Fresa Brava: The best strawberry margarita made with real strawberries

I Blame Cruise Ship Drinks

I first discovered the Fresa Brava in the Death & Co: Modern Classics recipe book, and honestly, I was skeptical. My relationship with fruity cocktails was tainted by years of cruise ship drinks—overly sweet, barely boozy concoctions where the “fruit” was more about fluorescent colors than flavor. But recipes in this book? It’s the opposite of all that.

This is my favorite cocktail book for advanced beginner cocktail-makers

It’s my absolute favorite cocktail book, and I recommend it to anyone who’s an advanced beginner—you know your way around a shaker but are ready to branch out from the usual classics. The recipes in Modern Classic Cocktails are perfect for experimenting with new liqueurs and techniques without feeling overwhelmed, and the best part? Every single drink is a winner. Even if you try something outside your usual style, you can trust it’ll be incredible.

So, when I saw the Fresa Brava, I hesitated. Jalapeño-infused tequila and yellow chartreuse? Not exactly what I had lying around. But Modern Classics has never steered me wrong. So I grabbed my shaker, muddled a strawberry like my life depended on it, and went for it. The result? A drink so good it made me forgive every neon-colored, fruit-adjacent cocktail of my past. And now, it’s about to be yours, too.

Fresa Brava Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 strawberry
• 2 oz tequila (infused with jalapeños or regular, your choice—more on that in a minute)
• 0.75 oz yellow chartreuse
• 0.75 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Instructions:

1. Muddle the strawberry in a cocktail shaker. This step is non-negotiable; it’s how you extract all that juicy flavor.
2. Add the tequila, yellow chartreuse, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Toss in some ice and shake like your life depends on it (or for 30 seconds).
4. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. This keeps the drink smooth and free of strawberry bits.

Tips for Strawberry Success

• Fresh vs. Frozen: If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen works just as well. Pop one in the shaker with a splash of simple syrup, and it’ll muddle beautifully.
• Get a Real Muddler: I used the back of a spoon for years, and it was… fine. But investing in a proper muddler changed the game. No slips, no cursing, just perfectly mashed fruit every time.
• Pick the Right Tequila: Check out the best and worst tequila for margaritas, reported by the cocktail maniacs on reddit.

What’s the Deal with Yellow Chartreuse?

Yellow chartreuse is the magical elixir that gives the Fresa Brava its herbal, slightly sweet complexity. It’s made by monks—yes, actual monks—but they’ve stopped producing it, which makes it harder to find.

The good news? You can still snag a bottle online if you know where to look. You can also check your local store to see if they have a bottle hiding on the shelves. A little goes a long way, so that one bottle will last you through many Fresa Bravas.

To Infuse or Not to Infuse: Jalapeño Tequila

The original recipe calls for jalapeño-infused tequila, and if you’re a fan of spicy, it’s worth a try. Here’s how to do it.

Quick Jalapeño Infusion:

1. Slice a fresh jalapeño and drop it into a small jar of tequila.
2. Let it sit for 10-20 minutes. Taste as you go—it gets spicy fast!
3. Strain out the jalapeño and you’re ready to mix.

Not into heat? Regular tequila works just fine. That’s what I use most of the time because, let’s be real, sometimes you just want a chill drink without sweating through your shirt.

Related: Want to try another margarita with a crisp sip that’ll transport you to a sunny patio? Try the watermelon margarita.

FAQs

Q: Can I skip the yellow chartreuse? A: You can, but you’ll miss out on that herbal depth. If you’re in a pinch, a splash of elderflower liqueur could work as a substitute, but it’s not quite the same.

Q: What’s the best tequila for this? A: Go for a mid-range blanco tequila (read about the best and worst tequilas here). Something smooth but not so pricey you’ll cry mixing it. Brands like Espolón or Olmeca Altos are great options. I know the recipe says blanco, but personally, I go with this cheap (but high quality) reposado because it’s aged and smoother without the young agave bite.

Q: Do I really need to double strain? A: Yes. Unless you enjoy chewing your drinks, double straining is the way to go.

Why You’ll Love the Fresa Brava

The Fresa Brava isn’t just a cocktail; it’s an experience. It’s sweet, it’s tangy, it’s a little spicy if you’re feeling adventurous. And unlike other fruity drinks, it actually delivers on the fruit. So grab a strawberry, your muddler, and maybe a bottle of yellow chartreuse, and get ready to impress yourself—and your friends—with your new favorite drink.