The Frozen Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita is a fruity, slightly herbal twist on a summer classic. Sweet-tart rhubarb compote meets juicy strawberries, refreshing fennel, and a backbone of tequila and Aperol. Blended with ice and finished with a splash of club soda, this frozen drink is vibrant, icy, and layered with just enough complexity to keep things interesting. Ideal for warm afternoons, garden parties, or any time strawberries and rhubarb are in season.

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Tasting Notes

This Frozen Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita leans tart and bright, with layers of flavor from fresh fruit and subtle botanicals. The strawberry provides a soft, juicy sweetness while rhubarb adds a mouthwatering tang. Lime juice keeps everything sharp and clean, balanced by the bittersweet edge of Aperol. Blanco tequila offers peppery warmth underneath it all, while a hint of fennel adds a refreshing herbal layer that lingers. The drink finishes crisp and cold with the gentle lift of club soda. Served frozen, it’s textured, cool, and refreshing without being overly sweet.

Equipment and Glassware

You’ll need a small saucepan for preparing the rhubarb compote, along with a fine mesh strainer if you want a smoother blend. For the cocktail, a high-powered blender is key to achieve the right frozen consistency. A jigger helps with accuracy when measuring liquids, and a bar spoon will help with the final stir. Use a chilled rocks glass or a stemmed margarita glass to serve. A paring knife or peeler is useful for creating rhubarb ribbons for garnish. Keep a citrus press on hand for fresh lime juice.

Ingredients

Rhubarb Compote:

2 oz chopped rhubarb
0.5 oz water
0.5 oz sugar

Cocktail:

2 oz rhubarb compote (prepared and cooled)
2 oz halved strawberries
0.5 oz diced fennel bulb
1.5 oz blanco tequila
0.5 oz Aperol
0.75 oz lime juice
1 cup ice
1 oz club soda, to top

Rim and Garnish

1 tablespoon coarse salt
Zest of ½ lime
Lime wedge (for rimming)
Garnish: fresh strawberry and rhubarb slices

Instructions

Make the Rhubarb Compote

In a small saucepan, combine chopped rhubarb, water, and sugar.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the rhubarb is soft and falling apart.
Remove from heat and let cool completely. You should have about 2 oz for one drink.

Prepare the Rim

Mix the salt and lime zest on a small plate.
Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass, then dip the rim into the lime zest salt.

Make the Cocktail

Add rhubarb compote, strawberries, fennel, tequila, Aperol, lime juice, and ice to a blender.
Blend until completely smooth (30–60 seconds).
Pour into a cocktail glass.
Top with 1 oz club soda and stir gently.
Garnish with a fresh strawberry and rhubarb slices

Pro Tips

Use ripe strawberries for natural sweetness
Cool the rhubarb compote before blending to preserve texture
Add more lime juice if the rhubarb is especially sweet
A small amount of fennel goes a long way don’t overdo it
Freeze fruit beforehand for a thicker consistency without extra ice
Blend longer if using a lower-powered blender to ensure smoothness
Garnish just before serving to keep rhubarb ribbons crisp
Use chilled glasses to keep the drink frozen longer
Taste and adjust lime or Aperol as needed before final blend
Serve immediately to avoid melt

When to Serve

This Frozen Strawberry Rhubarb Margarita is perfect for late spring through summer when strawberries and rhubarb are in season. Serve it during afternoon garden parties, rooftop gatherings, or backyard BBQs. It’s also a fun twist for brunch or as a pre-dinner cocktail when the weather’s warm. With its balance of tart, fruity, and herbal flavors, it pairs well with grilled meats, salads with citrus dressings, or spicy snacks. Serve it on days when frozen drinks are the obvious choice hot, bright, and festive.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Blanco Tequila:
- Espolòn Blanco
- Olmeca Altos Plata
- Cazadores Blanco
- Tequila Ocho Plata
- El Tesoro Blanco

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