Tequila lemonade is the perfect simple cocktail for summer. It’s tart, refreshing. It’s made with lemonade, tequila, and triple sec.

In the hot summer months there’s nothing more refreshing than a cold glass of lemonade. Nothing except a tequila lemonade.

This refreshing cocktail is perfect for entertaining, or making a quick cocktail at home. For entertaining, mix all of the ingredients in a large pitcher. And for a single serving mix it directly in a glass. Sometimes I order a lemonade with takeout, just so I can mix up one of these!

Tequila lemonade is almost a lemon margarita, but sweeter. My husband doesn’t like margaritas, but he does like these!

Looking for more tequila cocktails? Check out my recipe for Frosé with Tequila.

What’s In Tequila Lemonade?

Silver Tequila
Triple Sec (or orange liqueur)
Your favorite lemonade
Sugar for the rim
Lemon for garnish

What Type of Lemonade is Best

One of the best things about this cocktail is how simple it is. To keep things simple, I prefer to use a storebought lemonade. My favorites are typically Simply Lemonade or Minute Maid Lemonade.

The Minute Maid Lemonade has a longer shelf life, which is perfect for making individual cocktails occasionally. But it’s not as flavorful.

Simply Lemonade is more tart and delicious in general. However, it doesn’t last as long in the refrigerator.

How to Make Tequila Lemonade

Fill a large pitcher with ice. Then pour in lemonade, triple sec, and tequila. Use a wooden spoon, or silicone spatula, and stir the cocktail to combine the ingredients. Add a few lemon slices for extra flavor and garnish.

Pour the cocktail into short tumblers over ice. Be sure to sugar the tumbler rims before adding the cocktail. Serve with a lemon slice for garnish.

For individual cocktails, sugar the rim of a short tumbler. Add ice to the glass. Then add lemonade, tequila, and triple sec. Stir to mix the ingredients. And enjoy!

How to Sugar the Rim of a Tumbler

Sugaring, or salting, the rim of a cocktail glass enhances the flavor of the cocktail. Plus, it adds a special touch to the drink as well.

What You Need

2 shallow dishes larger than the rim of your glass
Water
Sugar (or salt)

Fill one shallow dish with cold water. The water only needs to be about 1/2 a centimeter deep.

Fill the other dish with sugar, also about 1/2 a centimeter deep.

Place the cocktail tumbler upside down into the dish with water. Then dip it, upside down, into the dish with the sugar.

The result is a lovely sugar rim. It’s the perfect garnish for a tart or acidic cocktail.

Enjoy a lovely tequila lemonade at your next summer gathering!