Strawberry Thyme Margaritas

A subtle sweetness from red ripe strawberries and a drizzle of honey, touched with the peppery notes from fresh thyme, all swirled together with a smooth tequila and the lusciousness of a great orange liqueur gently. Brightened with a splash of lime, it’s a perfect cocktail for sipping on a sunny day!

There are a number of accounts on the history of the margarita. The recipe dates back to at least the 1940s, though some say it was crafted in 1930s. Most agree it was concocted in a bar in Mexico and nearly all say this fabulous cocktail was created to honor a lovely lady, who was most likely a Ziegfeld showgirl.

The base ingredients for a margarita include tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. From there, a number of variations have happened along this delightful cocktail’s journey. And we’ve added our own spin on a number of occasions.

We love blending fruit and herbs in cocktails. The inspiration for this dressed up margarita came while walking by the row of fresh berries in the market, stopped in our tracks by the gorgeous, floral scent of the plump strawberries. Fresh thyme seemed a less obvious addition, but the delivery of a somewhat savory note does not disappoint. Add a pour of great tequila and Cointreau – no margarita should be made without it – plus lime juice. Lightly sweeten with honey for just the right touch.

This cocktail starts by muddling strawberries and thyme together. Then pour in the remaining ingredients, add ice and follow with a good shake to give it a great chill.

Pour it up over sweet and salty rimmed glasses and you’ve got yourself a light, refreshing drink! Cheers to my beautiful friends and all that they inspire!

Strawberry Thyme Margaritas

1 cup chopped strawberries

2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves

4 tablespoons honey

6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, divided, about 2 to 3 limes

½ cup good tequila

¼ cup Cointreau

1 cup ice, plus more for serving

Sanding sugar*

Toss the strawberries and the thyme into a cocktail shaker. Using a muddler, completely crush the berries.

Add the honey followed by 4 tablespoons of the lime juice along with the tequila and Cointreau.

Top with 1 cup ice, cover and shake until well mixed and chilled.

For serving:

Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice onto a small plate or into a shallow bowl. Place the sanding sugar on a separate plate or bowl. Run the rims of 2 highball glasses into the lime juice then in the sanding sugar.

Carefully fill each glass with ice and pour the margaritas through the cocktail strainer dividing between the highball glasses.

Makes 2 cocktails.

*Sanding sugar can be found where most cocktails mixers are sold, including fine food markets. If you can’t find sanding sugar you can mix up a batch by stirring together 2 tablespoons raw sugar and 1-½ tablespoons kosher salt.