A drink that screams for after-work indulgence: Blanco Tequila brings the heat, cranberry juice the fruity acidity and lime the fresh bite. The soda water makes it light and effervescent – perfect for the first drink of the night or the last before the taxi. No frills, just clear flavors that push each other to the limit. If you want more depth, add a dash of lemon bitters or a few fresh cranberries as garnish.
Here’s what you need for the Wild Night Out
6 cl Blanco Tequila
4 cl cranberry juice (unsweetened)
2 cl lime juice (freshly squeezed)
Soda water (to taste, approx. 3–4 cl)
2–3 drops of lemon bitters (optional, for complexity)
What matters most
The trick lies in the timing: the cranberry juice must be *unsweetened*, otherwise the drink becomes cloying. If you don’t have fresh lime juice, use 1.5 cl lemon juice in a pinch – but only as a last resort, since lime harmonizes better with tequila. Add the soda water *only after straining*, otherwise you’ll lose the fizz during shaking. If you prefer it a bit drier, add a splash of grapefruit juice – it rounds off the acidity and makes the drink more sophisticated.
Variations
- Spicy Wild Night — Shake 2 slices of fresh chili or 1 cl chili tincture (e.g., from jalapeños) with the other ingredients. Pairs well with Reposado Tequila for added vanilla and wood notes.
- Wild Night Fizz — Instead of soda water, use 6 cl champagne or dry prosecco. Prepare the drink in the shaker without soda water and top up with the sparkling wine in the glass.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use Reposado Tequila instead?
Yes, but the drink will lose some of its freshness. Reposado adds vanilla and wood notes that pair well with cranberry, but the lime’s acidity becomes less dominant. If you try it, reduce the cranberry juice to 3 cl and add 1 cl of simple syrup to maintain balance.
Why crushed ice cubes?
Crushed ice cools faster and dilutes the drink less than whole cubes because it has a larger surface area. In a Highball glass, it keeps the temperature stable longer without watering down the flavor. For the shaker, regular ice cubes are sufficient.
Can I use cranberry nectar instead of juice?
No. Nectar is much sweeter and would unbalance the drink. If you only have nectar, dilute it with water in a 2:1 ratio and reduce the amount to 3 cl.
