Jade Monkey Tequila Cocktail with Vanilla and Lime
A playful tequila cocktail that blends bright lime, smooth vanilla, and nostalgic lemon-lime Kool-Aid for a sweet-tart balance. Refreshing, easy, and unmistakably fun.
The Jade Monkey is a cheerful, lime-green tequila drink with a nostalgic twist. Sweet Kool-Aid, fresh lime, and a trace of vanilla make it bright, creamy, and quick to mix. It’s a lighthearted cocktail for warm-weather gatherings or anyone craving citrus with character.
Background
The Jade Monkey isn’t a historic recipe—it’s a modern bar favorite born from playful experimentation. Its mix of tequila and powdered drink mix recalls 1990s backyard culture and casual creativity behind the bar.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
- Tequila Blanco – crisp agave base for structure.
- Lime Juice – cuts sweetness and keeps it lively.
- Kool-Aid Lemon-Lime – adds color and nostalgic sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract – rounds acidity with soft warmth.
Equipment
Shaker, jigger, strainer, and a chilled highball glass filled with ice.
Why You’ll Love It – Sweet-Tart Simplicity
Bright lime meets vanilla smoothness in one shake. The short ingredient list hides a layered balance that works for both casual mixers and home bartenders testing contrasts.
Substitutions & Variations
- Spirit Swap: Use vodka or light rum instead of tequila for a neutral base.
- Flavor Swap: Try Cherry or Tropical Punch Kool-Aid for color shifts.
- Mocktail: Replace tequila with sparkling water for a soda-style refresher.
Helpful Tips
- Shake hard to fully dissolve the powder and aerate the drink.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or mint sprig for aroma.
- Batch with pre-mixed lime and Kool-Aid for quick service at parties.
Jade Monkey Recipe
Type of Glass
Highball Glass
Ingredients
- 3/4 oz.
- 1 1/2 oz.
- 1/4 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 oz. Kool-Aid Lemon-Lime
Directions
- Combine Tequila Blanco, Lime Juice, Kool-Aid Lemon-Lime, and Vanilla Extract in a shaker with ice.
- Shake well for about 10 seconds.
- Strain into a chilled highball glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or mint sprig.
A bright, balanced cocktail that mixes nostalgia with modern citrus edge—simple to make, easy to love.
