This strawberry tequila smash cocktail is like a combination of a tequila smash and strawberry lemonade! It's light, refreshing, and the perfect poolside summer drink.
Tequila is for so much more than just margaritas! This strawberry tequila smash is the perfect drink to have poolside this summer. It tastes like strawberry lemonade with a touch of mint and, of course, tequila.
No worries if you're new to making a smash-style drink: it's straightforward. You don't need any special equipment to muddle together the strawberries and mint for this tequila smash, but it does help if you have a cocktail muddler on hand.
Ingredients
- Tequila: If you're not a fan of tequila, this drink also works well with whiskey. It probably works with vodka or gin but I haven't tried it myself.
- Strawberries: Choose fresh, sweet, and in-season strawberries. Frozen strawberries do work but should be completely thawed before muddling.
- Lemons: I recommend using fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. One large lemon usually has about 3 tablespoons, or 1.5 ounces, of juice.
- Peppermint: Don't skip this ingredient because it adds a surprising amount of flavor!
- Simple syrup: This is just equal parts water and white sugar.
How to make a strawberry smash
A tequila smash is all about muddling together ingredients. You can muddle the strawberries and peppermint leaves directly in each glass using a cocktail muddler or muddle in a bowl using a potato masher. The potato masher will be a bit more work but it gets the job done.
You can even use a food processor or blender to pulse together the strawberries with the other tequila smash ingredients.
I like to leave pieces of strawberry in the drink because they look pretty and they are super tasty when you get to the bottom of the glass. But feel free to strain away the strawberries after muddling.
How to make simple syrup
You can make simple syrup on the stovetop or in the microwave. I always make it in the microwave because it's less clean up and the jar it's made in also works for storing it.
I usually make extra simple syrup to have on hand. Keep it in the fridge for ~2 weeks.
- In the microwave: Whisk together equal parts of sugar and water. Microwave for 45 seconds, then stir vigorously. If the sugar remains visible, microwave for an additional 30 seconds. Stir and repeat until the syrup is completely clear.
- On the stove: Stir together the sugar and water in a small sauce pot. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer. Stir and simmer until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Recipe FAQ
Yes! I use this recipe to make blackberry smashes and raspberry smashes.
I recommend using crushed ice for smash-style drinks. If you don't have crushed ice at home, you can make your own. Just add ice cubes to a plastic freezer bag and smash with a hammer or meat tenderizer until the ice is mostly broken down.
If using honey or agave syrup, I recommend dissolving it in an equal amount of water because the syrup on its own will be too strong. Whisk together the water and honey or agave vigorously until dissolved.
One 32-ounce pitcher will hold about 6 cocktails. Here's what you need: 12 strawberries, 18 mint leaves, 12 ounces tequila (1.5 cups), 4.5 ounces lemon juice, 4.5 ounces simple syrup, and 6 ounces of seltzer.
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📖 Recipe
Strawberry Tequila Smash Cocktail
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe strawberries sliced
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces tequila
- ¾ ounce lemon juice
- ¾ ounce simple syrup see note #1
- crushed ice see note #1
- 1 ounce strawberry or lemon seltzer
Simple Syrup
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Make the simple syrup by whisking together ¼ cup sugar and ¼ cup water in a small sauce pot or bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds or until the sugar dissolves or simmer on the stove top until the sugar is dissolved. Store leftover simple syrup in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Place the strawberries and mint leaves in a whiskey glass. Muddle together until the strawberries are mostly broken down. If you don't have a cocktail muddler, you can muddle the strawberries and mint in a bowl with a potato masher.
- Pour in the tequila, lemon juice, and simple syrup. Stir to combine. Add the crushed ice to about ¾ full. Top off with a splash of seltzer. Stir, taste for sweetness, and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Making crushed ice: If you don't have crushed ice at home, you can make it by placing ice cubes in a plastic freezer bag. Use a hammer or meat tenderizer to smash the ice until mostly broken down.
- Berries: This recipe also works well with raspberries and blackberries. If using frozen berries, they should be completely thawed before muddling.
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