Tequila Mockingbird (MINTY VERsiON)
The Tequila Mockingbird: A Literary Cocktail
The Tequila Mockingbird appeared in cocktail guides during the 1960s and 1970s, though its exact creator remains unknown.
The name is a playful reference to Harper Lee's 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, following the era's trend of literary-inspired cocktail names, according to Difford's Guide. The cocktail combines tequila with white crème de menthe and fresh lime juice. This pairing creates a refreshing, mint-forward drink where the crème de menthe's sweetness balances lime's tartness while complementing tequila's agave character, as noted in Liquor.com.
The Tequila Mockingbird represents the mid-century American cocktail culture when bartenders frequently used liqueurs like crème de menthe to create accessible drinks. The use of white crème de menthe rather than green maintains a clearer appearance while providing the same mint flavor.
The cocktail never achieved widespread popularity and remained relatively obscure throughout its history. Modern bartenders occasionally feature the Tequila Mockingbird as a vintage curiosity, though it's often considered overly sweet by contemporary standards. The drink works best as a refreshing, dessert-style cocktail for those who enjoy mint and citrus combinations.
RECIPE:
1.5 oz tequila (blanco)
1 oz white crème de menthe
1 oz fresh lime juice
Lime wheel or mint sprig for garnish
Method:
Add tequila, crème de menthe, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously until well-chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass or serve over ice in a rocks glass.
Garnish with lime wheel or mint sprig.