The Tequila Mockingbird goes beyond its clever literary-themed name to become a beloved cocktail classic and the title of a best-selling cocktail book. Despite the large number of recipes online, Greg Seider, a renowned New York bartender and author, offers a refreshing take on this cocktail in his book “Alchemy in a Glass.”
Seider’s rendition of the Tequila Mockingbird is a summery twist on the Spicy Margarita. This version blends tequila with the sweetness of watermelon, creating a harmony of flavors.
Watermelon, often underutilized, takes center stage in this cocktail. Balancing its quantity is crucial—a blend ensures the fruit’s essence shines without overwhelming the drink. Using a muddler, gently crush the watermelon with jalapeño for an interplay of sweetness and a hint of spice.
Blanco tequila, preferably 100% agave, forms the backbone, complemented by freshly squeezed lime juice and agave syrup. Shake these liquid ingredients with all your might, then fine-strain the mixture into a glass to remove any pulp, resulting in a crimson-hued cocktail that tastes as good as it looks.
With its blend of ingredients, the Tequila Mockingbird is a perfect antidote to sweltering weather, offering a fragrant, electrolyte-infused drink that’s sure to delight and refresh.
Tequila Mockingbird Ingredients
- Blanco Tequila (60 ml / 2 oz): The base of this cocktail, blanco tequila is chosen for its pure, unaged flavor, which offers a clear expression of agave.
- Fresh Watermelon Cubes (3, each about 1 inch cubed): Watermelon brings a sweet, hydrating element to the drink, making it perfect for summer sipping.
- Jalapeño Slice (1): A single slice of jalapeño adds a light heat that adds depth.
- Lime Juice (22.5 ml / 3/4 oz): Freshly squeezed lime juice adds acidity, balancing the sweetness of the watermelon and the richness of the agave syrup.
- Agave Syrup (22.5 ml / 3/4 oz): Agave syrup complements the tequila’s natural flavors while softening the jalapeño’s spice.
Tequila Mockingbird Recipe
- Muddle to Merge Flavors: Begin by placing the jalapeño slice and watermelon cubes into a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler to gently crush the ingredients, releasing the watermelon’s juice and the jalapeño’s oils.
- Combine with Spirits: To the muddled mixture, add the blanco tequila. Pour in the lime juice for a burst of citrus, followed by the agave syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Shake to Chill: Add a handful of ice to the shaker, sealing it tightly. Shake well until the exterior of the shaker frosts over, indicating that the cocktail is fully chilled and mixed.
- Fine-Strain to Serve: Choose a rocks glass for serving, adding fresh ice to fill. Fine-strain the cocktail over the ice, ensuring that the pulp and seeds from the muddled ingredients are left behind, resulting in a smooth drink.
- Garnish (Optional): Though the Tequila Mockingbird stands out on its own, consider adding a small wedge of watermelon or a thin slice of jalapeño to the rim of the glass.
Bartender Greg Seider from New York City created this variation of a Margarita, infusing it with both spicy and sweet elements.
Traditional ingredients like tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar mix well with muddled jalapeño slices and fresh watermelon cubes, resulting in a refreshing, spicy cocktail recipe perfect for summer enjoyment.
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