If you want a refreshing summer cocktail, nothing beats a margarita. Even better, you can enjoy this delicious drink on the rocks (over ice) or frozen. Both options are incredible, especially if you add some fruit to the mix, such as strawberries.

For those who want a non-alcoholic strawberry margarita recipe, you're in luck. Thanks to the fabulous Tequila alternative Durangold from Seir Hill, a fruity margarita mocktail is super easy to make. So, let's dive into the refreshing world of margarita mocktails and see how you can upgrade your next batch.

A Brief History of Fruity Margaritas

The origin of the traditional margarita is about as muddled as a Mojito, so it's hard to pinpoint when and where they got started. However, we've covered this history before, so we won't get too deep into the details.

That said, fruity margaritas are a more recent invention, and they were pretty much created hand-in-hand with the invention of the frozen margarita cocktail.

Although the blender was invented in 1922 by a Polish immigrant, it wasn't until the mid-30s that the device became commonplace, especially in bars and soda shops. In 1938, Fred Waring gave a blender to writer and economist Mabel Stegner. After using the blender for a few years, Stegner wrote the book Electric Blender Recipes in 1952. This book had a recipe for a strawberry daiquiri, which would serve as the basis for all frozen cocktails afterward.

Because strawberry daiquiris were so popular, the demand spread south of the border, where Mexican bartenders swapped rum for Tequila and added local fruits to make the drink more appetizing. While it's hard to tell who "invented" the first strawberry or fruit-infused frozen margarita, it's safe to say that it started in the mid-1950s.

Today, frozen margaritas (or margs) are popular across the country, with many bars and restaurants offering them during the spring and summer when the weather is hottest. Although there are tons of varieties available, the strawberry margarita still holds a special place in our hearts.

What You'll Need To Make a Non-Alcoholic Strawberry Margarita - Frozen and On the Rocks

Whether you enjoy your alcohol-free strawberry margarita over ice or frozen, you'll need a blender either way. With a traditional margarita, the blender is there to turn the strawberries into a mash that you can muddle with the rest of the ingredients. With a frozen margarita, you'll put everything into the blender with frozen strawberries so it's cold and refreshing.

Beyond a blender, the other tools and ingredients you'll need for this recipe include:

• Margarita glass
• Salt (for the rim)
• 2 oz of Durangold Tequila Alternative
• Limes
• 1 1/4 cup fresh (or frozen) strawberries
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 2.5 oz fresh lime juice

How To Make a Strawberry Margarita Without Alcohol

If you're looking for something even easier (or if you're hosting lots of guests), you can swap all of the ingredients out for a pre-made strawberry margarita mix. In this case, all you have to do is add Durangold and stir or blend the mixture with ice for a frozen version.

Also, remember that you have to pre-salt your margarita glasses. The best way to do this is to lay out the salt on a plate. Then, rub a lime along the edge of the glass so it's wet and sticky. Turn the glass upside down and turn it in the salt until you get as much as you want.

However, we prefer making our mocktails the old-fashioned way, so let's break down the steps required for both varieties.

Frozen Strawberry Margarita

Make sure to use frozen strawberries, and feel free to add a few more to the batch if you want your drink to be colder and fruitier. In this case, all you have to do is add each ingredient to a blender and puree it until smooth. Since you're not adding any extra ice, the result should be cold but easy to pour.

If you prefer something that's more like a slushy, you can add about half a cup of ice, depending on how thick you want the beverage. Doing this will dilute the flavor, so keep that in mind.

If you're making a large batch of frozen margaritas, it may be a good idea to use a pre-made mix so you can just add ice and get more bang for your buck. Alternatively, you can double the recipe and still add about half a cup or a whole cup of ice to make it thicker and slushier.

Strawberry Margarita On the Rocks

This option is still just as refreshing and very easy to drink on a hot summer day. First, you'll want to blend the fresh (or thawed) strawberries with simple syrup. Once the mixture is nice and thick, you can pour it into a stirring glass or mug. Then, add Durangold and lime juice and stir everything evenly.

Strawberry Margarita Alternatives

You'll notice that each recipe doesn't include an orange liqueur, as that would make the margarita slightly alcoholic. If you're just trying to reduce the amount of alcohol you're drinking, you can just swap the Tequila and leave the liqueur. Here are some other variations we like:

• Use Honey - Instead of a simple syrup, honey can add another layer of sweetness without overwhelming the strawberries.
• Make a Lime Slush First - If you like lime juice, you can blend it with ice to create a slushy mixture. Then, add your strawberry puree and the rest of your ingredients for a bolder and more refreshing drink.