With tequila, fresh lemon juice, muddled basil, elderflower liqueur and agave syrup, this lemon margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic margarita.
Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and fragrant basil, this cocktail is the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and herbal freshness. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a backyard party, looking for a vacation cocktail, this margarita is the perfect summertime sip.
Also, if you love this cocktail, I would highly recommend trying my Lemongrass Ginger Margaritas next!
Basil & Lemon Margaritas Ingredients & Tips
- Tequila: Use your favorite tequila for this recipe! My favorite brand for margaritas is Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila. It’s 100% pure agave, clean (additive-free), and has a balanced and smooth taste. It is one of the most awarded super-premium Tequilas on the market and is a solid value — a 750 ml bottle is priced around $30.
- Fresh Basil: This aromatic herb adds the most delightful twist to this cocktail, infusing each sip with a subtle hint of herbal goodness. I recommend tearing your basil instead of cutting it to really enhance the flavor
- Elderflower Liqueur: With its delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness, elderflower liqueur really brings out the bright citrus and herbal flavors beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed — do not use the bottled stuff. You can use any type of lemon, but Meyer lemons are less acidic and sweeter in taste. Make sure to save a slice for garnish before you juice the entire lemon.
- Agave Nectar: You can also use honey or simple syrup if you prefer, but light agave nectar, or agave syrup, is a natural sweetener and great alternative to simple syrup. Currently, I’m using Madhava Organic Amber Agave, a clean, simple, and organic option.
- Orange Bitters: You’ll finish off the cocktail with a dash of orange bitters which adds a subtle yet complex layer of flavor to the margarita!
Basil & Lemon Margaritas
A refreshing twist on a classic favorite — Basil and Lemon Margaritas! Bursting with zesty lemon flavor and fragrant basil, this cocktail is the perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and herbal freshness.
Ingredients
- 4 basil leaves, torn
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1.5 oz fresh lemon juice
- .75 oz elderflower liqueur
- splash of agave
- few dashes of orange bitters
- optional garnishes: sliced lemon, basil leaf
Instructions
1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle basil and lemon juice until thoroughly smashed.
2. Add a cup of ice to shaker, along with tequila, elderflower liqueur, agave and orange bitters. Shake vigorously until well combined and chilled.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with lemon and basil.
