This Raspberry Tequila Cooler is a little sweet, a lot refreshing, and simple to make! Just smash some fresh berries with some basil and mix with lemonade, tequila, and a little sparkling water for some bubbles. Perfect simple tequila cocktail for a hot summer day.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

This tequila cocktail recipe is perfect for when you want something delicious with simple, easy to find ingredients. Here’s what you need including substitutions:

Tequila – I prefer using silver tequila for this, but you can use gold as well. Don’t like tequila? This cocktail would also be great with vodka.
Lemonade
Fresh Raspberries – You can experiment with different berries as well. I also love using blackberries!
Fresh Basil – Muddling basil leaves with the raspberries adds the best subtle flavor. It would also be great with another herb like thyme or mint.
Sparkling Water – You can also use club soda
Ice – This tequila cocktail is best served on the rocks!

Raspberries and basil in a cocktail pitcher

raspberries and basil muddled in pitcher

Cocktail Tools You’ll Need:

You don’t need any fancy tools to make a good cocktail. Don’t have a cocktail shaker or muddler? That’s okay! You can use tools that you have on hand.

Muddler – A muddler is used to mash up the berries and basil. If you don’t have a muddler, that’s okay! You can use something else like the end of a spatula to mash things up in a mug or glass.
Strainer – I like to strain the cocktail into the glass to remove the raspberries seeds and smashed basil leaves.
Cocktail Shaker or Pitcher – You need something to mix up the tequila, muddled berries, and lemonade. A cocktail shaker or pitcher is the classic choice but you can even stir it all up in a large glass or liquid measuring cup.

Tequila Cooler Recipe Tips

Taste and adjust. One of the best parts about making your own cocktails, is that you can adjust to your liking! If you like sweeter cocktails, you can add a little extra lemonade or less tequila. Want it stronger? Don’t be shy with the tequila! Consider the recipe a starting point that you can make adjustments too.
As the ice melts, it will become less strong. Keep this in mind if it’s a hot day or if you’re a slow sipper. As the ice melts, it will dilute the drink.
Leave Room for Sparkling Water – When pouring into glasses, leave room to top with sparkling water. The amount is up to your tastes. In a tumbler, I usually leave about a 1/2 inch.

raspberry tequila cooler cocktails with basil

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