For a 4th of July barbecue potluck, we wanted to make a cocktail that would incorporate the spiced candied kumquats we made a few weeks back. Mojitos are our favorite summer time drink but since we had leftover tequila, we wanted to use it for summer cocktail– so a pitcher of tequila mint lemonade with spiced candied kumquats was the perfect concoction to use both. For quick lemonades and other cocktails we always keep a squeeze bottle of simple syrup on hand, saving time on dissolving sugar. 

Mint Tequila Lemonade with Spiced Candied Kumquats
Printable Recipe

Simple Syrup

• 2 cup water
• 2 cup

Bring to boil water and sugar in sauce pan. Reduce by about 1/2 and allow to cool. Once cooled it will be like a maple syrup consistency. Store in squeeze bottle.

Tequila Mint Lemonade with Spiced Candied Kumquats

• 1 part fresh squeeze lemon
• 3 parts water
• Simple syrup
• 1/2 bunch of mint leaves (save the ends of sprigs for garnish)
• spiced candied kumquats (optional)
• Tequila (We used silver or clear/white, unaged tequila, but use what you prefer)

Add lemon juice and mint leaves into pitcher and gently muddle the mint leaves to release the flavors. Add the desired amounts of candied kumquats, and finally add water and simple syrup to taste. We reserve the tequila last adding about a shot per glass of lemonade only for those guests who want it.

Garnish sprig of mint and drink umbrellas or cocktail picks skewered with spiced candied kumquats.