If you’re a fan of classic literature and inventive cocktails, the Tequila Mockingbird drink is for you. Whether you’re sipping it on a summer evening or curling up with a good book, this literary-inspired libation is a true treat with a refreshing blend of tequila, lime, and just a hint of sweetness

DISCLAIMER
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning Feast + West may receive commissions for purchases made through those links — at no cost to you. All opinions are our own. Please read our full disclosure for more information.
About this Tequila Mockingbird drink
I love a cocktail with a funny or silly name. There’s the Fuzzy Navel. Then there’s the Painkiller. And there’s the Spaghett.
The Tequila Mockingbird is perhaps my favorite: It’s a play on the Harper Lee novel “To Kill A Mockingbird.” English majors and my fellow literary lovers will love this one!
This slightly spicy cocktail is a spin on the watermelon margarita with a hint of spicy jalapeño, sweer agave nectar and lots of melon flavor. It’s sophisticated and it serves as the ultimate summer sipper.
More tequila recipes: Ranch Water • Mexican Martini • Paloma Cocktail

Why you’ll love this recipe
You’ll love the Tequila Mockingbird cocktail, for a few reasons:
- These delicious drinks feature a flavor explosion of sweet, sour and spicy. It’s Incredibly refreshing and thirst-quenching.
- Home mixologists will find it’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Nothing fancy here!
- The base recipe is versatile and customizable to your tastes.
This drink is perfect for readers and anyone with literary knowledge. It would also be a good one for book clubs! Try it tonight when you cozy up with a novel.

What is a Tequila Mockingbird?
The Tequila Mockingbird is a name for a sweet and spicy tequila cocktail with fresh jalapeño and watermelon.
“Tequila Mockingbird” is also the name of a popular cocktail book by Tim Federle filled with clever drinks inspired by history’s most beloved books. (And there are companion books too! “Gone with the Gin” has movie cocktails and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margarita” has more book-inspired drinks.)
There are other recipes online for other concoctions, including one with crème de menthe and another with
This recipe is based on the most popular one published in Liquor.com. Bartender Gregory Seider and author of the book, “Alchemy in a Glass,” created the Tequila Mockingbird at New York City’s The Summit Bar.
Tools & glassware
To make the Tequila Mockingbird, you’ll need a few basic bar tools.
Grab a cocktail shaker to mix up the drink. You’ll first muddle the fresh ingredients, then shake them up with ice. You’ll also need a cocktail strainer to strain out the solids.
Serve up the drink in a rocks glass. You might want to prepare some large ice cubes or large ice spheres. These melt more slowly, letting your drink stay stronger for longer. You could also use regular ice cubes.
favorite rocks glasses



Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this recipe. Here’s what to grab at the grocery store:
- watermelon
- jalapeño
- tequila
- lime juice
- agave nectar or simple syrup

Garnishes
Finish of the drink with a piece of watermelon. I used a spear of watermelon a little taller than my glass, but you can use a melon baller to make small spheres or cut up small wedges. (This Watermelon Mimosa is a good example of a wedge garnish.)
The fragrances of spicy garnishes can enhance the drink. You could also finish it off with a jalapeño slice or even a sprinkle of freshly-cracked black pepper. A salt rim works too.
Ice can be a garnish too. Opt for large ice cubes or spheres to minimize dilution and keep your drink at full strength longer. Regular ice cubes work too though.
Best tequila
A blanco tequila, AKA silver tequila, is crisp and has a clear color, perfect for mixing in this cocktail. We like Tito’s and Lunazul lately.
You could also use a reposado tequila for a little more complexity or a smoky mezcal for even more layers of flavor.
Don’t miss Tequila 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.

Substitutions & variations
Mix things up with one of these variations:
- Spicier: You can add more jalapeño slices if you want a spicier drink. Add some hot sauce too if you like!
- Less spicy: Don’t add all of the jalapeño seeds to the shaker for a milder cocktail.
- More flavors: Muddle some fresh basil leaves when muddling, or add in some cucumber.
- Other melon: Try other melons like honeydew or cantaloupe for a fun flavor swap.
- Non-alcoholic: Use a zero-proof spirit like Ritual tequila alternative or Seedlip Grove 42.
Instructions
You can make this Tequila Mockingbird recipe in a few simple steps:


First things first, grab your cocktail shaker and a muddler. Add in some fresh watermelon chunks and a slice or two of jalapeño.
Using the muddler, gently mash and muddle the watermelon and jalapeño until their juices are released and the flavors mingle together.


Next, pour in your favorite tequila and some fresh lime juice.


Then add some agave nectar for a touch of sweetness. Top them off with fresh ice cubes.
Now, it’s time to shake things up! Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for a good 10-15 seconds. This will help blend all the flavors and chill the cocktail nicely.


Strain the shaken cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. (Regular ice cubes work too.)
Finally, for a gorgeous garnish, dip in a little watermelon spear or skewer a small wedge onto the rim of the glass. Not only does it look inviting, but you can snack on it as you enjoy your cocktail!
Leftover watermelon? Make watermelon lemonade.

Tips & tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for making this recipe:
- Use a ripe, juicy watermelon for maximum flavor and sweetness. The riper the melon, the more intense the flavor will be.
- Don’t skimp on the jalapeño. That little kick of heat balances out the sweetness perfectly. Adjust the amount to taste preference. (But if you have to, use less seeds.)
- To make a large batch, use jalapeño simple syrup instead of agave nectar and store-bought watermelon juice, about 2 ounces per cocktail.

Food pairings
Enjoy this margarita-like cocktail with other Mexican recipes, like chips and fresh guacamole or some cheesy queso fundido.
You could also enjoy it with watermelon dishes like watermelon salad or chicken with watermelon salsa.
FAQ
Most recipes call for blanco (silver/white) or reposado tequila. But you can use your preferred type as long as it’s 100% agave tequila.
The name is a play on words referencing the classic Harper Lee novel “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It’s a clever, literary-inspired way to name the cocktail.
It’s best to shake and serve the Mockingbird fresh. Use jalapeño simple syrup instead of agave nectar and store-bought watermelon juice, about 2 ounces per cocktail.
More watermelon cocktail recipes
— Did you make this recipe? —
Please leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below.

Tequila Mockingbird
ingredients
- 3 cubes watermelon juice about 1 inch
- 1 slice jalapeño
- 2 ounces tequila
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1 ounce agave nectar
- 1 large ice cube
- watermelon spear for garnish
instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle watermelon and jalapeño until the juices are released.
- Add tequila, lime juice, agave nectar and ice to the shaker. Shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a piece of watermelon.
notes
recommended products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Leave a Reply