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Quench your thirst with this refreshing Tequila Kiwi Cocktail recipe. Featuring tropical kiwifruit, smooth tequila, cooling mint, tart citrus, and the ideal amount of bubbly club soda, these mouthwatering and effervescent fruity drinks with tequila are the ideal way to beat the summer heat! Best of all, you’ll need just 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes to make these kiwifruit cocktails.

“Shockingly these cocktails taste better than they look! Made a pitcher of these for the pool and they were the perfect sipper. Super refreshing. I’ll definitely make these again.”

– MARISSA
Straight on photo of a tequila cocktail with kiwi and lemon.

Update: This recipe was originally published in August 2015. I made updates to the post below to include more information about these tequila cocktails!

Happy Thirsty Thursday, y’all! Hope everyone is parched because I have a delicious tequila drink to share with you guys today! This kiwifruit cocktail is fruity, fresh, and the perfect way to soak up the warm summer weather!

Table of Contents

About these fruity drinks with tequila

Get sipping on this easy and delicious Kiwi cocktail in a matter of minutes, from start to finish. This boozy tequila Kiwi cocktail consists of a sweet mint and Kiwi-infused syrup, smooth tequila (only the good stuff!), and club soda for a pop of fizz. 

Garnish each glass with lemon and Kiwi wedges, and if you’re feeling fancy, rim the glasses with lemon and mint sugar! Serve it alongside your favorite finger foods, snacks, or Mexican dishes. 

This refreshing kiwi fruit cocktail can be enjoyed as a summer sundowner, at parties, or as a weekend treat with the family. It’s easily customizable so that even the kids can get in on the action (minus the tequila, of course!). 

Why this drink recipe works

This easy Kiwi cocktail is one of my top drinks because it’s:

  • Quick and Easy! You can make a thirst-quenching fruity cocktail with simple ingredients in just a few minutes! 
  • Versatile! This Kiwi cocktail recipe can be adapted easily. Turn it into a mocktail, use different fruit or swap the tequila for your choice of alcohol. 
  • Refreshing for summer! The combination of mint, kiwi, and tequila makes this kiwifruit cocktail the perfect sundowner during those hot summer days!
  • Perfect for entertaining! Make this boozy Kiwi drink as a crowd-pleasing welcome beverage!
Straight on photo of a two kiwifruit cocktails with tequila.

Ingredients for tequila kiwi cocktail

As mentioned, you only need a few simple ingredients to make this addictive cocktail with kiwi. Here’s everything you’ll need to get started:

  • Tequila – I use Silver Patron tequila in most of my cocktails, but you can use any brand of tequila you prefer.
    • Substitution: Vodka, white rum, or gin can be used instead. The tequila can also be omitted completely when making a mocktail version.
  • Kiwi – Always use fresh kiwi when making fruity drinks with tequila. The kiwi fruit must also be washed, peeled, and sliced. 
    • Substitution: Don’t like Kiwi? No problem! This cocktail can be made with various berries, citrus fruits, passion fruit, and more.
  • Mint leaves – Fresh mint is crucial for this Kiwi drink recipe for the best flavor. 
    • Substitution: Shake things up by using basil, lemongrass, thyme, rosemary, or even cilantro!
  • Granulated sugar – The sweetness from the sugar pairs beautifully with the kiwi and mint and is used to make the simple syrup at the beginning of the kiwifruit cocktail recipe. You can add more if you like your cocktail on the sweeter side.
    • Substitution: To ditch refined sugar from your diet, use agave nectar, honey, or coconut sugar to make the simple syrup.
  • Lemon juice – Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. While bottled lemon juice is convenient, it’s never quite as bright and flavorful as freshly squeezed lemon! A blend of fresh lemon and lime juice is also an option. 
    • Substitution: If you use bottled lemon juice, I strongly recommend Nellie’s Famous Key Lime Juice. This brand tastes super close to the real deal. , which tastes pretty darn close to the real thing. 
  • Club soda – Soda water for the perfect fizz.
    • Substitution: Sparkling mineral water, such as Topo Chico or your favorite seltzer brand, can be used instead.
  • Garnish – A lemon wedge and kiwi slice are optional garnishes for this tequila Kiwi cocktail. While optional, these wedges add an extra squeeze of fresh acidic lemon in the cocktail while the Kiwi wedges add a touch of sophistication. 
    • Substitution: Lime wedge, a sprig of fresh mint, and a Kiwi skewer are other garnish options.  

