Citrus-Infused Tequila Smash

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant and refreshing cocktail combining fresh citrus and tequila with a hint of mint for a lively finish. This cocktails-inspired quick meals ready in about 7 minutes pairs tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, fresh orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 6 fresh mint leaves with 3/4 oz simple syrup to release the oils without tearing the leaves.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz tequila blanco, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 1 oz fresh orange juice to the shaker.
  3. Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes to the brim, then shake vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty cold.
  4. Step 4: Double strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a rocks glass filled with fresh large ice cubes.
  5. Step 5: Top with 1 oz club soda for a light effervescence.
  6. Step 6: Slap a mint sprig between your hands to release aroma and garnish by placing it upright in the glass.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with a thin wheel of lime on the rim for an extra citrus note.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Infused Tequila Smash take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Citrus-Infused Tequila Smash?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tequila blanco from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Tequila Smash?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Citrus-Infused Tequila Smash for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Citrus-Infused Tequila Smash?

Cocktails quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.