This Herbal-infused Basil Margarita shines in the healthy, yummy drinks category. Basil offers both health benefits and flavors thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties and rich vitamin content. It is perfect for those looking to enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors while staying mindful of what’s in their glass. 

Wellness enthusiasts, foodies, and cocktail lovers can all spruce up their at-home drink experience with this simple yet tasty cocktail recipe. 

This post will reveal the secrets to making a delicious Basil Margarita, the ingredients and tools you need, and serving suggestions. 

Types of basil to use for cocktails

Would you like to make the perfect herbal cocktail? Knowing about the different types of basil can help you do it. While sweet basil is the most common choice for its mild, slightly peppery flavor, there are other varieties you must know about. Here is a list to help you:

• Genovese Basil (Sweet Basil): The most common basil leaf variety for cocktails. It generates a mild, semi-sweet flavor, that perfectly balances citrus-based cocktails.
• Purple Basil: Known for its bold color and slightly spicier flavor with hints of anise, purple basil is ideal for a visually striking twist. Its leaves are great for garnishing or infusing syrups for a sophisticated twist.
• Thai Basil: Thai basil leaves offer a distinct licorice-like flavor with a touch of spice. They pair wonderfully with tropical fruits and add complexity to cocktails like Pineapple Basil Smash.
• Lemon Basil: Lemon basil leaves have a refreshing, citrusy fragrance, perfect for light and summery cocktails. Their subtle lemon notes complement drinks like Lemon Basil Gin Fizz or herbal spritzers.

Whatever variety you choose, make sure to use fresh basil leaves. Fresh basil delivers a unique fragrance that adds a vibrant, herbal aroma to your drink. 

You may also like: Smart Drinking: Tips for Making Healthier Cocktails at Home.

Ingredients for Herbal Basil Margarita

In less than 10 minutes, you can prepare 2 pints of this Herbal Basil Margarita. Here are the ingredients and tools you need to make this deliciously tangy margarita recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8-10 fresh basil leaves
• 4 oz silver tequila
• 2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup (or agave syrup if you prefer natural sweeteners)
• 1.5 oz orange liqueur (optional)
• Ice cubes
• Kosher Salt for rimming (optional)
• Lime wedge (for garnish)

You need the following tools for this simple Margarita Recipe:

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler: Preferably, use a hardwood, flat-bottom muddler. Avoid using a metal muddler for this task, as it might break the delicate cocktail glass.
• Cocktail strainer

Pro tip on using the right cocktail shaker for muddling:A Boston Shaker is your best choice. Its wider metal tin gives you more room to muddle herbs like basil effectively without damaging the leaves. The durable material is also sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of muddling.

How to make Basil Margarita

1. Muddle the basil: Place basil leaves and simple syrup in the cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to crush the basil, releasing its fragrance and flavor. Let it sit for 1 minute.

Pro tip: Be gentle when you muddle basil leaves. Don't put too much pressure otherwise, chlorophyll will release from torn leaves and result in a bitter taste.

1. Add liquids: Then add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur (if using), and fresh ice cubes into the cocktail shaker.
2. Shake: Secure the cocktail shaker's lid and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
3. Strain and Pour: Rim each margarita glass with salt (optional), add fresh ice, and strain the margarita into the prepared glasses. Garnish with lime wedges or fresh basil leaves, and enjoy!

For a healthier alternative, do the following:

• Muddle a few fresh basil leaves in the glass
• Grab one pack of Drink Pax Margarita mix
• Stir it in 4 oz of club soda
• Top with some fresh ice, and add your favorite alcoholic drink (optional)

Your delicious, healthy herbal basil margarita is ready in no time. Made with real dehydrated lime and natural ingredients without additional sugar content, this low-calorie cocktail is a guilt-free treat!

Serving suggestions

If you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet night in, these serving ideas will enhance your basil margarita experience.

• Chilled glasses: Chill your margarita glasses in the freezer before serving for a crisp, refreshing experience.
• Creative garnish: Apart from a lime wedge or a lime wheel you can blend kosher salt with finely chopped basil leaf or lime zest to create a unique, flavorful kosher salt rim that adds a herbal kick with every sip.
• Rim with salt and sugar: Mix kosher salt with a pinch of sugar for a sweet-salty rim, elevating the herbal and citrus flavors.

Once you’ve perfected your Basil Margarita recipe, it is time to enjoy it with snacks that complement the taste. Here are some professional suggestions for you:

• Fresh guacamole: Try it with fresh guacamole and chips for a creamy contrast that enhances the citrus flavors of this classic margarita.
• Caprese skewers: Another great option is caprese skewers. Basil pairs perfectly with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic.
• Grilled shrimp tacos: If you're looking for something more savory, grilled shrimp tacos provide the perfect balance with their smoky, tangy flavors.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some common questions about cocktails: 

Do tequila and basil complement each other?

Yes, herbs, such as Basil, Cilantro, Rosemary, and Lime peel, taste great with tequila. The earthy, herbal notes of basil nicely balance the bright, slightly peppery flavor of tequila. This pairing adds complexity to cocktails, creating a refreshing and aromatic mix. Basil enhances tequila’s bright, herbal undertones, especially in drinks like margaritas or mojitos. Both ingredients bring out the best in each other, offering a unique twist for adventurous drink lovers.

Which type of basil is best suited for cocktails?

Sweet basil is the best type for cocktails. Its mild, slightly peppery flavor with hints of clove and mint pairs well with a wide range of spirits, enhancing the freshness of drinks without overpowering them. Sweet basil's vibrant aroma also adds depth to both fruity and herbal cocktails. It’s versatile and easy to muddle, making it perfect for any basil margarita recipe.

What can be used as a substitute for basil leaf in a cocktail?

Mint is a great substitute for basil in cocktails. It has a similar fresh and herbaceous flavor but with a slightly cooler, more menthol-like taste. Other good alternatives include cilantro for a citrusy twist or thyme for a more earthy, savory note. Tarragon, with its mild anise flavor, can also work in certain cocktails, adding a unique complexity. Although each substitute has its own flavor, all mimic basil's herbal flavor.

What ingredients are used to make a dirty margarita?

A dirty margarita typically includes tequila, lime juice, triple sec (orange liqueur), simple syrup, and olive brine. The olive brine gives the cocktail a savory twist, setting it apart from a classic margarita. Some versions also include olives as a garnish for added flavor. The combination of tart lime, smooth tequila, sweet, simple syrup, and salty olive brine creates a bold margarita.

Takeaway: Create the best Herbal Basil Margarita with Drink Pax

The delicious Basil Margarita is your best bet for a tasty yet healthy cocktail. Basil offers several health benefits, including aiding digestion and relieving stomach cramps. However, since the recipe contains alcohol, moderation is the key.

Drink Pax offers a tasty and healthy margarita mix for making cocktails and mocktails easily at home. Our Margarita is made with real dehydrated lime and a blend of natural flavors to deliver a refreshing taste without added sugars or calories. Get our Margarita Mix today!