Recipe variations

This Kiwi drink recipe is easily customizable with simple ingredient swaps or add-ins. Let’s take a closer look:

  • Make a mocktail. Turn your boozy Kiwi cocktails into alcohol-free beverages by omitting tequila and increasing club soda or adding Kiwi juice. 
  • Make a different fruit cocktail. If Kiwi isn’t your jam, consider making this drink with fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, or other fruit that pairs well with mint – watermelon, citrus fruits, mango, and pineapple!
  • Serving in a pitcher. I’ve served these kiwi cocktails in single glasses, but you could make a larger quantity and serve it in a pitcher for your guests to help themselves to. 
  • Stronger cocktail. For a stronger kiwifruit cocktail, increase the tequila! 

Leftover tequila? Put your bottle to good use and make a few Sour Apple Cocktails.

Close-up photo of a fruity drink with tequilla and kiwis.

How to make kiwifruit cocktail

This mixed drink with kiwis is a cinch to throw together. Here’s how it’s done:

  1. Muddle: Add the kiwis, sugar, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Grab a muddler and gently muddle the kiwis. Then add the mint leaves and continue to muddle, being careful to break apart the mint leaves, but not completely destroy the mint.
  2. Add Tequila and Ice: Add the tequila and a handful of ice to the cocktail shaker. Seal the shaker with its lid and shake vigorously for 15 seconds, or until the shaker is cold to the touch.
  3. Pour and Top with Soda: Pour the cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice (straining is optional). Top the drink off with club soda and garnish with a slice of kiwi, lemon peel, and/or fresh mint leaves if using. Enjoy immediately.

Chef expert tips for making the best success!

  • Drink to taste. Always drink to taste when making fruity drinks with tequila. View this recipe as a suggestion and increase or decrease the amount of tequila and club soda as desired. 
  • Order of ingredients. Add the Kiwi cocktail ingredients first into the shaker, followed by the ice. This ensures better mixing.  
  • Large ice. I prefer large ice when making cocktails and smaller ice (crushed or chipped) will melt faster, diluting the cocktail flavor. 
  • Give it a reasonable shake! Shake the cocktail mixture for 15 minutes. The shaker should become frosted by the time you are finished.  
  • Add soda last. The soda is always added last to preserve the fizz. 
  • Straining is optional. While not necessary, if you want to be fancy or ensure that nothing unwanted ends up in your assembled fruity drinks with tequila, strain the shaken mixture into the serving glasses. 
  • Fresh ingredients. Always use the freshest ingredients when making simple cocktails like this Kiwi drink recipe.
Straight on photo of three kiwi drinks garnished with a slice of kiwifruit.

FAQs: frequently asked questions

You’ve got questions? I’ve got answers! If you have a question you don’t see listed below, please drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can! 

What is the best tequila for cocktails?

Stay away from cheap, gold tequilas when making kiwifruit cocktails. These cheaper brands are typically a blend of different tequilas and can include other ingredients that will contribute to an unpleasant hangover, not to mention affect the quality of your cocktail. 

Look out for tequilas that mention “100% Blue Agave” on the bottle. Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo are three types of 100% tequila that are ideal for homemade cocktails. 

Blanco is popular for its quality and affordability, with Resposado following, and Anejo being the most expensive. 

Since this cocktail with Kiwi recipe includes other ingredients, I recommend using Blanco. You will definitely want to use Anejo tequila when serving shots! 

How much tequila do I need for kiwi cocktails?

The golden ratio used by mixologists to create cocktails is 2:1:1 which represents 2 parts spirit (in this case, tequila), 1 part sweet (the mint and kiwi syrup), and 1 part tart (in this case, lemon juice). 

Of course, this ratio can be adjusted to suit your personal preferences, including the strength of the cocktail, sweetness, and factoring in the addition of other ingredients, such as club soda. 

What can I use instead of tequila?

If you don’t enjoy tequila, consider white rum, vodka, or gin. These alternatives will offer a boozy kick to the cocktail, but keep in mind that they all have subtle differences that will alter the overall taste of this kiwifruit cocktail.

