Copycat Cutwater Strawberry Margarita Recipe

The Cutwater Strawberry Margarita is a delightful twist on the classic cocktail, as easy to prepare as it’s refreshing to drink. I couldn’t resist creating a strawberry margarita recipe inspired by Cutwater’s canned masterpiece.

How to make a Cutwater Strawberry Margarita

Cutwater Strawberry Margarita is a ready-to-drink canned cocktail made by Cutwater Spirits, a San Diego-based company known for its premium canned alcoholic beverages.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz Tequila Blanco (or Reposado)
• 1 oz Triple Sec (Orange Liqueur)
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ oz Agave Syrup or Simple Syrup
• 2-4 Fresh Strawberries (Hulled)
• Ice
• Optional: Salt or Sugar for Rim Serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rim (Optional): If you enjoy a salted or sugared rim, rub a lime wedge along the rim of your serving glass to create a rim. Then, dip the glass into a shallow dish of salt or sugar, coating it evenly.
2. Muddle the Strawberries: In a cocktail shaker, add the fresh strawberries. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to gently mash the berries until they release their juice. This is where the vibrant color and fresh fruity flavor come from.
3. Combine the Ingredients: To the muddled strawberries, add the tequila, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, and a handful of ice.
4. Shake It Up: Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This chills the drink, mixes the flavors, and ensures everything is well-combined.
5. Strain and Serve: Using a strainer, pour the margarita into your prepared glass filled with fresh ice. Straining helps remove pulp and seeds, giving you a smooth drink.
6. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with a slice of fresh strawberry or a lime wheel on the rim. Take a moment to admire your masterpiece before sipping!

Tips for the Perfect Strawberry Margarita:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime juice and ripe strawberries make all the difference. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it can often taste artificial and lack flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before straining. If it’s too tart for your preference, add a little more agave syrup or simple syrup to balance the flavors.
• Upgrade Your Tequila: Choosing a high-quality tequila (preferably 100% agave) will elevate the flavor profile of your margarita. Blanco tequilas are great for a crisp finish, while Reposado adds a hint of oak and vanilla.
• Double or Triple for a Crowd: Hosting friends? Use a blender instead of muddling for a larger batch, and serve in a pitcher over ice.
• Chill Your Glass: Pop your serving glass in the freezer for 10 minutes before pouring the drink in. A chilled glass keeps the drink cooler for a longer period.
• Make it Frozen (Optional): Want a blended version? Toss all the ingredients along with some ice into a blender and blend until smooth to make a frozen strawberry margarita.

What to serve with

The Cutwater Strawberry Margarita (or a homemade version!) is a vibrant and fruity cocktail perfect for pairing with food that complements its sweet, tart, and citrusy flavor profile.

1. Chips and Salsa

Why It Works: The tangy, zesty tomato-based flavors of salsa contrast wonderfully with the sweetness of the Cutwater Strawberry Margarita. A sprinkle of lime juice in the salsa will complement the lime in your drink.

Types to Try:

• Classic tomato salsa
• Pineapple or mango salsa for a tropical twist
• Spicy roasted tomatillo salsa

2. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips

Why It Works: Creamy and rich guacamole balances the tart, fruity notes of the margarita. The hint of lime in guacamole enhances the connection to the lime in your drink.

Pro Tip: Add fresh diced strawberries or a sprinkle of queso fresco for a fun twist on guacamole.

3. Ceviche

Why It Works: The bright citrus in ceviche echoes the margarita’s flavor while the seafood (shrimp, scallops, or white fish) adds sophistication.

Make It Unique: Garnish with diced strawberries for a cohesive pairing.

4. Spicy Nut Mix

Why It Works: Sweet cocktails pair well with savory and spicy flavors. A mix of roasted almonds, cashews, or peanuts seasoned with chili powder will complement the drink’s fruity-tart profile.

5. Fresh Fruit Platter

Why It Works: Fruits like pineapple, watermelon, mango, and berries are refreshing and echo the strawberry flavor in the margarita.

