Looking for a new yet simple tequila cocktail? Let’s make a Tequila Smash! It’s essentially a tequila version of the classic bourbon smash. This cocktail is easy to make, requires just 4 ingredients and will quickly become a new classic. Let’s make one!
How to Make a Tequila Smash
The full recipe with measurements can be found below in the recipe card.
Ingredients Needed
- Lemon: for one cocktail you’ll need a half of a juicy lemon. You can use a lime, but then you’re basically making a minty margarita. You do you!
- Mint: fresh mint is a key ingredient in making a smash cocktail. I like to use 5 large leaves or a handful of small mint leaves.
- Reposado Tequila: the best tequila for a tequila smash is reposado. It has a nice depth of flavor and doesn’t get lost amongst the sharp lemon and herbaceous mint.
- Agave Syrup: you can also use simple syrup, but agave pairs nicely with tequila and is far more convenient.
- Pinch salt: any citrus-based cocktail should have a little bit of salt added. Just a tiny pinch of kosher salt will do.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Muddle the lemon and mint: cut half of a lemon into chunks and add it to a cocktail shaker. Add the mint along with a pinch of salt and muddle until the lemon pieces are completely juiced and the mix is fragrant.
- Add the tequila: add the tequila and agave to the cocktail shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and secure the lid.
- Shake: shake the cocktail vigorously to chill and to dilute the cocktail. There isn’t much liquid in the cocktail other than the tequila, so it’s essential to shake the drink very well so the ice will melt a bit and dilute the drink.
- Strain: strain the cocktail using a basic cocktail strainer into a glass filled with crushed ice (traitional) or regular ice. For a smoother cocktail, double strain the cocktail to remove any small bits of mint that might pass through a cocktail strainer.
Pro tips
- It is essential to shake this cocktail very well. For one, it chills the drink. But more importantly, it will dilute the drink a bit which is essential for achieving the right balance of flavors.
- Use reposado tequila for a nice depth of flavor. Blanco tequila will get lost amongst the lemon and mint.
- For a more traditional “smash” cocktail, serve this over crushed ice.
- If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, use ½ ounce agave instead of ¼ ounce.
More Tequila Cocktails to Try
- If you love this tequila smash, then you’ll also like a tart Lemon Margarita sweetened with a honey simple syrup.
- If you like a smoky cocktail, then you’ve gotta try my Mezcal Margarita! And if you like smoky and spicy, then try a Spicy Mezcal Margarita.
- The Devils Margarita is similar to a New York Sour but made with tequila and lime instead of whiskey and lemon. The float of red wine makes it absolutely stunning!
- Dreaming of Italy? Try my Italian Margarita made with a trio of citrus juice and amaretto or put Aperol to work in this Aperol Margarita.
Tequila Smash
Description
A simple lemon and mint-infused tequila cocktail. Try it once and this Tequila Smash will become a classic!
Ingredients
- ½ lemon, cut into chunks
- 5 large mint leaves
- Pinch salt
- 1 ½ ounces reposado tequila
- ¼ ounce agave or simple syrup
Instructions
- Add lemon chunks, mint and a pinch of salt to a cocktail shaker and muddle until juices are released, about 20 good smashes.
- Add tequila and agave, fill shaker with ice, secure lid and shake vigorously until chilled, about 20 seconds.
- Fill a rocks glass with crushed ice (or regular ice) and strain tequila smash over ice. Garnish with mint.
Equipment
Notes
It is essential to shake this cocktail very well. For one, it chills the drink. But more importantly, it will dilute the drink a bit which is essential for achieving the right balance of flavors.
Use reposado tequila for a nice depth of flavor. Blanco tequila will get lost amongst the lemon and mint.
For a more traditional “smash” cocktail, serve this over crushed ice.
If you prefer a sweeter cocktail, use ½ ounce agave instead of ¼ ounce.
Nutrition
Serving: 1cocktailCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 6gSodium: 25mgSugar: 5g
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