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Tequila lemonade is a zingy 2 ingredient cocktail that takes 2 minutes! Here’s my ratio, the best tequila to use, and why it drinks like a margarita.
Here’s a deliciously easy way to sip through summer: this Tequila Lemonade! Tequila and lemonade are the perfect pairing: the zippy citrus goes hand in hand with the zing of the spirit’s finish.
So why not mix them into a quick 2 ingredient cocktail? It comes together in a flash and even better: it makes a stellar easy version of a margarita! No syrupy margarita mix required.
What’s In Tequila Lemonade
This tequila lemonade requires nothing beyond the two ingredients in its name. It’s actually a pretty decent lazy version of a cocktail, in my opinion. Here’s what you’ll need for tequila lemonade:
- Lemonade: It’s best with homemade lemonade: just fresh lemons, sugar, water, because you control the sweetness and it tastes so citrusy and fresh. Purchased works too; look for real lemon juice high in the ingredients list. Sparkling lemonade is a great swap for bubbles.
- Tequila: Blanco or reposado work, for different reasons (more below).
- Ice and a garnish: Fresh mint is my go-to garnish; lemons work too, cut into wheels. Clear ice makes it look like you tried harder than you did.
How To Make It By The Glass Or The Pitcher
If you go with homemade lemonade here (and we hope you do!), you can make it by the pitcher or by the glass. The homemade recipe makes 8 cups, but you’ll only need 6 cups for a pitcher of tequila lemonade (refrigerate the leftovers and save for later). You can also make it by the glass, if you’re making only one serving at a time. Here’s what to do:
- Make the homemade lemonade. You’ll need 6 cups of the lemonade for a pitcher, or ¾ cup for a glass. You can also make a single serving of homemade lemonade: simply mix 3 tablespoons lemon juice with 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons warm water, then add 1 cup cold water. Measure out ¾ cup for this recipe.
- For the pitcher, use 6 cups lemonade and 2 cups tequila.
- For the glass, use ¾ cup lemonade and ¼ cup tequila.
Why It Tastes Like A Makeshift Margarita
Tequila and lemonade work so well together, they almost taste like a delicately-flavored margarita! The zing of the citrus is reminiscent of lime juice, though it’s not quite as astringent.
But I like the idea of using purchased lemonade as a tequila mixer instead of margarita mix, which can be syrupy sweet. (Of course, the antidote to that is my Homemade Margarita Mix!)
The Best Tequila This Drink
What’s the best type of tequila to use in this drink? This cocktail is pretty laid back, so there’s no real wrong way to mix it. Here’s what we’d recommend:
- Tequila blanco (unaged) is best for pairing with lemonade. Patrón Silver is a good mid range tequila blanco, and it’s great in this Patron Margarita.
- Tequila reposado (aged) adds oak and vanilla notes. Reposado adds a layer of sophistication! It makes less of a summery and fresh vibe, but it adds intriguing notes. It’s our top tequila for margaritas.
Tips For Tequila Lemonade
Here are a few tips for the best drink:
- Adjust to your bottle and tastes. A high-proof blanco may want 4:1 instead of 3:1: you can adjust the ratio according to your tastes.
- Add a garnish. Slap the mint between your palms to wake the oils, then drop it in. It really adds!
- Make it a spritz. Top with 2 ounces sparkling water for a less strong drink.
Ways To Serve This Tequila Cocktail
This is a great cookout drink; it goes with:
- Anything off the grill, like grilled shrimp, grilled corn, or fish tacos
- With chips and peach salsa or guacamole
- As a taco night house drink
- Poolside, with extra mint
Make It Ahead And Storage
Mix the pitcher up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate, but don’t add ice until you serve. The fresh lemon flavor flattens over time, so drink it within 48 hours. Leftover homemade lemonade keeps about a week.
Tequila Lemonade
Tequila lemonade is a zingy 2 ingredient cocktail that takes 2 minutes! Here’s my ratio, the best tequila to use, and why it drinks like a margarita.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 6 ounces (¾ cup) homemade lemonade or purchased lemonade*
- 2 ounces (¼ cup) tequila
- Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
- Fresh mint, for garnish
Instructions
- By the glass: In a glass, pour in the lemonade and tequila. Add ice and garnish with fresh mint.
- By the pitcher: Mix 6 cups lemonade with 2 cups tequila. Add ice and serve.
Notes
*Look for high quality lemonade when using purchased, or use sparkling lemonade for a bubbly twist.
More Spiked Lemonade Cocktails To Try
There are lots of ways to spike your lemonade, and we’re here for it! Here are few more variations on spiked lemonade:
- Use vodka for Vodka Lemonade
- Add whiskey for Whiskey Lemonade or Bourbon Lemonade
- Go for gin with Gin and Lemonade
- Opt for rum with Rum Lemonade
- Grab vodka and limoncello for Spiked Lemonade
Lemonade with any kind of liquor is good, but my favorite is with Tequila! I also use pink lemonade just for something a bit different… Thanks for sharing
Let us know if you have any questions!