If you plan on making this Kiwi cocktail for a party, make a test round a few days earlier with these different spirits to see which works best for you. 

Can I turn these cocktails with kiwi into mocktails?

Absolutely! To make it an alcohol-free kiwi drink, add extra Kiwi-mint syrup, and replace the tequila with extra club soda, lemon-lime soda, or sparkling water!

Serving tequila cocktail with kiwi

When hosting a social gathering, consider serving a larger quantity of this tequila kiwi cocktail in a large pitcher with serving glasses alongside that your guests can help themselves to. 

Adding bowls of fresh garnishes, like lemon wedges, lime peels, sprigs of mint, kiwi wedges, and/or cocktail umbrellas, are also a great idea and allows your guests to customize their drinks as they see fit. 

If you feel like being fancy and serving these freshly shaken Kiwi cocktails in individual glasses, consider adding a sugar rim to the glasses. To do this, wet the rim of each glass with a wedge of lemon and dip it into a shallow bowl of granulated sugar. Allow the rims to dry before serving the fruity tequila drinks. 

Serving suggestions

If you’re looking to pair these kiwi alcoholic drinks with some food, try these options:

Storing leftovers

Storage instructions

  • Make these Kiwi cocktails ahead of time by mixing all of the ingredients, except the club soda and fresh garnish, and storing the mixture in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for 3-4 days. The soda and fresh garnish can be added to the glasses immediately before serving. 
  • Leftover Kiwi cocktail mixture can be frozen in popsicle molds or ice cube trays for future adult treats!

Freezing instructions

Yes! I recommend storing leftover mint tequila kiwifruit drink in popsicle molds or ice cube trays that can be enjoyed as icy treats later. 

Straight on photo of a person's hand holding a fruity tequila drink.

What are you waiting for? Grab your muddler, shaker, a few cocktail glasses, and whip up a batch of refreshing fruity drinks with tequila in a matter of minutes. It’s a smashing drink that your friends and family definitely won’t forget!

Cheyanne

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More fresh fruit cocktails for summer!

If you love this simple tequila kiwifruit cocktail, try these refreshing alcoholic-drinks next:

Straight on photo of three kiwi cocktails with tequila and lemon on a grey serving trey.

Kiwi Cocktail with Tequila

5 from 12 votes
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 5 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Quench your thirst with this refreshing Tequila Kiwi Cocktail recipe. Featuring tropical kiwifruit, smooth tequila, cooling mint, tart citrus, and the ideal amount of bubbly club soda, these mouthwatering and effervescent fruity drinks with tequila are the ideal way to beat the summer heat! Best of all, you'll need just 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes to make these kiwifruit cocktails.

Equipment

  • 1 Cocktail Shaker
  • 1 Cocktail Glass

Ingredients 

  • 1 ½ oz Silver Tequila – chilled
  • 1 whole Kiwi – peeled and sliced
  • 6 whole Mint Leaves
  • 1 TBS Granulated Sugar (:substitute: Agave Nectar)
  • ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 oz Club Soda – chilled, or more to taste
  • Optional Garnishes: Kiwi Slices, Lemon Wedges

Instructions

  • Muddle Kiwi: Add the kiwi fruit, sugar, and lemon juice to cocktail shaker or a large mixing glass. Grab your muddler and muddle the ingredients until the kiwi releases its juice.
    Add Mint: Then add the mint leaves to the shaker. Continue to lightly muddle to break the leaves apart, but not completely destroy them.
  • Add Tequila: Add the tequila to the shaker along with and a handful of ice. Place the top on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds, or until the shaker is very cold to the touch.
  • Pour Cocktail and Top with Club Soda: Pour the kiwi cocktail into a chilled glass filled with ice. Top the drink off with club soda.
  • Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the drink with a slice of kiwi and lemon wedge, if using, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • This recipe can be easily doubled, quadrupled, or more. Simply hoover your mouse over the number of servings to scale the recipe up or down.
Nutritional information is an estimate based upon 1 cocktaill. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 207kcal    Carbohydrates: 27g    Protein: 1g    Sodium: 11mg    Potassium: 283mg    Fiber: 3g    Sugar: 20g    Vitamin A: 335IU    Vitamin C: 91.7mg    Calcium: 45mg    Iron: 0.6mg
Course: Cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: American

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