18 Classic Lime Cocktails for Spring

Whether you prefer gin, rum, vodka, or tequila, these zippy and delicious lime cocktails are a real treat.

They’re light, bright, and super refreshing.

As an avid margarita lover, lime is my jam. So these lime cocktails are a godsend to me.

That said, lime is way more versatile than you think, and it’s much more palatable than lemon (while still being tart and citrusy).

Sometimes it’s the star, and other times it’s there for support. But no matter what, these lime cocktail recipes are all delish.

And from a classic margarita to the Brazilian Caipirinha, this list has it all. 

Lime Cocktails & Drink Recipes

1. Orange-Lime Margarita 

Go into any bar, and the orange-lime margarita stands out as a crowd favorite. 

Refreshing sweet and sour citrus fruits give this booze-heavy beverage a summery flair.

It’s a beautiful balance between tequila, orange & lime juices, and a little bit of salt around the rim.

Enjoy this drink every Taco Tuesday or Wednesday, or Thursday…it doesn’t matter, just try it. 

I guarantee everyone will love it!

Ingredients: triple sec, tequila, orange juice, lime juice, sugar, ice, lime wedges, salt for the cocktail glass rim

2. Classic Daiquiri 

Classic daiquiris aren’t the overly-sweet frozen cocktail recipes you’re used to. 

The drink actually originates in Cuba and is made with lime juice, rum, and simple syrup.

Think of daiquiri like the rum version of a classic marg! It’s citrusy, light, and perfectly teeters between sweet and sour. 

Shake it with ice and place it into a cocktail glass for a refreshing, smooth, and delicious drink.

One sip, and you’ll be hooked on this daiquiri. 

Ingredients: rum, lime juice, simple syrup, lime wheel

3. Gimlet

The gimlet is another simple yet delicious cocktail that only requires three ingredients. 

Sweetened with a honey simple syrup, this cocktail has a hint of a floral flavor, thanks to the gin.

Add the special ingredient – lime juice – and it’s spectacularly balanced. 

The homemade honey simple syrup gives it a more natural sweetness and is super easy to make.

Add some orange peel for a more aromatic citrus syrup which you can also use in all kinds of cocktail recipes.

People will LOVE this beverage on a hot day! 

Ingredients: gin, lime juice, honey simple syrup, ice, lime wedges

4. Tequila Lime Mojitarita Cocktail

In case you haven’t already guessed: “mojitarita” combines a mojito and a margarita. 

But is it a tequila version of a mojito or a minty margarita? Either way you sip it, you’ll instantly fall in love with this fun fusion. 

Both cocktail recipes are made with citrus juice, so why not combine the two?

Together they make an incredibly refreshing, minty, and lime-forward beverage that’s sure to put some pep in your step. 

Ingredients: silver tequila, lime juice, mint, sugar, club soda, lime wheel

5. Mojito 

Try this beloved rum cocktail if the classic mojito is more your flavor. 

Muddled mint is the star, but it wouldn’t be the same without a tart splash of citrus.

The process of muddling the mint activates all the oils, so the flavor infuses into the rum and lime juice. 

Add some simple syrup and top it off with a bit of bubbly soda water. Yum!

Ingredients: white rum, mint, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, ice, lime wheel

6. Lime Drop Martini

Lemon drop martinis are one of the most popular vodka cocktail recipes around. Using lime in place of lemon juice makes this version even better. 

Fresh lime juice is essential in this cocktail since it’s the namesake ingredient. Add the juice to a cocktail shaker with ice, superfine sugar, vodka, and triple sec. 

The chipped ice that results from shaking is what makes this sweet and sour spirit so delightful.

Ingredients: vodka, triple sec, lime juice, sugar, lime wedges

7. Watermelon Limeade Cocktails

You can’t beat this refreshing cocktail when it’s crazy hot, and watermelons are sweet and ripe. 

Sweet watermelons and tart limes are a match made in heaven, after all.

Just be sure you let the fruit freeze completely. Overnight is best!

Ingredients: rum, limes, watermelon, sugar, club soda

8. Vodka Gimlet

The vodka gimlet is just what you think it is: a gimlet with vodka in place of gin.

It’s a delicious, zingy cocktail that’s easy to make and ideal for anyone who isn’t a fan of botanical gin.

Lime is the key ingredient here, so be sure it’s fresh. Shake it up with vodka and ice, then strain it into a cocktail glass. 

How easy is that?

Ingredients: vodka, lime cordial, lime wedges

9. Gin Lime Rickey Cocktail

The gin lime Rickey is a tart, bubbly cocktail that’s practically made for a poolside party. 

