How to Make 14 Fruit-Infused Tequilas for Summer Cocktails

Tequila + fruit is the perfect combo. And it's so easy to infuse tequila (or mezcal) with fruit for all kinds of tasty possibilities (prickly pear-infused tequila? Yes please!). If you like the idea of adding more fruit flavor to margaritas and other tequila drinks, then follow our guide for how to make fruit-infused tequila, and then try one of our infused tequila cocktails. 

How to Make Fruit-Infused Tequila

If you've never had a margarita made from a fruit-infused tequila, then you're missing out. From juicy pomegranate to refreshing watermelon, infused tequila brings a whole new level of flavor to your fave tequila drink.

Ingredients & Supplies

• 1½ to 2 cups fruit
• 750mL tequila or pink tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Slice the fruit.
2. In a large, clean bottle or jar, add the sliced fruit and tequila.
3. Secure the lid, then firmly shake to mix the infusion.
4. Store in a cool, dark place for approximately three to four days, giving the container a firm shake for a few seconds each day.
5. On the final day, sample the flavors by pouring the infusion into a glass. If you want more fruit flavor, allow the infusion to steep longer.
6. Otherwise, carefully remove fruit and discard it.
7. Funnel the tequila into the second clean bottle, filtering with the cheesecloth.
8. Carefully seal and store in a cool, dry place.

Strawberry-Infused Tequila

Strawberry margaritas get an upgrade with a simple strawberry-infused tequila.

Ingredients & Supplies

• 1½ to 2 cups strawberries, hulled
• 750mL tequila or pink tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. Slice the strawberries.
2. In a large, clean bottle or jar, add the strawberries and tequila.
3. Secure the lid, then firmly shake to mix the infusion.
4. Store in a cool, dark place for approximately three to four days, giving the container a firm shake for a few seconds each day.
5. On the final day, sample the flavors by pouring the infusion into a glass. If you want more strawberry flavor, allow the infusion to steep longer.
6. Otherwise, carefully remove the strawberries and discard them.
7. Funnel the tequila into the second clean bottle, filtering with the cheesecloth.
8. Carefully seal and store in a cool, dry place.

Lime-Infused Tequila

Give your favorite tequila a subtle sour touch with limes. It'll add a whole new level to any margarita.

Ingredients

• Three to five whole, sliced limes
• 750mL whiskey
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add lime slices and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Pomegranate-Infused Tequila

Pomegranate seeds will give your tequila a fruity yet slightly bitter note without adding too much sweetness to the overall infusion.

Ingredients

• 1½ to 2 cups pomegranate seeds, approximately two to three pomegranates
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add pomegranate seeds and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Watermelon-Infused Tequila

With a little bit of watermelon tequila and another mixer, you have a sweet and luscious drink on hand. Expect it to turn heads.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cubed watermelon or one medium watermelon
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add cut watermelon and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Fig-Infused Tequila

Add earthy tones to your tequila with a sweet fig flavor. Add a few pinches of white or brown sugar if you want a sweeter infusion.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups fresh figs, quartered
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add prepared figs and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Blueberry-Infused Tequila

Not only will this blueberry infusion create a deliciously sweet and succulent tequila, but the color will make any margarita or cocktail pop.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups fresh blueberries, cut in half
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add prepared blueberries and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Grape-Infused Tequila

Don't be fooled by this infusion. It won't taste like medicine. Instead, it captures the natural notes of grape, and better yet, you get to decide whether to go for sweet red grapes or soft white grape notes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups grapes, quartered
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add prepared grapes and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Prickly Pear-Infused Tequila

Prickly pear, or pear cactus, is a syrupy sweet fruit that you can find in just about any supermarket. After one sip of a prickly pear infusion, you may be competing with your friends for the supply.

Ingredients

• 6-8 prickly pears, peeled and cut
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add cut prickly pears and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Related: 25 Margarita Recipes So Delicious, You'll Want More

Lemon-Infused Tequila

A little lemon will brighten up any tequila or tequila cocktail. If you want yours to be extra lemony, you can double the number of lemons.

Ingredients

• Three to four whole, cut lemons
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add cut lemons and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Orange-Infused Tequila

Make it citrus, but make it soft and sweet by using several ripe oranges for a vitamin C-flooded infusion.

Ingredients

• Two to three whole, cut oranges
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add cut oranges and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Peach-Infused Tequila

Add a soft touch of fuzzy peach to make a modern fuzzy navel with tequila, or go bold with a peach margarita. Your options are endless with this summery fruit.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups pitted and sliced peaches
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add prepared peaches and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Pineapple-Infused Tequila

Go effortlessly tropical with a pineapple tequila. With just a little club soda, you have a beach drink, or substitute this for any coconut rum.

Ingredients

• 2 cups peeled and cubed pineapple
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add prepared pineapple and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Grapefruit-Infused Tequila

If you're big on grapefruit cocktails — after all, who doesn't love a Paloma — then add even more of that bitter and dewy grapefruit flavor with an infused tequila.

Ingredients

• Two whole, cut grapefruits
• 750mL tequila
• Two large, clean bottles or jars
• Cheesecloth or other fine strainer
• Funnel

Instructions

1. In a large, clean jar or bottle, add prepared grapefruits and tequila and tightly seal.
2. Give the mix a gentle shake.
3. Store in a cool, dry place for approximately three to four days, gently shaking the container each day.
4. After the infusion has steeped, pour a small amount into a glass to sample. If it meets your expectations, funnel and strain ingredients into a second clean jar or bottle. Otherwise, allow the ingredients to steep further.

