Today is my Birthday!
Last year, I posted one of my all-time favorite sweet treats for my birthday –Â Prosecco Soaked Dark Chocolate Covered Strawberries.
This year, I am going to share the recipe for one of my favorite drinks – Blackberry Margaritas! Yes, I see that both involve alcohol but it is my birthday and that always deserves a bit of a celebration!
Generally, I am more of a wine than liquor kind of girl but I make exceptions for authentic (meaning no nasty sour mix) Margaritas, really good Dirty Vodka or Gin Martinis and a handful of other fun drinks like my Skinny Colada, Harvest Sangria and Raspberry RosĂ© Sangria (the Sangria’s are wine based though). Another summer favorite is a Watermelon Cooler with Citrus Vodka – I should post that recipe for you – it’s great for BBQ’s and Pool Parties!
Back to the margaritas though – when it comes to margaritas, I like to keep it simple.
You only need good Blanco Tequila, good Orange Liquor and fresh squeezed lime juice. Maybe a salt rim if you are into that and, of course, in this case some fresh fruit to infuse a fun flavor. Awesome authentic Margaritas are about excellent quality ingredients mixed at the perfect ratio and shaken over a lot of ice!
If you don’t like the tartness of Blackberries, feel free to substitute almost any fresh fruit. Strawberries, Raspberries, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Pear and Mango work particularly well.
Oh, and see these beautiful pictures, yeah, they were taken by Pamela Bolig (Remember my photographer friend who is teaching me how to take better pictures?). Aren’t they gorgeous? That is my back patio – she made it look like a magazine but in reality it’s overgrown and needs some tender love and care. I think I am going to use the photos as inspiration for what I WANT the back to actually look and feel like. Thanks Pam!
Notes + Tips:
- To easily rim your serving glasses with kosher salt, take a small plate (larger than the circumference of the serving glass) and spoon a layer of kosher salt on the plate. Grab a lime wedge and slice a 1/4″ slit in the center. Place the lime slit over the lip of the glass and run it all the way around so the rim of the glass is covered with lime juice. Remove the lime wedge and gently dip the glass into the salt. Shake off any excess salt and continue using the same lime wedge and salt for all remaining glasses.
- Some brands (this is by no means comprehensive, just what I buy) of Blanco Tequila I like are Don Julio Tequila Blanco, Cabo Wabo Tequila Blanco, Patron Silver and my personal favorite for taste and price — Espolon Blanco Tequila.
- When it comes to Orange Liquor, I usually stick with Gran Gala, Patron Citronge Liqueur or Cointreau Liqueur. While I really love the taste of Grand Marnier Liqueur, I find it too heavy for Blanco Tequila.
Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating below!
Blackberry Margaritas Recipe. Homemade, Junk-Free and Delicious!
- 1 pint organic blackberries
- 1 tablespoon cold water
- blender or food processor
- mesh strainer
- Juice from 2 medium limes
- 2 tablespoons fresh blackberry puree see below
- 3 ounces Blanco Tequila
- 1 1/2 ounces Orange Liquor
- pinch sea salt
- kosher salt for rim optional
- ice cubes for shaking
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Wash and rinse the blackberries. Place in the body of a blender or food processor and add 1 Tablespoon cold water. Process until completely liquefied.
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Strain into a small bowl through a mesh strainer to remove seeds. Use a spatula or spoon to press the blackberry mixture down so you get all of the puree.
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Fill a large cocktail shaker (or mason jar or container with a tightly fitting lid) with ice. A lot of ice is important so don't skimp! Squeeze the lime juice into the shaker and follow with the blackberry puree, tequila, orange liquor and a pinch a sea salt.
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Shake vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes. Strain, serve immediately and Enjoy!
Did you make this recipe? Tag @EverydayMaven on Instagram with the hashtag #EveryDayMaven and please give a star rating below.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
Alyssa,
Happy Birthday! Even before I read about your photos, I was thinking “boy that’s a nice composition”.
The margarita looks lovely–too.
Thanks!
EverydayMaven says
Thanks Kirsten! 🙂
Jeanette says
Happy Birthday Alyssa – love your beautiful photos!
EverydayMaven says
Thank you so much Jeanette!!
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com says
Happy Happy Birthday my dear!! Alcohol is always the great way to toast to another fab year!
EverydayMaven says
Thanks so much Kiran!!
Angela says
Happy birthday! Happy to discover your site via Cooking Contest Central–love whole food recipes of all sorts.
EverydayMaven says
Thank you Angela and welcome!
GlynKoko says
Happy birthday! These look delicious. :-). I just discovered your site, and I have to admit I’m addicted/a huge fan. I’ve made 3 of your recipes already this week as part of my quest to regain my health and energy. Have a wonderful day–eat cake and dance!
EverydayMaven says
Thank you Debbie and welcome – glad to have you here 🙂
john@kitchenriffs says
Happy Birthday! And what a great drink – it’s so pretty! Really good stuff – thanks.
EverydayMaven says
Thanks so much John!!!
Shut Up and Cook says
Official REQUEST to have this the next time I come over. Happy Birthday!!!
EverydayMaven says
Done.
JJ - 84thand3rd says
Tequila and I don’t really get along ;D but this sounds simply spectacular! Happy Birthday!
EverydayMaven says
I suppose you could try Vodka lol! Thanks JJ – happy weekend!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Hope you had a great birthday! Gorgeous margaritas, I love the color!
EverydayMaven says
They taste as good as they look too Laura! Thanks 🙂