An ice-cold cocktail that brings the heat? The Tequila Limeade is the best of both worlds.
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. Invigorating, 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 añejo 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 cocktail 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
- 1/2 ounce agave nectar
- 6 leaves cilantro
- 2 slices of fresh jalapeño
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 ounces chilled soda water
- Cilantro sprig or lime wheel for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Gently muddle 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 garnish with a sprig of cilantro or a lime wheel.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
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. Or, go for a lime wheel if you fancy a little more citrus.
This is too sweet and spicy for me. How can I adjust that?
Just omit the added agave syrup and jalapeño slices for a less intense experience. Or if you only want a little kick in your cocktail, try just one jalapeño slice instead of two.
Tequila Limeade Variations
Nothing beats a cold cocktail on those hot and humid 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 when the time is right.
- Skinny Paloma – A lighter, but no less potent, take on the summer favorite.
- Gin Fizz – One of the best summertime treats. This cocktail soon became a favorite of mine.
- Vodka Mojito – Vodka replaces tequila in this version of the Mojito, and you won’t be disappointed.
- Piña Colada on the Rocks – Rethink the summer staple with this delicious recipe, and instantly get THAT song stuck in your head.
Leave a Comment