Featuring mint, edible glitter, and one very poor teenage decision involving Billy Idol

Dearest gentle readers, I know you are curious as to what mocktail I served on St. Patrick’s Day.

“Well, yeah, we WERE … A MONTH AGO!”

Never fear. The tequila lemonade I served is one of my favorite – and easiest! – mocktails, very refreshing and perfect for spring and summer weather. It’s easy to glam it up and turn it into a Gold Coin, but the basic drink is quite attractive on its own.

Should you google “Tequila Lemonade” you’ll find detailed instructions on measuring, muddling, making simple syrup (sugar water), and manhandling lemons.

My way is much easier.

Easy is good, right?

NOTE: My version also has fresh mint. Do not even think of making this drink without the fresh mint.

Ingredients for Tequila Lemonade / Gold Coin Mocktail

Directions for Tequila Lemonade / Gold Coin Mocktail

Measure 1 – 2 shot glasses of tequila alternative into a large (approx. 14 oz) wine glass or rocks glass. (I used Ritual.)

Fill the rest of the glass with chilled lemonade, leaving room for ice (if using).

“Bruise” some mint leaves in your hands. Don’t tear the leaves, just gently crush them between your fingers. Add them to the drink. Let the drink sit for a few minutes.

If using edible glitter, add a tiny bit now and stir. Add more if needed. (Gold is especially pretty here, and with the green mint it’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day—but use whatever color you like.)

Add ice, if using. (Always add ice after the glitter – otherwise, the glitter will cling to the ice instead of dispersing smoothly.)

Garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime slice.

NOTES:

If you’re hyper-vigilant about sourcing your sugar, use an organic lemonade or make your own using your sweetener of choice. (Florida Crystals, agave, etc.).

This is also great as a pitcher drink for a crowd. Measurements don’t need to be exact—start with a bottle of lemonade and add tequila alternative to taste. Be generous with the mint and let it chill for at least an hour in the fridge. If using edible glitter, stir well before pouring, as it tends to settle.

Do As I Say, Not As I Do

Making this with real tequila? (I know some of you are!) Go easy on the shots.

Two shots of tequila alternative add a nice “burn” to your mocktail.

Two shots of real tequila will make you tipsy very quickly.

And this drink is dangerously easy to drink.

Case In Point: Me, as a young teen, hanging out with much older teens before going to see Billy Idol.

Billy was my ultimate teenage MTV crush. That sneer! That hair! That body! That voice! And—bonus—he was vegetarian and loved to read. He was even taking Philosophy and Literature (!) in college before dropping out.

OBVIOUSLY, we were meant to be together. If, that is, he ever discovered I existed.

My older friends whipped up a batch of this tequila lemonade (sans mint). I wasn’t used to drinking, and this sweet, smooth spiked lemonade barely tasted alcoholic at all!

I drank a generous amount before the show.

I drank a generous amount during the show.

It never occurred to me I was getting very, very tipsy. I assumed the warmth and euphoric glow were all courtesy of Billy.

By the time Billy launched into Rebel Yell, it was hard to tell who was more wasted – me or Billy.

Let’s just say the next three days were not particularly pleasant.

So, since I can’t be a good example, I’ll be a horrible warning.

Learn from my mistakes, people!

If you drink, drink responsibly.

Or better yet – skip the alcohol every now and then and have a mocktail instead.

Even Billy only has an occasional glass of wine these days.

Next Post: What Influencers Don’t Tell You About Edible Glitter