A fresh take on the traditional margarita with blackberries, rosemary and topped with ginger beer. These Blackberry Rosemary Margaritas are light, herbaceous and delicious. A mix between a margarita on the rocks and a Tequila Mule.
This rosemary ginger margarita is a fun twist on the traditional margarita. A low-sugar simple syrup made of sugar and rosemary mixed with the heat of the ginger beer.
I’m always a huge fan of margaritas - I mean any tequila drinks, really! From the original Skinny Margarita (an Elise Tries to Cook all-time favorite!) to a Spicy Carrot Mezcal Margarita or even a Green Juice Margarita. All with little to no added sugar but packed with flavor!
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Highlights of this Recipe
This recipe is:
- Flavorful
- Herbaceous
- Unique and Fun
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fresh Blackberries - Use fresh blackberries or frozen blackberries for a frozen margarita. Substitute for your favorite berries or omit.
- Tequila - Any Blanco or Reposado will do! Substitute for vodka or mezcal.
- Fresh Lime Juice - Preference is to use fresh limes. Substitute for lemon juice.
- Rosemary Simple Syrup - This rosemary margarita recipe uses a homemade simple syrup made of water, honey and rosemary sprigs. Substitute for classic simple syrup or omit. Use honey, agave syrup or regular sugar/coconut sugar to create the simple syrup. I prefer honey because it adds a nice balance to the rosemary.
- Ginger Beer - Top this margarita with cold ginger beer to enhance the herbaceousness of the rosemary. Substitute for sparkling water or mineral water.
Step-By-Step Instructions
STEP ONE: Make the rosemary simple syrup.
STEP TWO: Muddle fresh blackberries in a cocktail shaker or glass with the rosemary simple syrup.
STEP THREE: Add tequila and fresh lime juice. Top with ice and shake.
STEP FOUR: Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice and top with fresh ginger beer. Garnish with fresh blackberries and/or fresh rosemary sprig.
How to Make Lower-Sugar Rosemary Simple Syrup
Make the rosemary simple syrup by dissolving honey and water in a pot on the stove. Once the honey dissolves, turn off the heat. Remove from the stove, add rosemary and let cool.
After dissolving honey in water, add rosemary sprigs to enhance the flavor 
Let the rosemary steep in the homemade simple syrup
After the rosemary simple syrup cools, remove the rosemary leaves and pour simple syrup into an airtight container or mason jar.
What makes this simple syrup low-sugar?
A traditional simple syrup uses equal parts honey and water. For this margarita, use half the amount of sugar per water.
Variations
Want to make a variation of this Cocktail?
- Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smokier taste. For extra points, you can light your rosemary sprig on fire for a few seconds then place inside your cocktail.
- Try a different type of berry!
- Mix up the simple syrup - you can find many different ways to make it here. You could also make the simple syrup with agave or honey instead of sugar!
- Try it without the simple syrup if you tend to lean more sour!
Cocktail Equipment Needed
Cocktail Shaker
- The cocktail rule is to use a cocktail shaker for any cocktail recipe that mixes liquor with fresh fruit juice, dairy, eggs, creamy liqueur, sour mix or simple syrup.
- Budget Friendly: basic Cocktail Shaker
- What if I don’t have a cocktail shaker? Use a mason jar! They’re the perfect substitute. I highly suggest shaking a margarita - it really changes the flavor of the margarita recipe.
Muddler
- Use a muddler in this rosemary margarita to muddle fresh blackberries.
- Buy a small muddler in either wood or steel.
- What if I don’t have a muddler? Use the bottom of a large wooden spoon or purchase a wooden or steel muddler.
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📖 Recipe
Blackberry & Rosemary Margaritas
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Muddler
Ingredients
Rosemary Infused Simple Syrup (makes 3 OZ; enough for 6 drinks)
- ½ Cup Water
- ¼ Cup Honey
- 2 Rosemary Sprigs
Margarita
- 2 OZ Tequila
- 0.5 OZ Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 5 Fresh Blackberries
- 2 OZ Lime about 1 lime
- 2 OZ Ginger Beer
- 1 Sprig Rosemary Garnish optional
Instructions
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Add water and sugar to a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved (about 5-10 minutes) and then turn off the heat.
- Add rosemary sprigs and place to the side off the heat.
- Let rosemary steep in the pot for 1 hour as simple syrup cools.
- Strain into an airtight container.
Margaritas
- Add Rosemary Simple Syrup and blackberries to a cocktail shaker or glass, and muddle gently to release flavors.
- Pour in tequila and lime juice.
- Add ice and shake for 15-seconds.
- Strain into a rocks glass (shorter cup) filled with fresh ice.
- Top with fresh ginger beer.
- Garnish with a fresh rosemary sprig and/or fresh blackberries.