Tequila Mojito: A South-of-the-Border Spin on a Cuban Classic
The Tequila Mojito is a bold, herbaceous, and citrusy remix of the classic Cuban highball—one that swaps out rum in favor of Mexico’s most iconic spirit. Combining fresh mint, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, and tequila, this vibrant cocktail is all about refreshment with attitude. It takes the crisp, cooling backbone of a traditional Mojito and layers in the earthy, peppery bite of tequila, resulting in a drink that’s equally at home on a beach in Tulum or at your backyard summer barbecue.
While the traditional Mojito leans on white rum for smoothness and sugarcane sweetness, tequila introduces a new layer of complexity. The grassy, sometimes smoky edge of agave works beautifully with mint and lime, offering a cocktail that’s both familiar and totally unexpected.
I first encountered the Tequila Mojito at a rooftop bar in Mexico City. It was served over crushed ice in a tall glass, garnished with a towering sprig of mint and a salted rim. The moment I took that first sip—bright lime, cool mint, and the warm backbone of tequila—I knew this wasn’t just a gimmick. This was a serious cocktail in its own right.
Quick Facts: Tequila Mojito
Method: muddled and built
Flavor profile: citrusy, herbal, fresh
How to serve it: over crushed ice
Glassware: highball glass
Alcohol content: ~13–15% ABV, ~16–18 grams of alcohol per serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz blanco tequila (100% agave)
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup (or agave syrup for extra flair)
- 8–10 fresh mint leaves
- Club soda to top
- Garnish: mint sprig and lime wedge
- Optional: pinch of salt or a salted rim
- Crushed ice
Ingredient Notes:
Blanco Tequila:
Use a high-quality 100% agave blanco tequila for the freshest, most vibrant flavor. Good options include:
- Espolòn Blanco
- Cimarrón Blanco
- Don Julio Blanco
- Olmeca Altos Plata
Lime Juice:
Freshly squeezed only. Bottled juice will make the drink taste flat and acidic.
Simple Syrup or Agave Syrup:
Traditional Mojitos use cane sugar, but for smoother integration, simple syrup (1:1 sugar to water) is ideal.
For added depth and a nod to tequila’s roots, agave syrup is a natural and flavorful substitute.
Mint:
Fresh mint is essential. Spearmint is the variety typically used for Mojitos. Look for vibrant, fragrant leaves and avoid mint that’s wilted or bruised.
Club Soda:
Unflavored, well-carbonated soda water gives the cocktail its fizz and lift. Always add it last to preserve the bubbles.
Equipment Needed
- Muddler
- Jigger
- Bar spoon
- Highball glass
- Citrus press or juicer
- Straw (optional)
- Ice crusher or Lewis bag (for crushed ice)
No shaker required here—this is a build-in-glass cocktail that thrives on freshness and simplicity.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep your glass.
Use a tall highball glass. Optionally, lightly salt the rim by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping in fine salt.
2. Muddle the mint.
Add 8–10 mint leaves to the glass along with ½ oz simple syrup and ¾ oz lime juice.
Gently muddle—just enough to release the oils, not pulverize the mint.
3. Add tequila and ice.
Pour in 2 oz blanco tequila, then fill the glass with crushed ice to the top. Give it a quick stir to combine and chill.
4. Top with club soda.
Add a splash of club soda to fill the glass, leaving a bit of room at the top. Stir lightly to mix without losing bubbles.
5. Garnish and serve.
Add a mint sprig and a lime wedge. Smack the mint between your palms before garnishing to release its aroma.
Serve with a straw (optional) and drink immediately while it’s cold and fizzy.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes
The Tequila Mojito is a zesty, effervescent refresher with layered notes of citrus, herbs, and agave earthiness.
Tasting notes include:
- Fresh lime and cooling mint on the nose
- Herbal brightness with a slight sweetness
- Earthy, peppery undertones from the tequila
- A fizzy, clean finish from the club soda
It’s lighter than a Margarita, more herbal than a Paloma, and packs a refreshing punch without being overly boozy.
Pairs well with:
- Tacos al pastor or fish tacos
- Grilled shrimp with lime
- Mango salsa and chips
- Ceviche or aguachile
- Spicy dishes that benefit from minty cooling
Garnishing and Presentation
The Tequila Mojito is all about freshness and visual vibrance.
