Mint Tequila Lemonade With Spiced Candied Kumquats Recipe

I absolutely love this Mint Tequila Lemonade with Spiced Candied Kumquats because it feels like a zesty fiesta in every sip, perfectly fusing refreshing mint, tangy lemon, and sweet-spicy kumquats. It’s the ideal drink for sunny afternoons or cozy nights with friends, effortlessly combining my love for bold flavors and fun, laid-back vibes.

I adore electrifying beverages that also happen to be potent, and my Mint Tequila Lemonade with Spiced Candied Kumquats is just that. The stunning amalgamation of fresh mint, lemon juice, and a touch of simple syrup blends beautifully with 2 cups of tequila to create an invigorating and thrill-inducing drink.

The spiced candied kumquats, tossed in sugar with cinnamon and cayenne, add a twist. They also happen to be one of my favorite ingredients.

Ingredients

Mint Leaves:
Cool and fragrant, mint leaves assist in the four stages of digestion.

Tequila:
Imparts a strong, refined taste with a feisty twist.

Lemon Juice:
Loaded with vitamin C, it imparts a sharp, tangy character.

Simple Syrup:
Gives sweetness to offset sharp, sour flavors.

Kumquats:
They are a good source of fiber, and they have a tart and sweet flavor.

Cinnamon:
Zesty spice loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Cayenne Pepper:
Increases temperature and enhances metabolic rate.

Ingredient Quantities

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• 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
• 2 cups tequila
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup simple syrup
• 1 cup cold water
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1 cup kumquats, sliced
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Mint sprigs, for garnish
• Lemon slices, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Mint Tequila
In a sizable pitcher, place 2 cups of tequila and 1 cup of fresh mint leaves. The large volume of the pitcher means that the combination should be mixed well, but the next step is also vital to ensure that the mint flavor carries through to the final drink. Muddle the mint leaves gently—just don’t go too far or you’ll break up the mint leaves too much and have muddled mint in your drink. Let the mixture sit and steep while you make the candied kumquats.

2. Candied Kumquats
In a small saucepan, mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Place on medium heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Cook Kumquats
In the sugar mixture, add 1 cup of sliced kumquats. Allow it to simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the kumquats become glossy and tender.

4. Cool Kumquats
Take the kumquats from the heat, and allow them to cool in the syrup.

5. Prepare Lemonade Mix
In a large pitcher, combine 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 cup of simple syrup, and 1 cup of cold water. Stir well.

6. Combine Mint-Infused Tequila and Lemonade
The tequila that has been infused with mint needs to be strained to remove the mint leaves. Then the tequila is added to the mixture of lemonade and water in the pitcher. Stir to mix completely.

7. Add Ice
Add 1 cup of ice cubes to the pitcher just before serving to chill the lemonade mixture.

8. Serve
Pour the mint tequila lemonade into glasses filled with ice to serve.

9. Top with Candied Kumquats
Ladle a few kumquats and some of their spiced syrup over each glass.

10. Garnish
Each glass should have a slice of lemon and a fresh mint sprig as a garnish. Your Mint Tequila Lemonade should be enjoyed with Spiced Candied Kumquats.

Equipment Needed

1. Sizable pitcher
2. Muddler
3. Small saucepan
4. Medium heat source (stove)
5. Spoon for stirring
6. Knife (for slicing kumquats and lemon)
7. Cutting board
8. Strainer
9. Ladle (for serving kumquats)
10. Glasses for serving
11. Measuring cups
12. Teaspoon measuring spoons

FAQ

• Q: Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint leaves?A: The best way to go for optimal flavor is to use fresh mint leaves; however, if that is not an option, you can use dried mint—just use half the amount that you would if using fresh mint leaves.
• Q: What type of tequila is recommended?Blanco or silver tequila of good quality works best for a fresh and crisp taste in the lemonade.
• Q: How do I make simple syrup?To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water and bring to a boil. Stir until all the sugar has dissolved, then remove from heat and let cool. Store it in a clean glass container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
• Q: Are kumquats necessary for the recipe?Kumquats contribute a singular flavor that is sweet and tart, with a nice spicy kick. But if you can’t get kumquats, you can skip them or replace them with another citrus, like a perfumed bergamot or grapefruit, for a different but still delicious flavor.
• Q: Is there a non-alcoholic version of this drink?A: Replace the tequila with an equal portion of lemon sparkling water or tonic for a refreshing mocktail.
• Q: How can I adjust the spiciness level?You can make the cayenne pepper as mild or as hot as you like, or leave it out altogether if you prefer something without heat.
• Q: Can I prepare this in advance?A: The kumquats that are candied can be made one day in advance. However, for the freshest taste, prepare the lemonade as close to serving as possible.

Substitutions and Variations

Tequila: Substitute mezcal for a smoky flavor or vodka for a milder taste.
Lemon juice, when obtained in its freshest state, comes from a lemon—one of the most widely cultivated citrus fruit in the world. Fresh lemons, like fresh limes, are used to obtain juice that is in turn used in a variety of drinks. Compared to the lime, however, the fresh lemon has a much higher content of citric acid and thus has much more of a scrappy, sour flavor.

That flavor is the flavor of lemon juice.
Simple syrup: For an alternative to a natural sweetener, use agave syrup or honey.
Kumquats: Substitute orange slices for a more classic citrus flavor.
Cinnamon powder: For a contrasting spiced flavor, use nutmeg or allspice.

Pro Tips

1. For a more intense mint flavor, muddle the mint leaves with a little bit of sugar before adding them to the tequila. This will help release more of the essential oils.

2. To ensure the candied kumquats are flavorful but not overly spicy, taste the syrup while it’s simmering and adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking.

3. Consider refrigerating the mint-infused tequila for a few hours or overnight to deepen the infusion, then strain and use as directed.

4. When making the lemonade mix, adjust the sweetness by adding more or less simple syrup according to personal preference.

5. For an added twist, lightly salt the rim of the serving glasses. The savory touch will complement the sweet, sour, and spicy notes of the drink.