syrup (or honey syrup), freshly squeezed lime juice, and 2 minutes. This version has the most refreshing and fresh flavor of all the methods.
- Mashed blueberries: If blending is not an option, you can add a handful of fresh blueberries to a glass and muddle until they’re softened.
You can also use frozen blueberries, but be sure to thaw them first so the extra liquid will not dilute your margaritas. I like leaving a few little pieces for texture, but you can strain them out if you prefer a smoother sip. - Blueberry juice: Store-bought juice is the quickest option, but make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sweeteners. If you can get your hands on it, I like cold-pressed organic blueberry juice made with only one ingredient: blueberries.
For The Margarita:
Tequila: Technically, any tequila you have in your bar will work for this recipe. That said, I use silver tequila (tequila blanco) for its crisp, clean taste. Espolón Blanco and El Jimador Blanco are both classic, relatively inexpensive, nationwide brands priced at about $30 for a 750 ml bottle.
Look for a brand that states “100% agave” on the label to avoid the harsh taste (and a possible next-day headache) of “mixto” brands.
Reposado could be used in a pinch, but I think it is a bit too much, as the fruit base will most likely mask the oaky flavors of this kind of tequila.
Orange liqueur: I am a big fan of using Cointreau for margaritas, and I think it is the biggest difference between a good margarita and a great one. Lately, I have also been enjoying L’original Combier if you want to try a new high-end orange liqueur. That said, the inexpensive alternative, triple sec, can also be used in this recipe.
Lime juice: I use freshly squeezed lime juice for the freshest taste, but if you are making a pitcher version of this drink to serve a crowd, you can use bottled lime juice to save on time.
Ice: Use regular ice cubes. I prefer to use more ice than most recipes do because it keeps the drink colder without diluting it during the very short 15-second shake.
Sweetener (optional): If you prefer a sweeter fresh blueberry cocktail, you can use a small amount of agave syrup or Honey Simple Syrup for a naturally sweetened margarita.
For the Rim and Garnishes:
For the Rim: While rimming the glass is optional, I think it is the most fun part. Keep a wedge of lime to moisten the edges of the glass and use one of the options below:
- The classic salt with a lime “twist”: I usually go with kosher salt, flaky sea salt, or any coarse salt I have on hand, then mix in a little lime zest for extra brightness and a pop of green.
- Sweet: If you prefer your margarita on the sweeter side, you can also use sugar on the rim. I like coconut sugar, but granulated or cane sugar would also work in here.
Optional Garnishes: You can keep it classic with lime wedges, but I always like to add a few fresh blueberries in the glass. A wheel of lime on the side of the glass is always a pleasant touch, but a twist of lemon peel would also be beautiful.
Finally, a sprig of fresh mint leaves is my favorite garnish when I serve this cocktail in the summer.
How to Make a Blueberry Margarita
Most margaritas start with the classic mix of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur. The process is not much different in this tequila blueberry cocktail, with one exception: we start by making the blueberry puree/sauce. That said, as I mentioned earlier, you can skip this step if you are using blueberry juice or muddling fresh blueberries.
Step 1 – Prepare the blueberry puree: Place 2 cups of blueberries, 2 tablespoons (or more as needed) of lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of agave nectar, simple syrup (or honey syrup) in a blender and blend until smooth. Reserve 2 oz of blueberry puree for this cocktail, and use the rest in another recipe.
Note: I wrote a very detailed post on making a blueberry puree, including other ways to use it and storage. Feel free to check that recipe if you need further information.
Step 2 – Get the glass ready: Grab a margarita glass and run a lime wedge around the rim, then dip it into some salt mixed with lime zest.
Pro-Tip: Chill the glasses: While optional, starting with a cold glass makes a world of difference. I usually put my rimmed glass in the freezer while I mix the drink so the ice doesn’t melt as quickly and dilute the cocktail.
Step 3 – Add all the ingredients: Fill your cocktail shaker with ice cubes, then pour in the silver tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, agave, and blueberry puree.
Step 4 – 15-Second shake: Put the lid on and shake vigorously for a full 15 seconds to ensure the sweetener fully dissolves and the outside of the shaker feels very cold.
Pro-Tip: If you are using one of those metal shakers, wrap a kitchen towel around it to protect your hands from the cold.
Step 5 – Taste: Take a quick taste and adjust as needed. If it feels a little tart, add a splash more syrup. If it tastes too sweet, squeeze in some extra lime. Blueberries can sometimes be very sweet and other times a bit sour, so tasting them helps you get the perfect balance.
Step 6 – Strain: Remove the glass from the freezer, fill it with fresh ice (not the ice from the shaker), and strain the margarita over it. Finish with a few fresh berries, a lime wedge, or a mint sprig.
