Tequila Mockingbird Cocktail Drink

Tequila Mockingbird

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley

In the mood for an exciting cocktail? Look no further than this Tequila Mockingbird recipe! It’s a delicious drink, brimming with fresh bits and super easy to put together.

Tequila Mockingbird Recipe

Shake winter to its core with this simple Tequila Mockingbird recipe! Its blend of Tequila, lime juice, and green chartreuse creates a cocktail perfect for warding off the summer heat cold.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

204 kl

Ingredients

  • 2 oz Reposado Tequila
  • ½ oz Crème de Menthe
  • ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
  • oz rich sugar syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint sprig or mint leaves, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Cocktail Glass (Martini or coupe style)

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set it aside.
  • In the shaker, pour ⅓ oz rich sugar syrup.
  • Add ½ oz lime juice.
  • Add ½ oz Crème de Menthe.
  • Finally, measure out and pour 2 oz Reposado Tequila into the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice, cap it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig or mint leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Reposado Tequila: You can use silver tequila as well. If you're out of Tequila altogether,  try using white rum as a substitute, which gives the drink a lighter, more tropical feel.
  • Creme de Menthe: You can use any type or brand of crème de menthe for this cocktail. We recommend using the classic “Menthe Pastille” by Giffard, but green crème de menthe or a liqueur such as Get 27 will work as well. Peppermint schnapps can be an alternative if you don't have green Creme de Menthe. It's less sweet but still provides that minty kick; in that case, you may want to add a little bit more sugar syrup to the recipe.
  • Lime Juice: In a pinch, lemon juice can replace lime juice, though it will slightly alter the taste of the cocktail. If you don’t have fresh limes on hand, bottled juice can also do the trick.
  • Rich sugar syrup: you can easily make this syrup at home by mixing together 1 part hot water and 2 part sugar (stir well until all sugar is dissolved). Otherwise, simple sugar syrup, either home-made or store-bought, will work as well for this cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila Mockingbird:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8: 16 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of creme de menthe, 4 oz of lime juice, and 2½ ounces of rich sugar syrup.
  • Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Add ice and stir well. 
  • Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with mints sprigs or mint leaves. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container. I should keep for up to 4 days.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands on the market mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. Otherwise, try making your own substitute by mixing together water, a pinch of smoked salt, a splash of tonic and a bit of agave syrup (to taste).
  • Creme de Menthe Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic mint or peppermint syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. Just ensure that the creme de menthe you're using is vegan. Some brands may use food coloring derived from animals.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
204
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sodium
 
2
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
11
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
10
g
11
%
Potassium
 
18
mg
1
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.02
g
Vitamin A
 
7
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
4
mg
5
%
Calcium
 
2
mg
0
%
Iron
 
0.04
mg
0
%

 

Tequila Mockingbird Cocktail Drink

Tequila Mockingbird Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Shake winter to its core with this simple Tequila Mockingbird recipe! Its blend of Tequila, lime juice, and green chartreuse creates a cocktail perfect for warding off the summer heat cold.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 204

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Reposado Tequila
  • ½ oz Crème de Menthe
  • ½ oz lime juice - freshly squeezed
  • oz rich sugar syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Mint sprig or mint leaves - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Cocktail Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Fine strainer
  • Cocktail Glass (Martini or coupe style)

Instructions

  • Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set it aside.
  • In the shaker, pour ⅓ oz rich sugar syrup.
  • Add ½ oz lime juice.
  • Add ½ oz Crème de Menthe.
  • Finally, measure out and pour 2 oz Reposado Tequila into the shaker.
  • Fill the shaker with ice, cap it and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
  • Garnish with a mint sprig or mint leaves and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Reposado Tequila: You can use silver tequila as well. If you're out of Tequila altogether,  try using white rum as a substitute, which gives the drink a lighter, more tropical feel.
  • Creme de Menthe: You can use any type or brand of crème de menthe for this cocktail. We recommend using the classic “Menthe Pastille” by Giffard, but green crème de menthe or a liqueur such as Get 27 will work as well. Peppermint schnapps can be an alternative if you don't have green Creme de Menthe. It's less sweet but still provides that minty kick; in that case, you may want to add a little bit more sugar syrup to the recipe.
  • Lime Juice: In a pinch, lemon juice can replace lime juice, though it will slightly alter the taste of the cocktail. If you don’t have fresh limes on hand, bottled juice can also do the trick.
  • Rich sugar syrup: you can easily make this syrup at home by mixing together 1 part hot water and 2 part sugar (stir well until all sugar is dissolved). Otherwise, simple sugar syrup, either home-made or store-bought, will work as well for this cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila Mockingbird:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8, multiply all ingredients by 8: 16 oz of Tequila, 4 oz of creme de menthe, 4 oz of lime juice, and 2½ ounces of rich sugar syrup.
  • Mix: Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Add ice and stir well. 
  • Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into chilled cocktail glasses and garnish with mints sprigs or mint leaves. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container. I should keep for up to 4 days.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands on the market mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. Otherwise, try making your own substitute by mixing together water, a pinch of smoked salt, a splash of tonic and a bit of agave syrup (to taste).
  • Creme de Menthe Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic mint or peppermint syrup.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

This cocktail is already vegan-friendly as it doesn't contain any animal products. Just ensure that the creme de menthe you're using is vegan. Some brands may use food coloring derived from animals.

What is a Tequila Mockingbird?

