In my recent  Strawberry Fields Forever post, I mentioned some great strawberry margaritas inspired by my late and great, dear friend, Charlie Murray. Charlie was famous for his frozen daquiris he made on our annual Memorial Day trips to the beach. These drinks were awesome, with just the right amount of rum and mixer, and ranged from strawberry, strawberry-banana, peach, pina colada, White Russian – you name it, he’d make it. And Charlie knew how to get the ice blended just right so each batch would be delightfully smooth. Perfect daquiris with great friends on the beach – life doesn’t get too much better!

Since I had an abundance of fresh strawberries, I decided instead of using rum to use tequilla (Jose Cuervo Black in this mix) and make some strawberry margaritas, Charlie Murray style. These are so easy to make, and easier to drink! And you use the can of the margarita mix for your measuring cup – how simple is that?!

 Ingredients

• 10 oz. can of frozen margartia Mix ( I use Bacardi)
• One 10 oz. can of tequilla
• Two 10 oz. cans of  fresh, sliced strawberries
• Splash or two of Cointreau (orange liqueur)
• Lime

Preparation

Fill blender 3/4 full of crushed ice. Add the frozen margarita mix. Use the can to measure the tequilla and strawberries. Top with a splash or two of Cointreau. Blend until creamy smooth. Garnish with a lime slice and a strawberry.

Go to the beach, your deck or just about anywhere and savor the moment. And if you were fortunate to know Charlie Murray, please drink one (or more) in his honor.

Be on the lookout for a future blog dedicated to some of my favorite places to get margaritas in Raleigh and beyond. (I know, it’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it!)

Eat, drink and be merry!