I made a batch of these for a backyard dinner and the pitcher was empty before the food hit the table. Fresh blackberries muddled with mint and simple syrup, shaken hard with tequila and ice, then strained into glasses. The blackberries turn the drink a dark purple that stains your lips, and the mint comes through on the nose before each sip. Four ingredients and a shaker is all you need.
Muddling is where the flavor lives. Press the blackberries until they split and release their juice. Bruise the mint leaves but do not shred them. Shredded mint turns bitter and leaves green flecks in the drink. A few firm presses with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon is enough.
How to Make Blackberry Mint Margaritas
Tips for Muddled Cocktails
Muddle in the shaker, not the glass
Add the blackberries, mint, and simple syrup directly to the cocktail shaker. Muddle, then add the tequila and ice. Shake and strain. 
Muddling in the shaker means all the seeds and leaf fragments get caught by the strainer. Muddling in the glass leaves pulp and debris in the finished drink.
Use a fine mesh strainer
Pour the shaken cocktail through a fine mesh strainer, not just the shaker’s built-in strainer. This double-straining catches the small blackberry seeds.
Seeds are not harmful but they get stuck between your teeth. A clean, seed-free margarita looks and drinks better.
Blackberry Mint Margaritas
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A refreshing and sophisticated take on a margarita, perfect for celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a blend of fresh blackberries and mint.
Ingredients
- 12 blackberries
- 2 ounces tequila
- 2 sprigs mint
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- ice cubes
- additional blackberries for garnish
Instructions
- Combine about 12 blackberries, 2 ounces of tequila, two sprigs of mint, 2 ounces of simple syrup, and some ice cubes in a shaker.
- Muddle the mix and strain into glasses.
- Garnish with a few more blackberries.
- For a blended version, put the rest of the two packages of blackberries in a blender with 6 ounces of tequila, 6 sprigs of mint, 6 ounces of simple syrup, and lots of ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes. Muddle the blackberries, mint, and simple syrup in a pitcher. Add the tequila and stir. Refrigerate until serving. Pour over ice in individual glasses. The mint flavor will intensify the longer it sits.
Can I use a different berry?
Raspberries and blueberries both muddle well. Raspberries give a brighter, more tart drink. Blueberries are milder. Blackberries have the strongest flavor and the best color.
What tequila works best?
Blanco tequila is clean and lets the fruit shine. Silver tequila is the same thing, just a different name. Reposado adds warmth that pairs well with the blackberry.
What is simple sugar? Is it the same thing as simple syrup? Thanks.
Same thing, Ann. Simple syrup is equal parts sugar and water simmered until the sugar dissolves, then cooled. Some bartenders call it simple sugar. For this cocktail you want the syrup form so it mixes into the shaker without grit.