The Pepito cocktail is one of those drinks that instantly feels like a little celebration in a glass. Light, zesty, and just the right amount of refreshing, it’s perfect for warm evenings, backyard parties, or anytime you want something crisp and lively. I’ve made this countless times for friends on summer nights, and it always disappears fast—so today, I thought I’d share my favorite way to make it at home.
Pepito
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail (easily scaled up)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60ml) tequila (blanco is best for a clean, bright flavor)
- 1 oz (30ml) fresh lime juice (about 1 juicy lime)
- ½ oz (15ml) agave syrup (or honey/maple syrup if you prefer)
- Chilled club soda, to top off
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel or wedge, for garnish
Equipment:
- Cocktail shaker (or a jar with a tight lid)
- Highball glass (or a tall Collins glass)
How to Make It
- Fill your shaker about halfway with ice. Pour in the tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Shake it well—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels nice and cold. This chills everything down and blends the flavors beautifully.
- Fill your highball glass with fresh ice. Strain the shaken mix over the ice.
- Top it off with chilled club soda. Give it a gentle stir to bring everything together without losing those lovely bubbles.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge right on the rim. It adds a pop of color and a little extra citrus aroma with every sip.
Tips for Success
- Fresh lime juice is key—bottled juice just won’t give you that bright, zingy flavor.
- Chill your glass beforehand if you can. Just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes while you prep. It’ll keep your Pepito extra refreshing.
- Taste and tweak: If you like it sweeter, add a touch more agave. Prefer it more tart? Squeeze in a little extra lime.
- When shaking, listen for the sound of the ice breaking up a bit—that’s how you know it’s getting perfectly chilled.
Storage and Make-Ahead Notes
If you’re making a batch for a party, mix the tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup together ahead of time and keep it chilled.
When you’re ready to serve, just pour over ice, top with club soda, and garnish.
(Important: Don’t add the club soda early—it’ll lose its fizz.)
Serving Suggestions
The Pepito shines when paired with food that’s bold and lively:
- Grilled Chicken: The smoky char pairs beautifully with the bright citrus.
- Spicy Tacos: The Pepito cools your palate between fiery bites.
- Fresh Ceviche: The tangy, light flavors echo the cocktail’s refreshing notes.
Every time I sip a Pepito with a plate of tacos, it’s like a mini vacation. Highly recommend.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are a few fun twists:
Spicy Pepito
- Muddle a slice of jalapeño with the lime juice before shaking. It’ll give your drink a nice little kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Fruity Pepito
- Add a few muddled fresh berries (like raspberries or strawberries) with the lime and agave before shaking. It adds a hint of sweetness and a pretty blush color.
Herbal Pepito
- Gently bruise a few basil or mint leaves with the lime juice. It adds a fresh, garden-like twist that’s perfect for hot days.
Virgin Pepito (Non-Alcoholic)
- Swap out the tequila for coconut water or a splash of ginger ale. You’ll still get that fizzy, citrusy refreshment, minus the alcohol.
Common Questions
Can I batch Pepitos ahead for a party?
Definitely! Mix the tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup ahead of time. Keep it chilled. Add the club soda just before serving so it stays bubbly.
What’s the best tequila to use?
A good-quality blanco tequila is perfect. It’s clean, smooth, and lets the lime and agave flavors shine.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
In a pinch, yes. But if you can, fresh-squeezed makes a huge difference in flavor. It’s brighter and more vibrant.
Is a Pepito strong?
It’s nicely balanced. You get the tequila kick, but the lime and soda mellow it out for an easy-sipping drink.
What’s a good way to make it healthier?
Use a lighter hand with the agave syrup or swap it for a natural low-calorie sweetener. You can also pour a little less tequila if you want a lighter cocktail.
Final Tips
- Taste as you go—your perfect Pepito might be a touch sweeter or tangier than mine.
- Try rimming the glass with a little salt or TajĂn for an extra pop.
- If you’re scaling up, figure about 8 oz (240ml) tequila, 4 oz (120ml) lime juice, and 2 oz (60ml) agave syrup for every 4 drinks.
The Pepito is one of those cocktails that’s simple enough for a casual get-together but special enough to make any night feel like a treat. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become one of my go-to favorites. Cheers!
