Tequila Kiwi Cocktail
This tequila kiwi cocktail is a fresh, vibrant drink made with juicy kiwi, reposado tequila, lemon juice, and a splash of orgeat. Ready in just 5 minutes and bursting with bright, tart, slightly nutty flavor, it’s an easy cocktail to shake up for happy hour, dinner parties, or a festive fall or winter gathering.
If you love creative tequila cocktails, you’ll also want to try my Kiwi Be Friends? (Kiwi Mezcal Cocktail) and Maple Fig Margarita.
I partnered with Don Julio to mix up this Tequila Kiwi Cocktail recipe! Recipe and ideas are my own.
Quick Look: Tequila Kiwi Cocktail
- ⏱ Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏳ Total Time: 5 minutes
- 🍽️ Servings: 1 cocktail
- 🥝 Flavor Profile: Bright, tart, fruity, lightly sweet, nutty
- 👌 Difficulty: Easy, perfect for entertaining
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It’s the start of kiwi season, so what better way to use this nutrient-dense fruit than in a beautiful beverage! I love using unexpected fresh fruit in cocktails, and kiwi is one of those ingredients that doesn’t get nearly enough attention behind the bar. Muddling it right into the shaker gives this drink tons of fresh kiwi flavor, while reposado tequila, lemon and orgeat make it feel smooth and balanced rather than overly fruity. The edible flower and mint garnish also make this one especially fun to serve when you want a cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.
This drink serves as an ideal transition from daytime activities into evening relaxation. Think pool party into a backyard barbecue. Or a sunny weekend brunch into a peaceful porch hang. Need I say more?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh & fruity: Fresh muddled kiwi gives the cocktail a vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
- Perfectly balanced: Tart lemon juice, slightly sweet orgeat, and smooth reposado tequila balance each other without making the drink too sweet.
- Only 5 minutes: No homemade syrup or complicated prep required – everything goes straight into the shaker.
- A unique tequila cocktail: Kiwi is an unexpected pairing with tequila, making this a fun alternative to the usual margarita.
- Party-worthy presentation: A kiwi slice, fresh mint, and edible flower make this simple cocktail feel extra special.
Key Ingredients
See the recipe card for quantities.
- Fresh kiwi: Half of a ripe kiwi is all you need. Choose one that gives slightly when pressed so it muddles easily and has plenty of juicy, sweet-tart flavor.
- Reposado tequila: Don Julio Reposado adds a smooth, lightly oaky character that works beautifully with the fresh kiwi. Blanco tequila can also be used if you prefer a brighter, more crisp tequila flavor.
- Orgeat: This almond-flavored syrup adds subtle sweetness and a slightly nutty flavor that gives the cocktail more depth. If you don’t have orgeat, agave or simple syrup can work in a pinch.
- Fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brings acidity and keeps the kiwi and orgeat from making the cocktail taste too sweet.
🍋 Fresh is best: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled lemon juice for the brightest flavor. A citrus squeezer makes quick work of it.
Substitutions & Variations
- Use blanco tequila: Swap the reposado for blanco tequila for a brighter, more citrus-forward version.
- Swap the sweetener: No orgeat? Agave syrup or simple syrup can be used instead, though you’ll lose the subtle almond flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker before muddling for a spicy kiwi tequila cocktail.
- Turn it into a margarita: Add a little more citrus and serve it in a salt-rimmed glass for a kiwi margarita-inspired twist. You could also try my Spicy Hibiscus Margarita.
- Make it a mocktail: Skip the tequila and add a splash of sparkling water or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative.
How to Make Tequila Kiwi Cocktail
Make the Tequila Kiwi Cocktail
Step 1: Peel and cube half of a ripe kiwi. Since you’ll be muddling the fruit directly in the shaker, there’s no need to puree or blend it ahead of time. Add the cubed kiwi and orgeat to a cocktail shaker. Muddle until the kiwi is broken down and juicy.
Step 2: Add the reposado tequila, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ice. Shake vigorously until the cocktail is well chilled.
Step 3: Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. Because kiwi seeds and pulp can be a little tricky to strain, use a mesh strainer if needed.
Step 4: Garnish with a kiwi slice, fresh mint, and an edible flower for a pretty finishing touch.
🍸 Pro tip: A fine mesh strainer makes it much easier to catch the small kiwi seeds and pulp while still letting all that fresh kiwi flavor make it into the glass.
Watch How to Make this Recipe
Carolyn’s Tips for Making Tequila Kiwi Cocktail
- Fine strain if needed: Muddled kiwi can clog a standard cocktail strainer, so place a mesh strainer over your glass for a smoother pour.
- Blanco or reposado work: Use reposado for a smoother, slightly richer cocktail or blanco for a more crisp and vibrant tequila flavor.
- Make it a mocktail: Leave out the tequila and replace it with coconut water, chilled tea, or your favorite non-alcoholic tequila alternative.
Tequila Kiwi Cocktail FAQs
A kiwi cocktail is typically bright, fruity, and slightly tart, with a flavor that falls somewhere between citrus and tropical fruit. In this Tequila Kiwi Cocktail, fresh kiwi is balanced with tart lemon juice, smooth tequila, and lightly sweet, nutty orgeat.
Yes! Kiwi pairs especially well with tequila because its sweet-tart flavor complements the spirit’s bright, earthy character. Both blanco and reposado tequila work well in kiwi cocktails.
If you don’t have orgeat, you can substitute agave syrup or simple syrup. Keep in mind that orgeat adds both sweetness and a subtle almond flavor, so the finished cocktail will taste slightly different with another sweetener.
Muddled kiwi contains small seeds and pulp that can clog a standard cocktail strainer. For a smoother cocktail, pour the drink through a fine mesh strainer as you strain it into the glass.
More Unique Tequila Cocktails to Try
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Tequila Kiwi Cocktail
Ingredients
- Half kiwi, peeled and cubed
- 3/4 oz orgeat
- 2 oz reposada tequila, like Don Julio Reposado
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- Mint, for garnish
- Edible flower, for garnish
Instructions
- To a cocktail shaker – Add cubed kiwi and orgeat. Muddle until kiwi is broken down. Add tequila, lemon juice and ice. Shake until well chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. If desired, garnish with a kiwi slice, mint and edible flower.
Notes
- Fine strain if needed: Muddled kiwi can clog a standard cocktail strainer, so place a mesh strainer over your glass for a smoother pour.
- Blanco or reposado work: Use reposado for a smoother, slightly richer cocktail or blanco for a more crisp and vibrant tequila flavor.
- Make it a mocktail: Leave out the tequila and replace it with coconut water, chilled tea, or your favorite non-alcoholic tequila alternative.