Glassware:
- Use a highball glass to show off the layers and ice
- Clear glass highlights the mint and bubbles
Garnish ideas:
- Mint sprig – tall and leafy, for aroma and visual height
- Lime wedge or wheel – adds color and reinforces the citrus profile
- Cucumber slice (optional) – for a spa-like twist
- Salted rim – for contrast, especially if you enjoy a Margarita-style edge
Pro tip:
Smack the mint and place it upright so it releases aroma with each sip. Use crushed ice for that classic Mojito texture and dilution.
Pairing Suggestions
The Tequila Mojito’s lively flavor and herbaceous quality make it perfect for Mexican-inspired meals and light, zesty dishes.
Savory pairings:
- Street-style elote (Mexican corn on the cob)
- Spicy tuna ceviche
- Chicken tinga tacos
- Grilled vegetables with lime and salt
- Avocado toast with pickled onion and chili flakes
Sweet pairings:
- Lime or coconut sorbet
- Mango with tajín
- Churros with dulce de leche
- Key lime pie
- Fresh berries with mint and cream
It’s also an ideal welcome drink for summer parties or taco nights—light, inviting, and easy to batch.
Cocktail History and Trivia
The Mojito dates back to 16th-century Cuba, where it began as a rudimentary rum-lime drink used medicinally. It eventually evolved into the refined, minty cocktail we know today.
The Tequila Mojito is a modern variation, born from the natural curiosity of mixologists looking to blend Latin American traditions. As tequila has surged in popularity, bartenders have found new ways to showcase its range—and pairing it with mint and lime feels both intuitive and exciting.
Fun fact: While rum and mint are often closely linked due to the Mojito, mint and tequila are also a traditional Mexican pairing, often used together in aguas frescas and herbal teas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Tequila Mojito:
- On hot days, as a poolside refresher or beach cocktail
- At Mexican-themed dinners or taco bars
- During brunch, paired with light egg dishes or fresh fruit
- At backyard BBQs, where it complements grilled meats and spice
- In pitcher form, for parties or gatherings (see batching tip below)
Batching tip:
For a pitcher (4 servings):
- 8 oz tequila
- 3 oz lime juice
- 2 oz simple syrup
- 40 mint leaves
- Muddle mint with syrup and lime juice first
- Add tequila and chill
- Pour into glasses over crushed ice, top with club soda individually
Alcohol Content and Alternatives
This drink sits at around 13–15% ABV, depending on how much club soda is used. It’s lighter than a Margarita but more spirited than a beer or spritzer.
To reduce the strength:
- Use 1½ oz tequila instead of 2 oz
- Add more soda for dilution
- Opt for a lower-proof tequila or tequila alternative
Mocktail version:
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz agave or mint syrup
- 8 mint leaves
- Muddle and shake with ice, top with club soda
- Garnish with mint and lime for the full experience
Variations:
- Spicy Tequila Mojito: Add muddled jalapeño or a chili tincture
- Cucumber Mojito: Muddle cucumber slices with the mint
- Tequila Basil Smash Mojito: Swap mint for fresh basil
- Tamarind Mojito: Add a splash of tamarind syrup for tangy depth
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use reposado or añejo tequila?
You can, but blanco is preferred for its clean, herbal brightness. Aged tequilas will change the character and clash with the mint.
Can I use mint syrup instead of fresh mint?
It’s not ideal. The fresh mint aroma is part of the experience. Mint syrup can make it taste artificial.
Why crushed ice?
It dilutes the drink slowly and evenly, keeping it cold and refreshing. Plus, it creates the traditional texture of a Mojito.
What’s the best soda water to use?
Any high-quality unflavored soda water will do. Avoid tonic or flavored seltzers.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes—batch the base (tequila, lime, syrup, and mint) ahead and store chilled. Add ice and soda water just before serving.
Tequila Mojito Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
2 oz blanco tequila
¾ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz simple syrup or agave syrup
8–10 mint leaves
Club soda to top
Garnish: mint sprig and lime wedge
Crushed ice
Directions
- Muddle mint, lime juice, and syrup in a highball glass.
- Add tequila and crushed ice. Stir to combine.
- Top with club soda and garnish with mint and lime.
- Serve immediately with a straw.
Conclusion
The Tequila Mojito is a refreshing and modern remix of a beloved classic—herbal, citrusy, and unmistakably lively. By substituting tequila for rum, you unlock an entirely new flavor experience that’s both rooted in tradition and refreshingly original. Whether you’re lounging in the sun or pairing it with spicy tacos, this cocktail is your new go-to for warm-weather sipping.