With only three ingredients – floral gin, citrus lime, and effervescent club soda – it’s pure summertime bliss. 

Be warned, people: lime Rickeys are easy to enjoy, so pace yourself!

Ingredients: gin, lime juice, club soda, lime wheel

10. Slick Rick Cocktail – Grape Lime Rickey with Vodka

Slick Rick is a play on the classic lime Rickey with just a few ingredient swaps – like using gin in place of vodka. 

Lime juice and lime-flavored sparkling water give the slick Rick a punch of citrus flavor and lots of bubbles. 

Freeze up some grape juice ice cubes and add them to this fizzy cocktail. Your drink won’t just be extra cold, but will also become more grape-y as it melts. 

Ingredients: vodka, grape juice, limes, sparkling water, grape juice ice cubes

11. Refreshing Guava Cocktail

Guava is a spectacular tropical fruit that works harmoniously with the sour flavors of lime. 

Sweet and sour, this guava cocktail will satisfy everyone with its unique flavor and wonderful sweetness.

Lime adds balance and a slight pucker. 

Stir in some of your favorite tequila and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a refreshing cherry on top. Delish!

Ingredients: tequila, guava juice, limes, mint

12. Guava Mojito

We’ve talked about a couple of mojito variations, but this one is quite unique. 

The characteristic flavors of mint, lime, and rum are tropicalized with yummy guava nectar.

This is a fun drink that’s perfect for anyone who likes their drinks fruity.

Enjoy this during your next backyard barbeque, and you’ll stay cool and refreshed all day. 

Ingredients: white rum, mint, sugar, lime juice, seltzer water, ice, lime wedges

13. Mariachi Mash

Mariachi mash is a mashup of beloved flavors. 

Everybody knows that tequila and lime are two peas in a pod and that lemon and lime go hand in hand.

So why not add lemon juice to the tequila-lime partnership? 

Limoncello gives this cocktail an unbelievably tart flavor.

The cherry on top is the garnish of fresh mint and sugar around the rim. It provides a wonderful experience with each sip. 

This cocktail is just as fun as a mariachi band and will have everyone dancing the night away. 

Ingredients: limoncello, blanco tequila, limes, honey, club soda, mint, sugar for the cocktail glass rim

14. Vodka Seltzer

Vodka seltzer is a casual, cool, and comforting drink. It’s easy to make on a whim, but it’s terrific at parties too. 

With only four ingredients, you’ll have a delicious beverage ready to go in no time.

Lime juice, seltzer water, vodka, and agave combine to make your new favorite cocktail. 

Similar to a vodka tonic but without the sugar, these classic flavors are easily loved by everyone. 

Ingredients: vodka, lime juice, agave, seltzer water, lime wedges

15. Aperol Gin Cocktail

The Aperol spritz has become very popular recently. And I absolutely love this tart twist.

This is a gin cocktail flavored with sour lime and cool cucumber. Add a splash of Aperol for that signature bitterness and gorgeous color. 

A splash of club soda gives this beverage an effervescent finish. This is a must-try, people!

Ingredients: gin, Aperol, cucumber, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda, lime wheel

16. Moscow Mule Cocktail

The classic Moscow mule is a popular drink that’s well-curated. In fact, there isn’t much that needs to be done to this potion of perfection. 

Lime and ginger beer are a fantastic combination. The sour and spicy mix is so addictive, and it actually pairs well (better, if you ask me) with dark rum.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Moscow mule without vodka.

Although traditionally served in a copper cup, you can still enjoy it in a cocktail glass if you don’t have any. 

(Put them on your Christmas list because they’re insanely Insta-worthy!)

Ingredients: vodka, lime juice, ginger beer, lime wedge

17. Classic Peruvian Pisco Sour Cocktail 

The Peruvian Pisco sour features Pisco brandy, lime juice, and simple syrup. So it can easily be made at home. 

In true “sour” fashion, top this cocktail with frothy egg whites for a creamy finish. 

A few dashes of bitters add another layer of flavor, and you’re set to serve one sophisticated cocktail. 

Ingredients: pisco, simple syrup, key lime juice, egg white, aromatic bitters

18.  Classic Caipirinha

Caipirinha is a popular cocktail originating from Brazil and is made using cachaça, a distilled spirit made from sugarcane juice.

It also calls for muddled limes, sugar, and crushed ice, creating a refreshing, zesty, & sweet cocktail. No wonder caipirinha is enjoyed by many people around the world!

Ingredients: limes, sugar, cachaca, crushed ice, lime wedge