Tequila Mockingbird Cocktail Recipe
Tequila Mockingbird Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:10g
Alcohol %:22
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Tequila Mockingbird cocktail is a literary-inspired drink named after the classic novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for book lovers and those who enjoy a good pun. It was created in the 1970s and has since become a popular choice for literary-themed events and parties.
How Tequila Mockingbird Tastes?
The Tequila Mockingbird is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of tequila, lime juice, and green crème de menthe creates a refreshing and invigorating taste, while the jalapeño adds a subtle kick.
Interesting facts about Tequila Mockingbird
- The name of the cocktail is a clever play on the title of the famous novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee.
- This cocktail is often served at literary-themed events and parties.
- The Tequila Mockingbird has been featured in various cocktail books and publications.
Ingredients
- Tequila: 2 oz(60ml)
- Lime juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Green crème de menthe: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Jalapeño: 1 slice
- Ice: As needed
- Salt: For rimming the glass
- Lime wedge: 1
- Garnish: 1 Jalapeño slice
Tequila
- Why 2 oz?: It's the backbone of the drink, providing a strong base without overpowering the other flavors.
- Effects of imbalance: Less tequila could render the drink too weak, more could overwhelm the subtle mint and spice notes.
- Alternatives: Mezcal for a smokier profile, but that would change the spirit of the Mockingbird entirely!
Alex Green
Lime Juice
- Why 1 oz?: It balances the sweetness of the Crème de Menthe and adds a necessary acidity.
- Without it: You'd lose the cocktail's bright, tart edge, making it cloying.
- Alternatives: Lemon juice could work, but you'd get a different type of citrus bite, slightly less zesty.
Emma Rose
Green Crème de Menthe
- Why 0.5 oz?: It delivers a refreshing minty twist without turning the drink into a mouthwash experience.
- Effects of imbalance: Too little and it's just a spicy margarita; too much and you'll think you're kissing a tube of toothpaste.
- Alternatives: Peppermint schnapps if you're feeling extra adventurous - watch out! This could turn your bird wild.
Mary Mitkina
Jalapeño
- Why 1 slice (muddled)?: It's the hidden gem that provides a spicy surprise in each sip.
- Without it: You'd have a minty margarita lacking personality.
- Alternatives: A dash of hot sauce or chili powder can also intrigue, but the jalapeño's fresh heat is irreplaceable.
Alex Green
Ice
- As needed: To chill the cocktail, which is critical for enhancing flavors and providing a crisp sensation.
- Effects of imbalance: Too much ice dilutes the drink; too little and it'll be too strong and not refreshing enough.
Emma Rose
Salt
- For rimming: It adds texture and contrasts beautifully with the cocktail's sweetness and spice.
- Without it: The drink loses a layer of complexity and the full experience of sweet, sour, and salty harmony.
Mary Mitkina
Lime Wedge
- For rimming and garnish: It preps the glass and provides an aromatic hint upon the first sip.
Alex Green
Garnish
- 1 Jalapeño slice: Eye-catching and signals the spicy adventure ahead!
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Tequila Mockingbird Drink
- Rim a rocks glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into a plate of salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño slice.
- Add tequila, lime juice, green crème de menthe, and ice to the shaker.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared rocks glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a jalapeño slice.
Pro Tips
- Muddle the jalapeño well to extract its flavors.
- Use fresh lime juice for a better taste.
- Chill the glass before serving for a refreshing experience.
Perfect Pairings
Appetizers
- Grilled shrimp: The smoky flavors complement the tequila while the spice from the jalapeño adds a nice kick.
- Ceviche: The citrus in the cocktail pairs wonderfully with acidic lime-marinated fish.
Main Dishes
- Tacos al Pastor: The sweetness of the pineapple in the dish balances the spiciness of the cocktail.
- Grilled Chicken: The herbal notes from the Crème de Menthe might harmonize with the charred flavor of grilled meats.
Desserts
- Lime Sorbet: It could provide a refreshing contrast to the Tequila Mockingbird's spice.
- Dark Chocolate: As an adventurous pairing, the bitterness of dark chocolate could mingle intriguingly with the bold flavors of the drink.
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What you could change in Tequila Mockingbird
- Tequila: Can be replaced with Mezcal for a smokier flavor.
- Green Crème de Menthe: Peppermint schnapps can be used as a substitute.
- Jalapeño: Serrano peppers can be used for a spicier kick.
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And of course - twists🍹
Tequila Mockingbird: Garden Fresh
- Substitute Crème de Menthe with cucumber juice and add a basil leaf.
- It would be a more garden-fresh, herbaceous take on the original, with a cooling cucumber twist instead of mint.
The Hummingbird
- Replace tequila with rum and Crème de Menthe with honey syrup.
- This becomes a sweeter, smoother cocktail, ideal for those with a less adventurous palate craving a hint of sweetness.
Phoenix Rising
- Add a splash of grapefruit juice and a dash of bitters.
- With these additions, the cocktail will have an extra layer of depth, the bitterness from the grapefruit and bitters balancing the sweet and spicy notes.
In case you forgot basics how to make Tequila Mockingbird
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainThe key to proper muddling is to crush the ingredients just enough to release their flavors and not overdo it. Over-muddling can result in a bitter taste, especially with herbs.
Learn everything on how to muddleGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Tequila Mockingbird
What type of tequila is best for this cocktail?
For Tequila Mockingbird, 100% agave tequila, preferably blanco or silver tequila, is suggested as it gives a clean, agave-forward flavor.
Is there a particular time or season this cocktail is best enjoyed?
The Tequila Mockingbird, with its refreshing citrus and hint of spice, makes it an excellent choice for summertime or warmer weather. However, it can indeed be enjoyed year-round.
Is it a strong cocktail or a mild one?
The strength of the cocktail depends on the amount and type of tequila used. The cocktail has a 22% alcohol content, which can be classified as moderately strong.
What food pairings work well with the Tequila Mockingbird?
Foods with distinct flavors like spicy Mexican or barbecue dishes can pair well with this cocktail. Also, it can accompany light snacks or appetizers.
What is the origin of the tequila used in this cocktail?
Tequila is a regional distilled beverage and type of alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, Mexico.
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