Optional Dip: Serve with a tangy yogurt lime dip for an extra layer of flavor.

Ingredients Substitutes

The Cutwater Strawberry Margarita is a ready-to-drink cocktail made using premium tequila, strawberry purée, and other key ingredients for a balanced and flavorful drink.

1. Tequila

Tequila is the primary spirit in a Margarita. If you want to replace tequila, you can try:

• Mezcal: Mezcal is a smoky cousin of tequila that can add a unique depth and complexity to the drink.
• White Rum: While not traditionally used in margaritas, rum can serve as a mild substitute with a tropical twist.
• Vodka: Vodka is a neutral spirit, providing the alcohol base without altering flavor significantly.
• Non-Alcoholic Option: If you’re aiming for a virgin Margarita, use soda water, sparkling water, or non-alcoholic tequila alternatives.

2. Strawberry Purée

Strawberry purée is essential for the fruity flavor in a Strawberry Margarita. If unavailable, consider:

• Fresh Strawberries: Blend ripe strawberries with a bit of sugar and water to create a homemade purée.
• Frozen Strawberries: Thaw and blend them with a little sugar to mimic the consistency of purée.
• Strawberry Syrup: This sweetened strawberry concentrate can be used directly, though it may be sweeter than the purée.
• Raspberry/Blueberry Purée: If strawberries are unavailable, these fruit purées provide a similar berry flavor profile.

3. Lime Juice

Lime juice is a crucial ingredient for the tangy citrus balance. Substitute with:

• Lemon Juice: Lemon provides a similar acidity but lacks the distinct flavor of lime.
• Orange Juice: While sweeter, orange juice can bring a citrusy flavor to the drink.
• Citric Acid: For a concentrated citrus punch, you can dissolve citric acid in water.
• Lime Extract: In small amounts, lime extract can replicate lime flavor when fresh juice is unavailable.

4. Triple Sec or Orange Liqueur

Triple Sec is commonly used as a sweet orange-flavored liqueur in Margaritas. If you don’t have any, try:

• Grand Marnier or Cointreau: These are higher-end orange liqueurs that work seamlessly in cocktails.
• Orange Juice + Sugar: Fresh orange juice mixed with granulated sugar or simple syrup can mimic the flavor.
• Non-Alcoholic Substitute: Use orange extract or a mixture of orange juice and sparkling water for a lighter option.

5. Simple Syrup

Simple syrup adds sweetness to the cocktail. Alternatives include:

• Honey Syrup: Mix honey with an equal part of water for natural sweetness.
• Agave Syrup: This is a popular choice in margaritas, particularly for a more authentic touch.
• Maple Syrup: Use sparingly, as it adds a distinctive flavor that may alter the taste of the drink.
• Brown Sugar Syrup: Offers a deeper sweetness that complements fruity notes well.

6. Ice / Frozen Component

Ice or blended ice is typically used to chill margaritas or create a frozen version of them. Alternatives include:

• Crushed Ice: Quickly cools the drink and is easy to find.
• Frozen Fruit Cubes: Freeze small chunks of strawberries, lime juice, or even juice cubes to serve as flavor-packed ‘ice’ that won’t dilute the drink.

7. Salt Rim

A salt rim balances the sweetness of the drink with a slightly savory touch. Replace this with:

• Sugar Rim: Provides a sweeter twist for those who dislike salt.
• Tajin Seasoning: Adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the rim for a bold contrast.
• Coconut Sugar: Offers a subtle sweetness and unique aromatic taste.
• Flavored Salt: Use flavored salts like chili lime salt or smoked salt for extra dimension.

Final Thoughts

This homemade take on a Cutwater Strawberry Margarita not only mirrors the iconic Cutwater cocktail but also allows you to make it with fresh, natural ingredients and customize it to your liking.

More Margarita Recipes:

• Copycat Cutwater Lime Margarita Recipe
• Copycat Tip Top Margarita Recipe
• Cinco De Mayo Margarita Recipe