Citrus Spice Martini

Citrus Spice Martini

The Citrus Spice Martini is our take on the citrus tequila cocktail, built to be bright up front and warm on the finish. SWOL Añejo brings oak and vanilla from barrel aging, fresh orange and lemon add lift, and a homemade cinnamon syrup ties it together with gentle spice. It is shaken hard and served straight up in a chilled martini glass, so it drinks clean and cold. If you like a citrus tequila drink that is not just another margarita, this is the one to learn. Below you will find the exact ratios, the cinnamon syrup method, and garnish notes.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2 oz SWOL Añejo Tequila (the hero, aged for oak and vanilla depth that stands up to citrus)
  • 1/2 oz cinnamon syrup (homemade, recipe below, for natural warm spice)
  • 1/2 oz fresh orange juice (squeezed to order for brightness)
  • 1/4 oz fresh lemon juice (for acid and structure)
  • Garnish: dehydrated orange wheel or a cinnamon stick laid across the rim
HOW TO PREPARE
  1. Chill a martini glass with ice water while you build the drink.
  2. Add SWOL Añejo, cinnamon syrup, orange juice, and lemon juice to a shaker.
  3. Fill with ice and shake hard for 12 to 15 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Discard the ice water from the glass and double strain the drink in.
  5. Garnish with a dehydrated orange wheel or a cinnamon stick and serve.
Style of Glass to use
  • Martini Glass
Garnishes
  • Cinnamon Stick

How to make cinnamon syrup?

Combine 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar with 2 to 3 cracked cinnamon sticks. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, remove from heat, and steep 30 minutes. Strain and refrigerate up to two weeks. This gives the natural, rich spice that a dusting of powdered cinnamon cannot.

Served up vs on the rocks

This drink is designed up, in a chilled martini glass, so the citrus stays crisp and the aroma opens as you sip. If you prefer it long and slow, pour over one large cube in a rocks glass and add a splash of soda to stretch it. Serving up keeps it elegant; rocks makes it more casual and lower in intensity.

Choosing your tequila (why añejo)

Blanco tequila would make this sharper and more vegetal. SWOL Añejo is barrel aged, so it carries oak, caramel, and vanilla that echo the cinnamon and round out the citrus edge. That is what turns a simple citrus tequila cocktail into something that tastes considered.

Make it a batch

For 8 servings, multiply to 16 oz SWOL Añejo, 4 oz cinnamon syrup, 4 oz orange juice, and 2 oz lemon juice. Stir with 4 oz cold water to mimic shake dilution, then keep chilled and shake individual portions to order for freshness.

Non-alcoholic version

Swap the tequila for 2 oz of a non-alcoholic agave spirit or cold brewed oolong, keep the cinnamon syrup and citrus, and shake as written. You get the same bright and spiced profile without the alcohol.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a citrus tequila cocktail?

A drink that pairs tequila with fresh citrus like orange, lemon, or lime; this one adds cinnamon syrup for warmth.

Is the Citrus Spice Martini spicy?

It has warm baking-spice character from cinnamon, not chili heat.

Can I use blanco instead of añejo?

Yes, but you lose the oak and vanilla; SWOL Añejo is recommended for depth.

Do I shake or stir this drink?

Shake, because it contains citrus juice that needs aeration and quick chilling.

What glass should I use?

A chilled martini glass; a coupe works too.

Can I make it ahead?

Batch without ice and shake portions to order for best texture.

What can I substitute for cinnamon syrup?

A cinnamon-infused simple syrup or a small dash of orange bitters plus simple syrup, though the homemade syrup is best.

Citrus Spice Martini TIPS

Balance Citrus & Spice

Use freshly squeezed citrus juices for brightness, and make your cinnamon syrup by gently simmering cinnamon sticks in simple syrup for a natural, rich spice flavor. When shaking, chill your ingredients well and shake vigorously to blend the syrup smoothly without overpowering the citrus. Garnish by laying a cinnamon stick across the glass rim for an elegant look and subtle aroma as you 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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