Sounds like a book title, but drinks like a refreshing summer cocktail.
A few things come to mind when the name Tequila Mockingbird is mentioned. There’s the Los Angeles punk-rock icon who bears the name. There’s the literary classic by Harper Lee “To Kill a Mockingbird”, as well as the movie adaptation starring Hollywood icon Gregory Peck. And then there’s the bestselling cocktail book “Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist”, written by author Tim Federle. In his book, Federle includes its namesake, a cocktail created by New York bartender Greg Seider.
Seider’s creation, a version of the classic Margarita, is served on the rocks and is a simple, yet deliciously sweet and strong concoction. Taking its inspiration from Lee’s heartbreaking novel of social inequities, the cocktail is described in Federle’s book as a beverage that can be had to toast to a “sometimes sour justice system.” The drink’s moniker is a clever twist of words, bringing the literary and liquor realms together.
Sometimes we’ll have cocktails to wind down and forget about our daily stresses and woes. From time to time, though, it is a good thing to be reminded of our place on this planet and that we can, in our own small ways, make this world a better place everyday. I’ll drink to that.
What is the Best Tequila to Use in a Tequila Mockingbird Margarita?
Because of the Cointreau and fresh berries used in this recipe, I liked it best when I used a Blanco, or silver tequila. A clear and bright spirit, the Blanco won’t clash with the other flavors, offering slightly earthy and peppery notes that mix well with the sweetness of the other ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of tequila
- 1 ounce of orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
- 1 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 1 ounce of agave nectar or simple syrup
- A handful of fresh raspberries
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel and more raspberries for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, agave nectar (or simple syrup), and raspberries.
- Add some ice cubes to the shaker and give it a nice shake until all the ingredients are well blended, typically for 10-15 seconds. The shaker should feel cold to the touch.
- Strain the mixture into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel and a few more raspberries.
FAQs & Tips
A chilled and sleek rocks glass will do you and your Tequila Mockingbird well. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge and some plump raspberries for that extra fruity burst of flavor.
Some spots online claim this drink can be made and stored for up to three months. I wouldn’t do that, as the quality of the cocktail will degrade. Any drink you make is always best served fresh.
While it looks and tastes cool and refreshing, the Tequila Mockingbird carries a fairly hefty amount of calories, at around 313 per serving.
When you shake any cocktail with ice, the cubes will break up and you’ll have many little chips floating around your mixture. Sometimes you might have a few lemon or lime seeds from squeezing them fall in. Double straining insures that your drink is clear and free of anything floating around in it.
According to GodWiki, the Tequila Mockingbird is a “monstrous subspecies of the ordinary mockingbird”. It goes on to describe the avian as a “raucous, alcohol-swigging nuisance with a violent nature.” If you see one, steer clear.
Tequila Mockingbird Variations
Margaritas are everywhere, it seems. As one of the most popular cocktails of all time, there are a bunch of different takes on the drink. You’re here because you love them, so Twist & Toast has even more versions of the Margarita for you to try out:
- Blue Margarita – One of the first cocktails I wrote about here, this Tiki-styled version both looks and tastes great.
- Italian Margarita – I had a lot of fun writing about this Mediterranean inspired version.
- Cointreau Margarita – Sophisticated and served on the rocks, this Margarita will leave you feeling fancy.
- Frozen Margarita – One of the most famous and popular versions of the cocktail, this drink is the ultimate summer treat.
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