Making Blueberry Margaritas for A Crowd – The Pitcher Method:
If you are hosting a summer BBQ or having your girlfriends over, this recipe scales easily. Grab a pitcher and add the following ingredients for 8 servings:
- 2 cups Tequila Blanco
- 2 cups Blueberry Puree or 100% blueberry juice
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup orange liqueur or triple sec
- 1/2 cup agave nectar or simple syrup, plus more to taste
I intentionally did not list ice on this list, as it will dilute the cocktail. My recommendation is to mix it up a couple of hours (or up to 8 hours) before you plan to serve it, cover it tightly with a lid, and let it chill in the fridge.
When you are ready to serve, give it a stir, fill glasses with fresh ice, and pour the margarita over them.
Put Your Own Spin On It: Creative Variations
One of the things I love most about this refreshing blueberry margarita recipe is how easy it is to customize and make it your own. You can switch it up with mint, lavender, lemon, or even leave out the alcohol for a mocktail that is just as refreshing.
Blueberry mocktail: Skip the tequila and orange liqueur and use sparkling water, club soda, or a little extra juice instead.
Herb and floral variations: For a twist, muddle a few fresh basil or mint leaves with the blueberries before shaking or blending, or stir in a small splash of lavender syrup to make a Blueberry Lavender Margarita.
Blueberry lemonade margarita: Swap the lime juice for sweet Meyer lemon juice for a tangier, slightly sweeter flavor.
Pomegranate blueberry margarita: Muddle blueberries and top with a splash of pomegranate juice.
Smoky Twist: For a smoky twist, use mezcal instead of tequila, which pairs beautifully with blueberries’ sweet, earthy flavors.
FAQs
To make a truly great frozen blueberry margarita without diluting the flavor, you must use frozen blueberries instead of ice. If you have them on hand, you can use them instead of the blueberry puree (or juice) and blend the drink with the remaining ingredients (tequila Blanco, orange liqueur or triple sec, lime juice) in a high-powered blender.
Yes! You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, you can make this cocktail in minutes.
More Margarita Recipes to Try
If you enjoyed this blueberry margarita, here are a few other recipes for you to try next time:
- A Tropical Classic: My Pineapple Margarita is bright and tropical, and it works equally well served on the rocks or blended to a smooth finish.
- Strawberry Season Favorite: This Strawberry Basil Margarita features fresh strawberries and basil and is one of my go-to options during strawberry season.
- A Smoky Alternative: If you enjoy mezcal, my Pineapple Mezcalita features a subtle smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the tropical flavors of the pineapple juice.
- With a Gentle Kick: If you love a little spice, my Jalapeño Cilantro Margarita delivers both heat and citrus and is a reliable choice when you want a little kick in the mix.
Blueberry Margaritas Recipe
Ingredients
For The Rim
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- Zest of one lime
For The Blueberry Puree *
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, rinsed and picked over
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
For The Margarita
- 2 oz tequila Blanco, (silver tequila)
- 1 oz orange liqueur, Cointreau or Triple Sec
- 1 oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ oz agave nectar, optional
- ¾ cup ice , + more for serving
Garnish (Optional)
- Lime slices
- A handful of blueberries
Instructions
- Place kosher salt and lime zest in a shallow plate. Run the lime wedge along the rim of the margarita glass and dip it into the salt, making sure the salt sticks to both the inside and outside of the rim. Place it in the freezer while you are preparing the rest of the drink.
- To make the blueberry puree, place blueberries, lime juice, and agave nectar in a blender. Blend until super smooth, about 1 minute. Reserve 2 oz and store the rest in the fridge to make more blueberry margaritas later.
- To make the margarita, in a cocktail shaker, place the reserved blueberry puree, tequila Blanco, orange liqueur, lime juice, agave nectar (if using), and ¾ cup ice. Cover it tightly and shake for 15 seconds until it is fully mixed.
- Remove the salt-rimmed glass from the freezer. Fill it with fresh ice and pour the drink over it.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and a few blueberries. Serve right away.
Notes
- Yields: This recipe makes 1 blueberry margarita on the rocks and the nutritional values below are for 1 drink.
- No time for making blueberry puree? You can muddle 2 cups of fresh blueberries in a large glass and strain them through a fine mesh strainer, or use 2 oz. blueberry juice instead. You can use frozen blueberries as well but make sure to thaw them first.
- A note on using agave nectar/simple syrup: I listed this ingredient as optional, as not all blueberries are created equal. Give it a taste before adding any extra sugar.
- To make it in a pitcher (for 8 Servings): Mix together the ingredients below and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the liquid over.
- 2 cups Tequila Blanco
- 2 cups Blueberry Puree
- 1 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 cup orange liqueur or triple sec
- 1/2 cup agave nectar or simple syrup, plus more to taste
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
