South of the Border recipe
Tequila and triple sec shaken with lemonade, Sprite and a splash of lime juice, then strained into a cocktail glass.
By Kris Barton · Updated - 2 mins total
- 5 ingredients
- Cocktail glass
What Ingredients do you need to make a South of the Border?
Tequila
Tequila is made from the fermented juice of the blue agave plant primarily in the city of Tequila, in the Mexican state of Jalisco.
In order for Tequila to be official (and to actually be called a Tequila), it must be made in specific regions of Mexico and follow strict regulations.
Different Types of Tequila
There are 5 main types of Tequila:
Blanco (Silver) – Clear, usually unaged with a strong agave flavour.
Reposado – Aged in oak barrels for 2 to 12 months, giving it a smoother flavour with hints of oak and vanilla.
Añejo – Aged 1 to 3 years, offering richer, more complex flavours.
Extra Añejo – Aged over 3 years, with deep, refined flavours, often compared to fine cognacs or whiskies.
Joven (Gold) – A mix of Blanco and aged tequilas, sometimes with added colouring or flavouring.
Triple Sec
Triple Sec is a style of Orange Liqueur and you can read more about it in our detailed article.
For Triple Sec, we recommend:
What Equipment do you need to make a South of the Border?
Cocktail Shaker
Cocktail shakers improve the taste of cocktails. It’s a fact.
There’s a reason that famed British spy James Bond says “shaken, not stirred”. And that reason is: because it tastes better.
If you don’t already have a cocktail shaker set, you might want to check out our detailed cocktail shaker comparison.
But to cut a long story short, here’s the cocktail shaker we recommend:
Cocktail Glass
This cocktail recipe tastes great, but let’s make it look great too.
Having the right glass for the right cocktail always makes the experience more enjoyable in my experience.
And the right glass is a cocktail glass.
We recommend:
Hawthorne Strainer
If you (or perhaps the person you’re buying for) don’t have a Hawthorne strainer as part of a cocktail shaker set, it’s a great, and incredibly useful, addition to your cocktail toolbox.
The strainer is typically used to remove the ice (or any other unwanted solid ingredients) from your cocktail as it’s poured from the cocktail shaker into your glass.
For a Hawthorne Strainer, we recommend:
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Recipe card
South of the Border
- Prep
- 1 min
- Making
- 1 min
- Total
- 2 mins
- Serves
- 1
- Glass
- Cocktail glass
Ingredients
Makes 1 drink.
Method
- Add ice and the ingredients to your cocktail shaker.
- Shake well.
- Strain into a cocktail glass using a Hawthorne strainer.
Want more like this? Browse our full collection of modern cocktails.
South of the Border FAQs
What Ingredients do you need to make a South of the Border?
To make a South of the Border, you need 60ml / 2oz tequila, 30ml / 1oz triple sec, 60ml / 2oz lemonade, 30ml / 1oz Sprite and a splash of lime juice. There’s more about tequila and triple sec above.
What Equipment do you need to make a South of the Border?
You’ll need a cocktail shaker, a cocktail glass and a Hawthorne strainer.
What alcohol is in a South of the Border?
A South of the Border contains 60ml / 2oz tequila and 30ml / 1oz triple sec.
Is a South of the Border shaken or stirred?
A South of the Border is shaken. Shake it with ice in a cocktail shaker, then strain it into a cocktail glass.
Can I make a South of the Border without a cocktail shaker?
A cocktail shaker is best, but a clean jam jar with a tight lid works too. Add ice and the ingredients, screw the lid on and shake hard for 10 to 15 seconds, then strain it into your glass through a small sieve.
What glass is a South of the Border served in?
Serve a South of the Border in a cocktail glass.
