Peppermint Tequila Smash Cocktail Recipe

Peppermint and tequila—honestly, it sounds a bit weird at first, right? But trust me, they come together for this cool, refreshing drink that’s just fun to sip any time of year.

This Peppermint Tequila Smash Cocktail brings together minty freshness and the bold kick of tequila, making it a drink that always gets people talking at parties or even on a quiet night in.

I’ve gotta say, I love serving this one because it’s simple but still feels a little unexpected. If you want a new twist on a classic smash, this recipe’s a good way to mix things up and surprise your guests.

Peppermint Tequila Smash Cocktail Recipe

This cocktail’s got a lively mint flavor, a splash of fresh citrus, and that nice, smooth tequila finish. I find the crushed ice really brings it all together—super refreshing, and honestly, it goes down easy.

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Strainer
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Rocks glass or tumbler
• Spoon or bar spoon
• Small knife (for cutting citrus)
• Citrus juicer (for fresh lemon and lime juice)
• Ice scoop (optional, but it helps with crushed ice)

I always reach for a sturdy muddler, since mint leaves need a gentle touch to get those oils out. No citrus juicer? Just squeeze by hand—works fine.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (I prefer Sauza gold tequila or blanco tequila)
• 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 oz honey syrup or agave syrup (honey simple syrup tastes great)
• 8-10 fresh mint leaves
• 5-6 fresh peppermint leaves (for a stronger mint taste)
• Crushed ice
• Extra mint sprig for garnish
• Lemon or lime wheel (optional, for garnish)

Fresh mint and real citrus juice make all the difference here. Sometimes I’ll swap honey syrup for agave, just depending on my mood.

Instructions

• Add mint leaves and peppermint leaves to the shaker.
• Gently muddle the mint to release those oils—don’t go overboard and tear them up.
• Pour in tequila, lime juice, lemon juice, and honey syrup or agave.
• Fill the shaker halfway with crushed ice.
• Shake well for about 15-20 seconds, until it’s good and cold.
• Strain into a rocks glass packed with crushed ice.
• Garnish with a mint sprig and a citrus wheel if you want.

I like to give it a good shake so everything gets super chilled and the flavors really blend. That mint on top? Makes the whole thing smell amazing.

Notes

I’ll usually use blanco tequila for a lighter vibe, or Sauza gold if I want something a little richer. My honey syrup is just equal parts honey and warm water, then cooled—super easy.

Using both peppermint and regular mint gives it a nice, balanced minty flavor that doesn’t smack you in the face. Crushed ice chills the drink fast and mellows out the tequila just enough.

Fresh citrus juice is key here—skip the bottled stuff if you can. And if I’m in the mood for something sweeter, I just add a touch more honey syrup or agave and taste as I go.

Tasting Notes

When I take a sip of the Peppermint Tequila Smash, the first thing that hits me is that cool, minty flavor from the peppermint.

It’s honestly refreshing, especially if the day’s hot and sticky.

The mint really pops, but it doesn’t bulldoze the other flavors.

After that initial burst, I start to pick up the smooth, earthy notes from the tequila.

There’s this kind of warmth and depth that sneaks in, thanks to the tequila.

Honestly, I like how those flavors end up mingling together in the glass.

There’s a touch of sweetness that smooths out the stronger stuff.

That little bit of sugar keeps things easy to drink and makes each sip feel just a bit brighter.

Depending on how generous I am with the lime juice, sometimes there’s a gentle tang.

That citrusy edge plays nicely with the mint and tequila.

It sort of gives the cocktail a cleaner, almost snappy finish.

Texture:

• Light and crisp
• A slight coolness from the ice and mint leaves

It’s not heavy at all, which is honestly why I keep coming back to it for summer afternoons.

Temperature:

• Best served cold
• Super refreshing over a big pile of ice

Key Characteristics:

• Minty and cool
• Smooth tequila base
• Slight sweetness
• Fresh citrus notes

This is the drink I grab when I want something that feels festive but not fussy.

The Peppermint Tequila Smash always comes off fresh and pleasantly cool, never overcomplicated.