Raspberry Margarita Smash Recipe with Fresh Thyme

Variations of margaritas are fun to make because they allow you to get creative with the classic cocktail. It’s always fun to experiment with different flavours and ingredients. Whether you’re in the mood for a fruity twist, a spicy kick, or a creamy texture, there’s a margarita variation out there for you.

One of the fun things about making margarita variations is that you can use a wide range of ingredients to achieve different flavours and textures. For example, you can use fresh fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or pineapples to add a sweet and fruity flavour to your margarita. You can also add herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing twist, or jalapenos for a spicy kick.

This Raspberry Margarita Recipe with Thyme is already a summer favourite around here and it’s so so easy to make. It’s the perfect cocktail using fresh berries, a little thyme and some simple syrup for a hint of sweetness…which all comes together for the perfect cocktail.

What makes a Margarita a Margarita

A margarita is a classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec (or another orange-flavored liqueur). It is typically served in a salt-rimmed glass and can be served on the rocks or blended with ice.

There are variations of the margarita recipe that include different flavors such as strawberry, mango, or raspberry, but the basic ingredients of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec remain the same.

The proportions of the ingredients can vary depending on personal preference, but a classic margarita recipe typically calls for 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1/2 ounce of triple sec, shaken or blended with ice and served in a salt-rimmed glass.

Overall, what makes an original recipe for margarita a margarita is the combination of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, and the way they are mixed and served. The balance of sweet and sour flavors, along with the salted rim, make the margarita a beloved and classic cocktail.

Why you’ll love this Fresh Raspberry Margarita

This simple raspberry margarita will easily become one of your favourite cocktails. The sprigs of thyme work wonderfully with tequila’s spicy earthiness, and the raspberries are the perfect balance for a sweeter cocktail with the beautiful tequila flavors. This cocktail recipe is also a great way to use up some leftover raspberries.

When to serve a raspberry thyme margarita

A raspberry margarita is a refreshing cocktail that can be served at various occasions. Here are some suggestions:

1. Summer parties: Raspberry margaritas are perfect for summer parties or barbecues. The fruity flavor and icy-cold texture make them an excellent choice for hot days.
2. Brunch: If you’re planning a brunch, raspberry margaritas can be a great addition to your menu. They pair well with breakfast foods like pancakes, waffles, and eggs.
3. Girls’ / Boys’ night in: If you’re having a girls’ night in, raspberry margaritas can be a fun and festive cocktail. You can serve them with some finger foods and have a great time chatting with your friends.
4. Cinco de Mayo: Raspberry margaritas are a great way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. You can serve them with some Mexican food and enjoy the festivities.
5. Date night: If you’re planning a romantic dinner for two, raspberry margaritas can be a great way to start the evening. They’re sweet, refreshing, and perfect for setting a relaxed and fun mood.

If you are looking for more summer cocktail inspiration, try this Easy Grapefruit & Rum Cocktail, BlackBerry Thyme Margarita, 3 Ingredient Tequila Lime Spritz, or my favourite Blueberry, Peach & Lime Sangria.

What you will need to make this Margarita

• 2 oz of tequila, I used a Blanco Tequila
• 1 oz of Triple Sec or Cointreau
• 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
• 1 oz of simple syrup (see recipe below)
• 3-4 fresh raspberries
• 2 sprigs of thyme
• lime wedge for rimming and garnish
• salt
• club soda (optional)

Variations:

• Use you can use lemon juice in place of lime juice if needed
• for a cocktail that isn’t as strong, top with tonic water or soda water.
• don’t have thyme? Replace the sprig of thyme with fresh basil or rosemary
• to bloom the citrus flavours even more, add a dash of orange bitters for an extra layer of orange flavor
• for a sweeter cocktail, add an extra 1/2 oz of simple syrup.

How To Make A Raspberry Margarita

Now, here is how to make this sweet raspberry margarita.

1. Rim your serving glass with a lime wedge and dip into salt to rim.
2. Add the tequila, raspberries, thyme sprig and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Muddle to release the juices from the raspberries.
3. Add in the simple syrup, Triple Sec (or Cointreau) and a handful of ice. Shake for about 20 seconds.
4. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with an extra spring of thyme and a lime wedge.

Optional: top with club soda

How to make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a sweetener that is commonly used in cocktails, iced teas, lemonades, and other beverages. It is made by dissolving equal parts of granulated sugar and water over heat, creating a clear liquid that is easy to use and store. Here’s how to make simple syrup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the simple syrup cool to room temperature.
4. Pour the cooled syrup into a clean glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Note: To make flavored simple syrup, add herbs, spices, or fruits to the saucepan while the mixture is simmering. This will infuse the syrup with the added flavor, creating a unique and delicious sweetener for your drinks. Some common flavors include mint, basil, ginger, cinnamon, and berries.

To make a Raspberry Simple Syrup, add a handful of fresh or frozen raspberries to infuse some extra raspberry flavour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do You Salt The Rim Of A Margarita?

Salt is added to the rim of a margarita glass to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness and tartness of the cocktail. The salt also adds a unique texture to each sip of the drink.

When you take a sip of a margarita, the first thing that touches your lips is the salted rim. The salt enhances the flavors of the drink and balances the sweetness of the triple sec and sourness of the lime juice. It also helps to cut the bitterness of the tequila, creating a more enjoyable drinking experience.

Additionally, the salt on the rim of a margarita glass can help to stimulate your appetite and encourage you to drink more. The salt acts as a natural thirst quencher and can make you feel more refreshed after a sip of the cocktail.

How Strong Is the Raspberry Margarita

The strength of a raspberry margarita can vary depending on the recipe and the amount of alcohol used. This raspberry margarita contains tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and simple syrup.

The alcohol content of a raspberry margarita can be calculated by the amount of tequila and triple sec used in the recipe. A classic margarita recipe calls for 2 ounces of tequila and 1/2 ounce of triple sec, which is a relatively strong cocktail with an alcohol content of approximately 22-24% ABV (alcohol by volume).

Is Triple Sec necessary for margaritas?

Triple sec is a key ingredient in a classic margarita recipe and provides the cocktail with its distinct sweet and citrus flavor. It is a type of orange-flavored liqueur that is made from the dried peels of bitter and sweet oranges.

While it is possible to make a margarita without triple sec, the resulting cocktail may not have the same balance of flavors as a traditional margarita. Triple sec is used to balance the tartness of the lime juice and the bitterness of the tequila, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

There are other orange-flavored liqueurs that can be used in place of Triple Sec, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, which have slightly different flavor profiles but can provide similar results.