Variations of Fruit-infused Tequila

Give your fruit tequila infusion a little extra something by adding another flavor to the mix.

• Add a little heat to your fruity tequila by slicing up a whole jalapeño, skipping the seeds, or a habanero pepper or two, following the same steps.
• On the other hand, sweeten up your infused tequila with a half cup of honey or agave.
• Combine a few fruit flavors together by tossing in half to a full cup of berries cut in half, such as blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, hulled and sliced strawberries, or pitted and sliced cherries. A cup and a half of pomegranate seeds, cubed pineapple, mango, or papaya also make great tequila infusion pairings.
• Layer citrus into the other fruits by adding two to three whole, sliced lemons or limes, or a large whole, sliced orange.
• Fruit and spices make for a great pairing. Add two to three whole cinnamon sticks, a tablespoon of cloves or star anise, or a tablespoon of peeled and sliced ginger.
• Shake in a few herbs with two to three sage, rosemary, or mint sprigs.

Fruit-infused Tequila Pairings

You may have a hard time deciding on a flavor pairing to start with, so let this be your guide as you start.

• Strawberry + blackberry
• Watermelon + blueberry
• Fig + orange
• Pomegranate + coconut
• Lime + mango
• Pomegranate + orange
• Watermelon + lime
• Peach + raspberry
• Blueberry + orange
• Orange + pomegranate
• Lemon + strawberry
• Grape + raspberry
• Prickly pear + rhubarb
• Pineapple + mango
• Fig + honey
• Grapefruit + raspberry
• Orange + honey
• Strawberry + honey
• Lime + raspberry
• Lemon + mango
• Peach + lemon
• Prickly pear + strawberry
• Blueberry + lime
• Grape + honey
• Pineapple + coconut
• Grapefruit + lemon

Fruit-Infused Tequila Cocktails

Crack open the bottle of infused tequila and make a modern cocktail that'll delight tequila lovers and stun those who are skeptical.

A Grapefruit Walks Into a Bar

Leave no question about whether or not your Paloma has enough grapefruit flavors. Take it all the way to 10 with this spin.

Ingredients

• Lime wedge and salt for rim
• 2 ounces grapefruit-infused tequila
• ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ ounce simple syrup
• Ice
• Grapefruit soda to top off
• Grapefruit slice for garnish

Instructions

1. To prepare the rim, rub the rim of the glass with the lime wedge.
2. With the salt on a saucer, dip either half or the entire rim of the glass in the salt to coat.
3. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, grapefruit tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup.
4. Shake to chill.
5. Strain into the prepared glass.
6. Top off with grapefruit soda.
7. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Tequila Punch

Rum shouldn't get all the glory and fame when it comes to punch drinks. With just a little sleight of hand, you can surprise your friends with this new take on a classic drink.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces peach-infused tequila
• 1½ ounces pineapple juice
• 1 ounce orange juice
• ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ ounce grenadine
• Ice
• Orange slice for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add peach tequila, pineapple juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine.
2. Shake to chill.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.

Fig Margarita

A margarita needs no introduction, and after a single taste of the fig flavors in this margarita, neither will this riff.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces fig-infused tequila
• ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ¾ ounce orange liqueur
• ½ ounce agave
• Ice
• Quartered fig and lemon peel for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, fig tequila, lemon juice, orange liqueur, and agave.
2. Shake to chill.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.
4. Garnish with a quartered fig and lemon peel.

Strawberry Tequila Highball

Give your traditional tequila highball that little something extra in the form of strawberry and other summery flavors.

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces strawberry-infused tequila
• ¾ ounce elderflower liqueur
• ½ ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Ice
• Lemon-lime soda to top off
• Strawberry for garnish

Instructions

1. In a cocktail shaker, add ice, strawberry tequila, elderflower liqueur, and lemon juice.
2. Shake to chill.
3. Strain into a highball glass over fresh ice.
4. Top off with lemon-lime soda.
5. Garnish with a strawberry.

Mixers for Fruit Tequila Drinks

It is more than understandable if you don't want to bust out the agave for a margarita or prepare a list of ingredients for a cocktail, so add a mixer or two, and your tequila cocktail is ready.

• Margarita mix
• Lime juice
• Lemon juice
• Tonic water
• Plain club soda
• Flavored club soda, such as lemon, lime, coconut, vanilla, berry, or orange
• Pineapple juice
• Orange juice
• Cherry juice
• Pomegranate juice
• Lemon-lime soda
• Limeade
• Lemonade
• Grapefruit juice
• Grapefruit soda
• Honey
• Simple syrup
• Orange liqueur
• Peach nectar
• Watermelon juice
• Pomegranate juice

Crafting a Fruit-infused Tequila

Want more summer recipes? Add your tequila to an alcoholic ice pop and chillax. Take it easy and infuse your tequila with fresh fruit flavors to skip all the muddling and building when you want a juicy, fruity cocktail. The next time you're running errands, grab a few extra pieces of your favorite fruit and a bottle of tequila, and kick back while the ingredients do all the heavy lifting. Better yet, you can prove to all your friends that tequila is for more than just margaritas.