This Tequila Smash is about to be your new go-to Summer cocktail! It tastes like a margarita and a mojito collided and created the minty, fresh, and juicy lemon-lime cocktail of your dreams.
*Recipe originally shared May 2018 and updated July 2026*
Fun fact: this recipe was actually passed down to me from my parents!
They got this delicious simple tequila drink from a bartender on a random night out and fell in love with it.
I'm lucky enough that they've passed the secret onto me to share because I can promise you this tequila lime cocktail will be your new summer go-to cocktail.
Ingredients:
Ingredient & substitution notes:
- Honey simple syrup: This is just a mix of equal parts honey and water mixed over low heat until combined.
- Swap honey for agave for similar results.
- Tequila: For this recipe, I used reposado tequila, which has been aged, or "rested," in oak barrels to mellow its bitterness. It's delish!
- Swap 1:1 with any gold or silver tequila you like!
- Lime juice & lemon juice: No substitutes will work here- it MUST be fresh!
- Fresh mint: Also 100% necessary to give this cocktail flavor- no substitutions will work.
How to make the best tequila smash cocktail
Make the honey simple syrup:
This is made by mixing equal parts honey and water and cooking over low heat until the honey dissolves.
Set the syrup aside or make it a day in advance, as it needs to be completely cool before mixing into the cocktail.
Add everything to a cocktail shaker:
Fill a cocktail shaker up with 1 cup of ice.
Then, add in the freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice. It's important to use the listed ratios, as lime juice can have a harsher, more intense flavor than lemon juice.
Also, you MUST use freshly squeezed juice in this recipe. I cannot stress enough how much this enhances the overall taste of the drink vs. a pre-made juice or concentrate.
Next, add in the COOLED honey simple syrup.
Lastly, add in the mint leaves.
Make sure to tear up those mint leaves rather than keep them whole before adding them to this lemon lime tequila cocktail.
Using crushed mint leaves allows the mint to release its minty flavor straight into the drink when you shake it up.
Shake & pour:
Add the lid to the cocktail shaker and shake until the glass is frosted.
Fill two glasses up with crushed ice. Then, pour the cocktail mixture on top (no straining necessary!)
Serve & enjoy while it's nice and cold.
These Tequila Smash cocktails are perfect for a warm Summer day, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or anytime you're craving something a little sweet & tart. Enjoy!
-TSG
Looking for more cocktail recipes? Don't miss out on these fun drinks!
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Tequila Smash
Ingredients
- 4 fl oz honey simple syrup equal parts honey and water dissolved over medium heat- about ¼ honey and ¼ cup water
- 5 fl oz reposado tequila
- 2 fl oz freshly squeezed lemon juice about ¼ cup or 2 lemons juiced
- .5 fl oz freshly squeezed lime juice about 1 Tablespoon or ½ lime juiced
- 10 mint leaves torn into small pieces
- 3 cups crushed ice (uncrushed also okay if you prefer that!)
Instructions
- First, make the simple syrup. Mix ¼ cup of honey and ¼ cup of water in a small pan. Melt over medium heat until the honey dissolves into the water (about 2 minutes).
- Remove the honey syrup from the heat, pour it into a jar, and let it cool completely (or better yet add it to the fridge) before using.
- In a cocktail shaker add the cooled honey simple syrup, tequila, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lime juice, torn mint leaves, and 1 cup of crushed ice. Shake until combined about 20 seconds.
- Fill each cocktail glass with about 1 cup of crushed ice and pour the shaken cocktail mixture over the ice.
- Garnish with a slice of fresh lime or lemon and a spring of mint. Enjoy!
Notes
- This cocktail is best enjoyed the day it is made.
- Honey simple syrup can be made ahead of time and can be stored in a closed container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- This recipe was originally made with 3 ounces of honey simple syrup, but I increased it to 4 ounces for a slightly sweeter cocktail that tastes even better!
John Artis says
Awesome Smash 💥
Nichole says
Love that this recipe uses honey instead of sugar!
Candy says
We tried these and they are delicious! We have a valentines dinner with friends and will be making a pitcher of them.
Megan Horowitch says
Amazing! Thanks for sharing hope everyone likes them as a Valentine's Day cocktail 🙂
Nicole says
I am in love with this recipe! I love the way the mint mixed with the lime juice adds a refreshing flavor! I no longer can drink margaritas the basic way. I’m spoiled with this recipe for sure! Thank you.
Tiffany Burgess says
Omg, I’ve had mojito’s before but didn’t like them!! But this, OMG ☺️ Is so delicious! Definitely a must have drink all day!! Thanks for this! I didn’t feel like losing the honey simple syrup cause I was lazy but I added simple syrup that I bought from the store and this was great! 5 stars ⭐️
Celeste says
Super easy to follow the recipe and the result is delicious!
Celeste says
Yessss love a little tequila and love some fruit to boot!
This recipe was super easy to follow and the result is delicious!
Will be nursing these in quarantine and perfecting them for my next in person visit with friends 🙂
Megan Horowitch says
Yay so happy you loved them!! 🙂
Caro says
Can I make the syrup ahead of time for future use. Going camping and don’t feel like standing over the stove making this.
Megan Horowitch says
Yes that should work! I would just keep it cold if possible. You could also pre-squeeze all the lemon/lime juice and store it in a closed container to go as well.
Megan Horowitch says
Thank you! 🙂
Tracie says
Forgot to add stars to my first review. LOVED this one!
Tracie says
I just tried this and it was SO GOOD. If the step of making the syrup is turning you off, you can just combine equal parts honey and water in the shaker and stir it with the lemon/lime juice and tequila. The acidity of the other liquids will dissolve the honey, then add ice and shake.
Megan Horowitch says
I'm so glad and thank you for the tip! If you have time to go back and leave a star review I would appreciate it as it helps others find this recipe 🙂
Lynn Horowitch says
Of course I love this drink! ❤️
ShortGirlTallOrder says
It's always so good and easy too!
Laura Taylor says
I love tequila smashes- sounds really bright and flavourful
mhorowitch8 says
Thank you- Hope you enjoy it!