Tito’s Winter Citrus Smash Cocktail Recipe

When the weather gets cold, I want a drink that’s bright and refreshing, but still feels right for the season. A Winter Citrus Smash totally nails that vibe with fresh citrus, simple ingredients, and—of course—smooth Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

This cocktail brings you a crisp, balanced flavor that’s honestly easy to whip up at home and perfect for winter get-togethers.

I love this recipe because it uses fruit that’s actually in season during the colder months. Citrus gives the drink a natural sweetness and just enough tartness to keep things interesting, especially alongside the clean taste of vodka.

It’s a simple way to add a splash of freshness to a cozy night inside. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

You’ll see how to put everything together step by step, along with the tools and ingredients you’ll want on hand. I’ll also share tasting notes so you’ll have a pretty good idea what you’re in for with every sip.

Tito’s Winter Citrus Smash Cocktail Recipe

Making this drink is honestly kind of fun because it balances that bright citrus with the mellow vodka. The recipe’s simple, but the little details really do matter if you want that fresh, crisp flavor that just feels right in winter.

Equipment

You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, but having the right tools makes things smoother. A solid shaker is key since you’ll be shaking the drink with ice to get everything nice and cold.

• Cocktail shaker
• Muddler
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Strainer
• Small knife
• Cutting board
• Rocks glass
• Ice cubes

I find a muddler is great for getting those oils out of the citrus and mint. And a strainer? It keeps seeds and pulp out, which makes the drink go down smoother.

Ingredients

All the flavor here comes from fresh fruit, herbs, and a good vodka base. I always hunt for ripe citrus—makes a big difference with sweetness and tartness.

• 2 oz Tito’s Handmade Vodka
• 1 oz fresh lemon juice
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 3–4 fresh mint leaves
• 1–2 citrus wedges (lemon, lime, or orange)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: splash of soda water for a lighter finish

I like mixing lemon and orange for a bit of balance. Mint makes it taste fresh, and the simple syrup helps mellow out the sharpness from the citrus.

Instructions

I try to keep the steps straightforward so you’re not fussing around. Fresh juice and a firm muddle really make a difference, trust me.

• Place citrus wedges and mint leaves in the shaker.
• Muddle gently to release juices and oils.
• Add Tito’s Handmade Vodka, lemon juice, orange juice, and simple syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice.
• Shake for 10–15 seconds until chilled.
• Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
• Garnish with a mint sprig or citrus slice.

I usually shake hard enough to mix but not so much that the mint turns into tiny bits. That way, the drink stays clean and easy to sip.

Notes

Sometimes I tweak the sweetness by playing with the simple syrup—just depends on my mood. If I want something lighter, I’ll top it off with a splash of soda water.

Using crushed ice instead of cubes makes it extra cold and gives a little dilution, which can be pretty refreshing. I’d always recommend fresh-squeezed juice if you can swing it—bottled stuff just isn’t the same.

For garnish, I’m partial to a thin orange wheel. It looks bright and matches the citrus flavor. A mint sprig is great too, since it gives a fresh aroma right before you take that first sip.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, there’s this pop of bright citrus flavors that hits me. Lemon and orange kind of tag-team, giving the drink a crisp, almost zesty start.

It’s light—almost delicate—but not boring at all. There’s enough going on to keep me coming back for another taste.

The vodka? It slides in smoothly, not muscling out the fruit. I catch a gentle sweetness that evens out the tartness, so nothing feels too sharp or sugary.

That balance makes it dangerously easy to enjoy. I mean, who wants a cocktail that’s all bite or all syrup?

After it sits for a bit, the flavors seem to stretch out and loosen up. There’s this faint herbal thing from the garnish—honestly, it’s a nice little surprise.

The coldness keeps everything feeling snappy and clean. I find myself appreciating how the temperature kind of sharpens the edges.

The finish is smooth and clean—I really like that. Citrus lingers just enough to remind me it’s there, but doesn’t overstay its welcome.

It’s refreshing, honestly, and feels like something I’d reach for at a winter get-together.

I always remind myself to drink responsibly with a cocktail like this. It goes down easy, so pacing is key if I want to actually taste what’s in my glass.