Tequila Limeade

The Tequila Limeade is a crisp, herbaceous cocktail with a subtle kick. Fresh cilantro and jalapeño give it a savory edge, balanced by lime, agave, and bubbly soda water. It’s light, refreshing, and ideal for warm weather or taco night.

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Tasting Notes

Tequila Limeade brings together fresh lime, herbal cilantro, and a mild jalapeño kick for a bright, crisp drink with a clean finish. The agave nectar rounds things out with a gentle sweetness that balances the lime’s sharp edge. Blanco tequila gives the drink structure and earthy character without overwhelming the freshness of the other ingredients. Soda water lightens the texture, making it smooth and highly drinkable. Each sip opens with citrus and herbaceous notes, followed by a subtle, warming spice that lingers just enough to keep things interesting.

Equipment and Glassware

For this Tequila Limeade, you’ll need a cocktail shaker, a muddler, and a fine strainer. The muddler helps extract flavor from the cilantro and jalapeño, while the shaker ensures a well-chilled mix. A jigger is useful for precise measuring. A fine strainer is recommended to remove jalapeño seeds and herb bits before serving. The best glass for this cocktail is a rocks glass or short tumbler it holds up well to ice and lets the garnish stand out. Optional tools include a citrus squeezer and bar spoon for stirring in the soda water.

Ingredients

• 8 cilantro leaves
• 2 jalapeño slices
• 0.5 oz agave nectar
• 1.5 oz blanco tequila
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 2 oz soda water
• Cilantro sprig, for garnish

Instructions

• In a shaker, combine agave nectar, cilantro leaves, and jalapeño slices. Gently muddle to release flavor.
• Add tequila, lime juice, and ice. Shake until well chilled.
• Double-strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
• Top with soda water and stir gently to combine.
• Garnish with a cilantro sprig.

Pro Tips

• Muddle gently to avoid overpowering bitterness from cilantro stems.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the heat.
• Use fresh lime juice for a sharper, more balanced profile.
• Pre-chill your glass to keep the drink colder longer.
• Add soda water after shaking to maintain carbonation.
• Use a fine strainer to remove cilantro bits and jalapeño seeds.
• Try with flavored soda water for variation.
• Garnish with a slapped cilantro sprig to boost aroma.
• Add a pinch of salt if the drink needs balance.
• Use large ice cubes to reduce dilution.

When to Serve

Tequila Limeade is great for casual afternoon gatherings, warm-weather happy hours, or spicy food pairings. It works well as a welcome drink at summer barbecues or taco nights, thanks to its fresh ingredients and mild spice. Serve it when you want something refreshing with a bit of an edge—something that’s not too sweet and pairs well with bold flavors. It also works nicely for brunch when served alongside grilled fruit or savory dishes that benefit from a citrus contrast.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

• Blanco Tequila:
  • Espolòn Blanco
  • El Tesoro Blanco
  • Tequila Ocho Plata
  • Olmeca Altos Plata

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• Spicy Green Margarita
• Spicy Coconut Margarita
• Tropical Aperol Margarita
• Watermelon Grapefruit Margarita