Citrus Agave

Citrus Agave

The Citrus Agave is a bright, soda-topped tequila lemon cocktail that tastes like sunshine in a glass. Fresh lemon and orange give it a two-citrus lift, soda water keeps it light and effervescent, and SWOL Añejo's natural agave smoothness and gentle oak tie it all together. It is shaken just enough to wake up the citrus oils, then topped with bubbles, so it lands somewhere between a spritzer and a light highball. There is no added syrup in the base recipe, which keeps it crisp, though a touch of agave lets you sweeten to taste. Here is the exact build and the tweaks that make it your house pour.

INGREDIENTS
  • 1.5 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero; its smooth agave character and oak are the backbone of the drink)
  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice (fresh-squeezed for the brightest, most vibrant citrus)
  • 0.5 oz fresh orange juice (adds round sweetness to balance the tart lemon)
  • Club soda or sparkling water to top, about 3 to 4 oz
  • Optional 0.25 oz agave syrup (to sweeten to taste while keeping the agave theme)
  • Garnish: a lemon wheel or a mint sprig
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Add SWOL Añejo, fresh lemon juice, and fresh orange juice to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake gently, just enough to chill and combine without over-diluting.
  3. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.
  4. Top with club soda or sparkling water and garnish with a lemon wheel or mint sprig.
Style of Glass to use
  • Highball Glass
Garnishes

Lime, Lemon, Mint

Balancing lemon and orange

The two-citrus split is what sets this apart from a one-note lemon drink. Lemon brings the tart, refreshing snap; orange softens it with round, natural sweetness so you often do not need any added sugar. If your oranges are very sweet, add a little more lemon; if they are tart, a small pour of agave evens it out.

Why shake, then top with soda

Shaking the tequila and juices first chills them and blends the citrus oils for a brighter, more integrated flavor, then straining onto fresh ice keeps the drink cold and clean. Adding the soda last, in the glass, preserves the carbonation so the cocktail stays lively to the last sip. Shake gently; over-shaking waters it down and dulls the citrus.

The agave and Añejo connection

Tequila is made from agave, so finishing this citrus cooler with a touch of agave syrup is a natural echo rather than a random sweetener. SWOL Añejo's aging rounds off the agave's edges and adds vanilla and oak, which is why the drink reads smooth even with bracing fresh citrus. Use just a bar-spoon of agave if you want it sweeter without losing the crisp profile.

Make it a mocktail

For a zero-proof Citrus Agave, skip the tequila, shake the fresh lemon and orange with a splash of agave, strain over ice, and top with soda. You keep the bright, bubbly citrus character with none of the alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tequila lemon cocktail?

A tequila drink built on fresh lemon, here lemon and orange with SWOL Añejo, topped with soda for a light, bright cooler.

Do I have to shake it?

A gentle shake blends the citrus and chills the drink before you top it with soda. You can build it in the glass, but shaking gives a brighter result.

Can I use bottled juice?

Fresh-squeezed lemon and orange make a noticeable difference in brightness. Bottled juice works in a pinch but tastes flatter.

Is it sweet?

The base recipe is crisp and barely sweet. Add a quarter ounce of agave syrup if you like it sweeter.

Why añejo tequila?

SWOL Añejo's aged, smooth agave character and light oak balance the tart citrus better than a sharper blanco.

Club soda or sparkling water?

Either works. Both keep the drink light and fizzy without adding sugar.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Yes, shake the lemon and orange with a little agave, strain over ice, and top with soda.

Citrus Agave TIPS

Shake Fresh & Garnish Bright

Use freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor. When shaking, shake just enough to chill and combine without bruising the citrus oils, keeping the taste clean and crisp. For garnish, try a fresh lemon wheel and a sprig of gently slapped mint to add an uplifting aroma with every sip.

MADE WITH

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release (750Ml)

750 ML

$124.99

SWOL Anejo Tequila Limited Release is an extremely limited edition; a special release of just 10,000 bottles. Each hand-numbered bottle has a peel-off iron patch which is designed by Los Angeles-based artist Rise Work.

Combining ancient and modern techniques and a deep love and passion for Authentic Tequila, SWOL Tequila comes from Mexico. When two friends journeyed to Mexico...

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