Reviewed by WhatDrink Editorial Team, Drinks EditorHow we calculate nutrition
Cocktailalcoholic7.3% ABV5 ingredientsexcellent recipe
Difficulty
Moderateshaken drink
Why: 5 ingredients, shaken drink, requires rimmed glass, requires shaker
Best for: Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Taco Night
Ingredients & Tools
BaseCitrusSweetenerGarnish
- For glassLime WedgeGarnish
- 2.0 ozCoarse SaltGarnish
- 1.0 ozBlanco TequilaBase
- 2.0 ozFresh Lime JuiceCitrus
- to tasteSimple SyrupSweetener
Tools:shaker
How to Make It
ShakeTop
- Rim old-fashioned glass with lime and salt.
- Fill with ice.TopTopping adds length, bubbles, dilution or sweetness near the end.
- Shake remaining ingredients with ice and strain into glass.ShakeShaking chills, dilutes and adds texture.
Best For
Food Pairings
Diet & Lifestyle
Gluten-FreeVeganVegetarian
Make it your way
Adjust this drink
Swap notes
Base spiritBlanco tequila is bright and sharp; reposado adds barrel warmth; añejo is richer and smoother. Mezcal swaps in well but adds smoke — use a little less and see how it sits.CitrusCitrus juice changes acidity, while citrus peel or twist mainly changes aroma. Lemon is sharp and bright, lime is sharper and more aromatic, orange is sweeter, and grapefruit adds bitterness. If you swap citrus, adjust sweetness slowly.SweetenerSimple syrup is neutral; honey adds floral warmth; agave is lighter and less cloying; grenadine adds pomegranate colour and fruit sweetness. Sweeteners vary in intensity — start with less than you think you need, then taste. Always rebalance with a little citrus if the drink feels flat after swapping.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is a Viva Villa?
- The Viva Villa is a cocktail made with 5 ingredients, traditionally served in a Old-Fashioned Glass. It has an ABV of approximately 7.3%. A standard serving contains approximately 128 calories.
- What does a Viva Villa taste like?
- Viva Villa has a flavour profile featuring Citrus, Lime, Tart, Agave. The exact taste varies depending on the brands and measures used.
- What food goes well with a Viva Villa?
- Viva Villa pairs well with Mexican Cuisine, Seafood, Spicy Food. The pairing is based on complementary flavour profiles from the recipe's ingredients.
- How strong is a Viva Villa?
- The Viva Villa has an ABV of approximately 7.3%. That's approximately 0.71 US standard drinks. A standard serving contains 128 calories, 11.9g sugar, 15.8g carbs. Strength varies depending on the exact measures and spirits used.
- When is a Viva Villa typically served?
- Viva Villa is a popular choice for Taco Night. It also works well as an aperitif or casual evening drink.
- What drinks are similar to a Viva Villa?
- If you enjoy Viva Villa, look for cocktails with a similar spirit base and flavour profile using the filters on the cocktails page. Drinks with matching body and acidity scores on the sensory bar will feel closest in character.
- Can I make a Viva Villa at home?
- Yes. The Viva Villa uses 5 ingredients, making it straightforward to prepare at home. You will need a Old-Fashioned Glass. Use quality spirits and fresh ingredients for the best result.
- What do the sensory profile dimensions mean?
- Sensory profile dimensions describe key flavour characteristics: Body (light to full), Dryness (sweet to bone dry), Acidity (flat to crisp), Fruitiness (subtle to prominent) and Boldness (delicate to bold). Each scale helps you compare cocktails at a glance and find ones with similar character.
- How do I use sensory profiles to find cocktails I like?
- Compare the Body, Acidity and Fruitiness of Viva Villa with other cocktails. If you enjoy this drink, look for others with a similar profile. Adjust one dimension at a time to discover new favourites while staying in your flavour comfort zone.