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Tequila Cooler Cocktail Drink

Tequila Cooler Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Relax with our simple Tequila Cooler recipe! The blend of Tequila, fresh lime juice, soda water, and a dash of simple syrup makes it an ideal drink for the spring season.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 195

Ingredients
 

  • 2 oz Silver Tequila
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • ¾ oz simple syrup
  • 3-4 oz soda water - to top up
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wheel or wedge - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Highball Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Cocktail Strainer
  • Stirrer or Bar Spoon

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill a Highball glass with ice cubes. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
  • Add Simple Syrup: Measure and pour ¾ oz simple syrup into the shaker.
  • Add Lime Juice: Squeeze 1 oz fresh lime juice into the shaker as well.
  • Add Tequila: Add 2 oz Silver Tequila to the mix.
  • Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice, close it, and give it a good shake (10-15 seconds).
  • Strain: Take the Highball glass and use the cocktail strainer to remove any excess water inside. Add more ice if necessary and strain the drink from the shaker into the ice-filled glass.
  • Top with Soda: Top up the glass with approx. 3-4 oz soda water, adjusting to taste and to the size of the glass, and stir gently to combine.
  • Garnish: Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve immediately.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Tequila: If you don't have Tequila on hand, you can use vodka or gin as a substitute. It won't have the same flavor profile but will still make a refreshing drink. For a smoky twist, try using Mezcal instead of Tequila.
  • Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice can work in a pinch if fresh limes aren't available. However, I always recommend fresh when possible for the best flavor. Fresh lemon juice can also be used to make this drink if you happen to have lemons on hand.
  • Simple Syrup: If you're out of simple syrup, you can make your own by dissolving equal parts sugar and water over low heat. Alternatively, agave nectar is a great substitute that pairs well with Tequila.

Making a Pitcher of Tequila Cooler:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Tequila, 8 oz of lime juice, and 6 oz of simple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled highball glasses, top with soda water, garnish with a lime wheel or wedge, and serve immediately. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep it in the fridge in an airtight container. It should be kept for about 3 days.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. Otherwise, you can use fresh orange juice as a substitute. You can also 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).
  • Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the regular Tequila, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The Tequila Cooler cocktail is naturally vegan as it doesn't contain any animal products. Most spirits, including Tequila, are vegan-friendly (although it is always a good idea to check the brand's website for safety).