15 Sublime Lime Cocktails Full of Zest and Zing
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If you find lime cocktails utterly sublime, step right this way honey, we’ve got you covered. See, we are not technically allowed to play favourites, but cocktails with this zesty juice in the mix are just so divine that it’s hard not to… So, to get you ready to zest with the best, here are 15 of our top recipes you simply must try at home!
1. Mojito
Arguably one of the most popular cocktails around the globe, the Mojito combines white rum, lime, mint, sugar and a little soda water for a fizzy finish. We love a Trois Rivières White Rum (opens in new window) for its honey notes and spice-forward flavor. Another winner is Wray and Nephew Overproof Rum (opens in new window) with its rich molasses notes, also offering a good, subtle base for this easy cocktail.
2. Lime Margarita
Ah, the Lime Margarita, yet another complete classic. There are so many different versions of the Margarita cocktail around these days that you’d be forgiven for not realising that the deceptively humble clinker is actually the OG drink that started the whole craze… It’s so fresh and zesty, and wonderfully easy to make at home. Enjoy!
Espolòn Tequila Blanco (opens in new window) is an excellent choice for a Margarita. Crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave, it offers a smooth, balanced profile with notes of sweet agave, tropical fruit, and lemon zest. These flavours harmonise beautifully with fresh citrus juice and orange liqueur, paving the way for an authentic Margarita experience.
3. Gin Rickey
If you feel in the mood for something very light on a warm day, the Gin Rickey is a fantastic option. Combining Bulldog Gin (opens in new window), lime juice, and soda water, this is a delightful cocktail that will cool you down in the summer heat.
4. Caipirinha
The Caipirinha is often mixed up with the Mojito, but there are big differences in both presentation and taste. While both drinks use fresh citrus juice and sugar, the Mojito is underpinned by white rum, which is less herbaceous than the taste of cachaça that is used in a Caipirinha. However, both are definitely on our list of best clinkers that everyone should try at least once.
5. Lime Daiquiri
The classic Daiquiri uses only three simple ingredients, and the recipe is a delicate balance between the sweet and the sour. It’s a fresh and straightforward sipper that is very similar to a Classic Margarita in that you’ll be using fresh citrus juice and sugar syrup, but instead of tequila, you’ll be using light rum.
6. Cosmopolitan
Although the Cosmopolitan cocktail is one of the more popular cocktails from the 60s, it’s just as popular today, and you can easily bring it to life in the comfort of your home. It combines citrus-infused SKYY vodka, (opens in new window) Grand Marnier (opens in new window), lime and cranberry juice, and an orange peel to garnish. These ingredients blend together to create a beautiful drink that has a little citrussy sweetness balanced by the lovely sharpness of the zesty juice.
7. Gimlet
The Gimlet is crisp, smooth, and effortlessly classy. It has a cool, zesty edge with just enough bite to keep things interesting, striking the perfect balance between sharp and laid-back. Think of it as the kind of cocktail that feels timeless—sophisticated without being stuffy, equally at home in a chic bar or a relaxed evening catch-up.
8. Moscow Mule
Easy summer cocktails don’t get any easier than this. Traditionally served in copper mugs, the Moscow Mule cocktail combines vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer. Citrus wedges and mint leaves are often used as garnishes to make the drink even more aromatic.
9. Old Cuban
The Old Cuban is elegant, bubbly, and full of charm. It carries a rich depth with a touch of sparkle, blending classic sophistication with celebratory flair. Think of it as a cocktail that feels luxurious yet inviting—perfect for when you want something refined but still playful and full of life.
10. Mai Tai
One of the best fruity cocktails to pour if you love a hint of zest, the Mai Tai is a classic drink that brings a serious hint of tropical swagger to the party. This Tiki drink is on the International Bartenders Association’s official list of cocktails, and for good reason. Rum-forward with a subtle sweetness from the orange and tartness from the citrus, the addition of orgeat syrup adds an interesting almond flavour. It’s lovely and complex — just the way we like it.
11. Southside
The Southside is bright, cool, and effortlessly smooth. It’s got a fresh, uplifting vibe with a whisper of sophistication, striking a balance between lively energy and easygoing charm. Think of it as the cocktail equivalent of a sunny afternoon with a stylish twist.
12. Dark ’n Stormy
The Dark ’n Stormy cocktail recipe has been around for more than a century but still hits all of the right flavour notes today. Super simple to pour, yet gorgeously zesty to the core, it’s a great seaside sipper and tailor-made for hot summer days.
13. Pisco Sour
Featuring pisco (a clear Latin American brandy), simple syrup, lime juice, and egg white as ingredients, the Pisco Sour comes to the party with a terrific mix of tart, sweet, silky, and herbaceous flavours.
14. Last Word
This cocktail is a beautifully balanced drink that walks the fine line between subtle sweetness and inviting tartness, underpinned by the captivating aroma of ripe cherries and bitter herbs. Absolutely delicious!
15. Cuba Libre
The aptly named Cuba Libre was first created in Cuba and eventually became a popular drink in the US during Prohibition. Made with a classic combination of white rum, cola, and citrus, it’s a gorgeous cocktail that captures Cuba’s spirit and is loved around the world.
There you have it – 15 of the best lime cocktails you can make at home and impress your guests even if you’re a newbie to the mixology game. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter (opens in new window) for more inspiration and to stay in the Mix.