A Tequila Mockingbird is a tequila-based cocktail made of Tequila, lime juice, crème de menthe, and rich sugar syrup. This drink is not complicated as it only requires three ingredients and basic bartending skills such as measuring and shaking.

A side shot of a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail in a martini glass on a wooden board surrounded by a shaker, two limes, three sugar cubes and a green cloth, in front of a black background.

What is a Tequila Mockingbird made of – The ingredients

Creating a Tequila Mockingbird requires these ingredients:

  • Tequila: The primary spirit in the cocktail, it provides a robust and distinctive flavor base.
  • Crème de Menthe: this mint liqueur is used as a sweetening agent in this drink. It will help balance the cocktail and bring a fresh note of mint to complement the earthiness of the tequila.
  • Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy kick and enhances the overall freshness of the cocktail.
  • Rich Syrup: This sweetens the cocktail and gives it a smoother, thicker texture. It’s a mixture of sugar (2 parts) and water (1 part).
  • Mint Sprig or Mint Leaves: Used as a garnish, they add an aromatic touch and a colorful pop to the drink.

Reposado Tequila, Creme de Menthe, lime juice, rich sugar syrup and lime laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Tequila Mockingbird?

Create your own Tequila Mockingbird by following our easy-to-follow steps:

1
<p>Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set it aside. This will chill the glass while you prepare the cocktail.</p>

Fill a cocktail glass with ice and set it aside. This will chill the glass while you prepare the cocktail.

2
<p>In the shaker, pour ⅓ ounce of rich sugar syrup. It will enhance the texture of your drink by making it smoother and slightly thicker.</p>

In the shaker, pour ⅓ ounce of rich sugar syrup. It will enhance the texture of your drink by making it smoother and slightly thicker.

3
<p>Squeeze a lime and add ½ of lime juice into the shaker.</p>

Squeeze a lime and add ½ of lime juice into the shaker.

4
<p>Add ½ ounce of Crème de Menthe as well. This will add a refreshing sweetness to your drink.</p>

Add ½ ounce of Crème de Menthe as well. This will add a refreshing sweetness to your drink.

5
<p>Measure out and pour 2 ounces of reposado Tequila into the shaker. Choose a high-quality tequila for the best flavor.</p>

Measure out and pour 2 ounces of reposado Tequila into the shaker. Choose a high-quality tequila for the best flavor.

6
<p>Fill the shaker with ice cubes.</p>

Fill the shaker with ice cubes.

7
<p>Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.</p>

Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds.

8
<p>Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass (this is called a “double strain” and will ensure no shards of ice or citrus pulp goes into your drink, leaving only a smooth and clean cocktail).</p>

Discard the ice inside the cocktail glass. Using both the cocktail strainer and the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass (this is called a “double strain” and will ensure no shards of ice or citrus pulp goes into your drink, leaving only a smooth and clean cocktail).

9
<p>Finally, garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately.</p>

Finally, garnish your drink with a sprig of fresh mint and serve immediately.

A Tequila Mockingbird cocktail, shot from above, in a martini glass on a beige surface surrounded by Reposado Tequila, Creme de Menthe, lime juice, rich sugar syrup, sugar cubes, and lime

See More

Did you make this recipe?

We’d love to see how you crafted our recipes!
Tag us on Instagram at @_drinksworld

FAQ

How many calories does a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail contain?
A standard serving of Tequila Mockingbird contains approximately 150-200 calories. However, this can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and their quantities.
How strong is a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail?
The strength of a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail can vary based on the amount of Tequila used. Typically, it has an Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of around 22%, translating to 44 proof. This makes it a moderately strong cocktail.
What type of alcohol is used in a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail?
As the name suggests, the primary alcohol in a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail is Tequila. Using a high-quality silver or blanco tequila is recommended for the best flavor. It also requires Crème de Menthe, either green or white.
In what type of glass is a Tequila Mockingbird typically served?
Traditionally, a Tequila Mockingbird is served in a cocktail glass, coupe or martini style.
What does a Tequila Mockingbird taste like?
Short yet accurate answer: a minty Margarita!
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail?
The typical ratio for a Tequila Mockingbird cocktail is 2 parts tequila, ½ part lime juice, ½ part Crème de Menthe and ⅓ part rich sugar sugar syrup.
How is a Tequila Mockingbird served with ice?
A Tequila Mockingbird is usually served “up” or “neat”, meaning with no ice.
Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Tequila Mockingbird?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic or "mocktail" version of a Tequila Mockingbird by substituting the Tequila with a non-alcoholic substitute (see above, section “Making it non-alcoholic”).
Is there any specific type of Tequila that works best for a Tequila Mockingbird?
While any Tequila can be used, silver or blanco tequilas are often recommended for their clean, crisp flavors that blend well with the other ingredients in a Tequila Mockingbird.
Can I prepare a Tequila Mockingbird ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can mix up a large batch of Tequila Mockingbird in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to stir it before serving to ensure all the flavors are well combined.

Categories

Flavours

Share
Pin
Post
Share
Send
Email

Rate this recipe

I don’t like it

It’s not bad

I like it

I really like it!

I love it!

Comments

Leave a Reply

You could also try...

Select language

The page you are looking at is also available in the following languages:

Recipe Overview

Explore our recipes by the categories below.

By spirit

By type

By flavour

Spirits Overview

Explore our spirits by the categories below.

Types