Lone Ranger Cocktail

The Lone Ranger cocktail is a summertime classic with a secret identity—it’s basically a French 75 in a cowboy hat. Instead of gin and champagne, this drink pairs bright, citrusy blanco tequila with a splash of brut rosé for a bubbly finish that’s as pink and punchy as a rodeo queen’s manicure. Anyone who knows me knows that I love all things bubbles, so this effervescent little sipper is right up my alley. It’s zesty, sparkling and just sweet enough to feel like a party in your glass (without making you feel as if you’re getting cavities).

Whether I am making one or pouring them by the pitcher for a happy hour backyard barbecue, this tequila cocktail is a crowd-pleaser with big personality. I think of it as the perfect drink for folks who love the elegance of a spritz but prefer their spirits with a little more swagger.

Where did the Lone Ranger cocktail originate?

The Lone Ranger cocktail recipe was created by Jeffrey Morgenthaler, a bar world legend and the owner of Pacific Standard and The Sunset Room in Portland, Oregon. Known for his clever twists on classics, Morgenthaler took the bones of a French 75 and gave it a tequila-forward glow-up. The result? A drink that’s just as effervescent but with an added agave kick. It’s a brilliant example of how one simple spirit swap can give a timeless drink a whole new personality.

Lone Ranger Cocktail Ingredients

• Blanco tequila: The crisp, clean flavor of blanco tequila makes this cocktail shine. An unaged tequila, as called for in this recipe, brings a peppery brightness that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Avoid aged (reposado or anejo) tequila here—both are too rich and woody for this bubbly sipper.
• Fresh-squeezed lemon juice: Don’t even think about the bottled stuff. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for that sharp, bright citrus punch that balances the sweetness of the wine. Juice the lemon with a citrus squeezer, a food processor or with your hands.
• Simple syrup: Just a touch goes a long way to mellow out the tartness. You can use store-bought, but it’s a snap to make your own simple syrup at home. Want to kick the sweetness up a notch? Instead of a 1:1 sugar-to-water ratio, try a 2:1 sugar-to-water ratio to make a richer simple syrup. It adds more than just sweetness—rich simple syrup is all about texture.
• Brut rosé sparkling wine: You want a brut rosé wine that’s not too sweet. It should be just dry enough to keep the cocktail crisp and refreshing. A dry sparkling wine balances the citrus flavor and simple syrup while adding a festive pink hue—and those irresistible bubbles.
• Lemon wheel: A little cocktail garnish goes a long way, and a lemon wheel brings the whole drink together with style and scent.

Directions

Step 1: Ice your glass

Fill a large stemless wine glass with ice cubes.

Editor’s Tip: If you want to squeeze your lemon juice fresh, do that now, but don’t forget to cut a round or two for garnishes.

Step 2: Shake it up

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In a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice, add the tequila, lemon juice and simple syrup. Shake until well chilled.

Editor’s Tip: You know it’s chilled when your shaker is frosty on the outside. Don’t shake longer than 15 to 20 seconds, though, because that will dilute the drink.

Step 3: Strain it into your glass

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Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and top with the sparkling rosé.

Editor’s Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp or ice chips and to achieve a silky-smooth finish. After you pour in the wine, don’t stir the drink—just let the bubbles do their thing.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Score the lemon wheel halfway to the center and place it on the edge of the glass. Serve.

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Lone Ranger Cocktail Variations

• Switch out the spirit: Swap in mezcal for the tequila to bring a smoky, earthy depth to the drink. It’s a great option for people who want something more adventurous and complex.
• Include bubbles, but make them with cider: Use a rosé cider (I love Eris Blush Cider, found in Chicago) instead of sparkling wine for a slightly sweeter but lower ABV version with a fun twist.
• Add a bit of bitters: Add a dash of Angostura bitters to the shaker for a hint of spice and extra depth. It plays beautifully with the lemon and rosé.
• Leave out the lemon: Not a lemon person? Try fresh-squeezed lime juice for a more tart, margarita-adjacent version. Grapefruit juice could also rev up the tartness.

How to Store Lone Ranger Cocktails

You can make the base (the tequila, lemon juice and simple syrup) ahead of time and store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Wait to add the sparkling rosé until just before serving so it doesn’t go flat. Once mixed with the sparkling wine, Lone Ranger cocktails are best enjoyed immediately. The bubbles start to fade after about 30 minutes, so don’t let them linger too long!

Lone Ranger Cocktail Tips

What’s the best type of glass for the Lone Ranger cocktail?

There is no wrong answer, but a stemless wine glass works beautifully. You just want something that shows off the bubbles and has room for ice. Tall vintage glassware like champagne flutes could work too, especially if you’re going for that French 75 vibe.

How do you make batches of Lone Ranger cocktails?

For a crowd, mix up the tequila, lemon juice and simple syrup for the Lone Ranger cocktail in a large pitcher and refrigerate. Right before serving, pour the mixture into individual glasses over ice and top each with sparkling rosé. Multiply the recipe ingredients by the number of servings you want, and prep your garnishes beforehand. This batch cocktail version is perfect for a party where you don’t want to spend all night behind the bar.