The sweet blend of strawberries and the tangy kick from lime juice make Applebee’s strawberry margarita my go-to drink for so many occasions.
And… it’s so easy and satisfying to make!
Swapping in a splash of pineapple juice adds an exciting twist and balances the flavors just right.
Shaking up the ingredients with plenty of ice really chills the mix and enhances the taste.
How to Make Applebee’s Strawberry Margarita Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Tequila
- 1 oz. Grand Marnier
- 1 oz. Cointreau
- 1 oz. Lime Juice (fresh)
- 1 oz. Simple Syrup
- 4 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
- ½ cup Strawberries (fresh, hulled)
- Ice Cubes
- Margarita Salt (for rim)
- 1 Lime Wedge
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare your glass by rubbing it with a lime wedge.
Dip the rim into margarita salt to get that classic salty edge.
Step 2:
In a blender, combine the hulled strawberries with a splash of lime juice.
Blend until smooth and set aside.
Step 3:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, lime juice, simple syrup, sweet and sour mix, and blended strawberries.
Step 4:
Shake the mixture well until everything is combined and chilled.
Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with ice.
Step 5:
Garnish with a lime wedge for a touch of extra flair.
Now, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Blend Until Smooth
Make sure to blend your strawberries until they’re completely smooth for a better texture.
Strained strawberries ensure a consistent flavor that blends well with the other ingredients.
Fresh Lime Juice is Key
Always use fresh lime juice to avoid a dull, flat taste in your margarita.
Bottled lime juice can have a slightly off taste that doesn’t complement the cocktail well.
Chill Before Serving
Chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before you pour your drink.
A cold glass will keep your margarita refreshing longer, especially on warmer days.
Adjust the Sweetness
If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a bit more simple syrup to suit your taste.
Sweetness can enhance the fruity elements without overpowering the cocktail.
Enjoy your drink and don’t hesitate to share your personal twist on this vibrant margarita with your friends!
What to Serve with Applebee’s Strawberry Margarita Recipe
Pairing your strawberry margarita with something equally delightful can enhance the experience significantly.
Here are some tasty options to consider!
Classic Chips and Salsa
Chips and salsa are always a fantastic choice to pair with your strawberry margarita anytime.
The crispiness of the chips and the tangy, spicy flavors of the salsa really go well together.
You could even try making your own salsa using fresh ingredients for a fresh twist!
Shrimp Tacos
If you want a dish with a bit more substance, shrimp tacos are a wonderful option.
The lightly seasoned shrimp will be complemented by the sweetness of your strawberry margarita.
Add some fresh avocado slices or a sprinkle of cilantro for extra flavor.
Fruit Skewers
To keep the meal on the lighter side, try serving some colorful fruit skewers.
Choose fruits that are juicy and ripe, like pineapple, watermelon, or strawberries.
The natural sweetness of the fruit will work great with the drink’s refreshing flavor.
Grilled Halloumi
For something different, grilled halloumi offers a salty and savory contrast.
When grilled to a crispy golden brown, it pairs beautifully with the fruity flavors of the margarita.
You can serve it on its own or add it to a simple salad.
Edamame with Sea Salt
Edamame sprinkled with sea salt can be a unique and healthy option that stands out.
The slight saltiness will balance the sweetness of your margarita perfectly.
Simply steam them and enjoy pulling the beans out of their pods for a light and fun snack.
Variations and Substitutions
Flavors and Ingredients
If you want to add a twist to your margarita, try using different flavored syrups.
Strawberry syrup is the classic choice, but why not experiment with raspberry or mango for a fresh taste?
Switch out Grand Marnier with orange liqueur for a unique flavor combination that complements the tequila well.
Tequila Choices
Feel free to use your favorite tequila for this recipe.
A good silver tequila lends a clean and spicy taste, while gold tequila gives a richer, sweet flavor.
Trying different brands can help you discover subtle variations that suit your style.
Spicy Option
Add a kick by including sliced jalapeños in your mix.
Shake the cocktail with the slices to release their spicy essence into the drink.
It balances well with the sweet and sour notes, creating a surprising depth of flavor.
How to Store Leftover Strawberry Margaritas
When you have leftover strawberry margaritas, proper storage is essential to keep them fresh and delicious!
Use an airtight container to store them in the refrigerator, as this helps prevent any oxidation or loss of freshness.
I love using a glass mason jar with a tight-sealing lid because it locks in the flavor effectively.
Freezing the Margarita
For longer storage, consider freezing the margarita.
Pour it into an ice cube tray and once solid, store the cubes in a freezer bag.
This way, you can enjoy your margarita in a frozen form whenever you like!
Don’t Forget the Lime!
If you have leftover lime wedges, store them separately.
Wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in a small container in the fridge to keep them juicy.
Re-Mixing Tips
Before serving the stored margarita again, give it a good stir or shake.
This will help in blending any settled ingredients back together for a refreshing sip.
Storing leftover margaritas isn’t just practical; it’s a great way to enjoy them again later!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Tequila
You might think any tequila will do, but the type you use can change everything.
Always go for a good quality Blanco tequila to keep the flavors bright and clean.
The richer, aged tequilas can overpower the fresh strawberry notes.
Overlooking the Balance of Ingredients
It’s easy to add too much sweetener, which can mask the flavors of other ingredients.
Stick to recommended amounts of simple syrup and sweet and sour mix.
Taste as you go, so you can adjust the sweetness to your preference.
Forgetting to Chill the Glasses
Warm glasses can melt your perfectly blended cocktail too quickly.
Always chill your glasses before pouring in the margarita for the best experience.
Just a few minutes in the freezer will do the trick!
Applebee's Strawberry Margarita Recipe
- 2 oz. Tequila
- 1 oz. Grand Marnier
- 1 oz. Cointreau
- 1 oz. Lime Juice fresh
- 1 oz. Simple Syrup
- 4 oz. Sweet and Sour Mix
- ½ cup Strawberries fresh, hulled
- Ice Cubes
- Margarita Salt for rim
- 1 Lime Wedge
- Prepare your glass by rubbing it with a lime wedge.
- Dip the rim into margarita salt to get that classic salty edge.
- In a blender, combine the hulled strawberries with a splash of lime juice.
- Blend until smooth and set aside.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
- Add the tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, lime juice, simple syrup, sweet and sour mix, and blended strawberries.
- Shake the mixture well until everything is combined and chilled.
- Strain the mixture into your prepared glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge for a touch of extra flair.
- Now, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
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