An ice cold cocktail that brings the heat? The Tequila Limeade is the best of both worlds.
Matt Armato is a modern-day bon vivant… Based in the Big Easy, New Orleans, he writes about many topics from food to travel, as well as creating his fair share of popular and tasty cocktails. Today we’re going to treat ourselves to one of his best concoctions, the Tequila Limeade.
You’re hanging out with friends, the grill is going, the food smells delicious, music is playing… it’s time for a drink, right? Let’s have something simple, but memorable. Refreshing with a fun, spicy kick to it. The Tequila Limeade hits all of those buttons, and then some. Refreshing, light and with the right amount of heat to keep you sweating in the sunshine, this drink is easy to make and just as easy to share.
I have a cautionary tale though. A friend of mine joined me in test driving the Tequila Limeade, and we were laughing and sharing stories as I whipped a few of these up. Cutting and muddling the jalapeños was easy enough, but about a few minutes into enjoying our drinks I absent mindedly rubbed my eye… and I thought it was going to burn out of my head. Thankfully, it subsided after an agonizing while and a trip to the emergency room wasn’t necessary. But wow, did I learn my lesson! When working with jalapeños and other hot n’ spicy ingredients, wear latex gloves. I had washed my hands right after cutting the peppers up and muddling them and they still burned my eye, so be careful.
What is the best tequila to use in a Tequila Limeade?
The Tequila Limeade is both spicy and refreshing. Reposado and anejo tequilas have a lot of weight to them in terms of flavor. They might make for an interesting and extra robust version of this drink, and I’d be curious to give them a try. Today, however, we’re going to make our Limeades with a nice, bright Blanco tequila. Since this spirit isn’t aged and is more agave forward, it mixes with the lime and other ingredients to craft a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of blanco tequila
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce of agave nectar
- 2 ounces of chilled soda water
- 6 leaves of cilantro
- 2 wheels of fresh jalapeño
- Cilantro sprig for garnish optional
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Muddle gently the agave nectar, cilantro leaves, and slices of jalapeño in a shaker.
- Add both the blanco tequila and freshly squeezed lime juice in the shaker, followed by the ice. Shake well.
- Double strain into a Collins glass that has been filled with ice.
- Top with soda water and with a sprig of cilantro.
Nutrition
FAQs & Tips
A stylish and tall Collins glass filled with ice is the perfect home for this cocktail. A sprig of cilantro on top adds an extra dash of peppery zest.
Most cocktails recipes are prepped to order and always taste best when they’re made fresh. You can prep and store Tequila Limeades in advance of serving, a few days at most, but shake and strain beforehand and then cover and store in the fridge without the soda water topper. Add that only before drinking, so you don’t lose any carbonation.
At 191 calories, the Tequila Limeade is both refreshing and not too filling. Unless you drank a whole pitcher by yourself. If that’s the case, somebody should drive you home.
An easy adjustment, just omit the added agave syrup and jalapeño slices for a less intense experience. Or if only want a little kick in your cocktail, try just one, or half of one, jalapeño slice instead of two.
Sure, it just depends on what you like. Want a little more flavor? Try some tonic water or a lemon-lime soda. Don’t want a fizzy drink? Add regular limeade instead. Want a cocktail that’s a little stronger? Try prosecco.
Tequila Limeade Variations
Nothing beats a cold cocktail on those hot and moist summer days. And it’ll be poolside season before you know it, so Twist and Toast has a nice selection of other heat beaters you can make:
- Skinny Paloma – I write about the lighter, but no less potent, take on the summer favorite. Indulge a little more with this cocktail.
- Gin Fizz – I talk about one of the best summertime treats here. This cocktail soon became a favorite of mine after writing about it.
- Vodka Mojito – Vodka replaces tequila in this version of the Mojito, and you won’t be disappointed.
- Pina Colada on the Rocks – Rethink the summer staple with this delicious recipe, and instantly get THAT song stuck in your head.
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