Tequila cocktails offer a tasty way to enjoy this Mexican spirit. From classic margaritas to fun new mixes, there are lots of drinks to try.
You can find something for every taste and occasion.
These 15 tequila cocktails will give you plenty of ideas for your next drink. They range from simple sippers to more complex creations.
You’ll discover fresh takes on old favorites and some exciting new combinations. Whether you’re a tequila expert or just starting out, you’re sure to find something you like.
1. Margarita
The margarita is a classic tequila cocktail you can easily make at home. It combines tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur for a refreshing taste.
To make a margarita, mix 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of lime juice, and 1 ounce of triple sec in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
You can adjust the ratios to suit your taste. For a sweeter drink, add a splash of simple syrup.
Try different tequilas to find your favorite flavor profile.
2. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that’s as beautiful as it is tasty. You’ll need just three ingredients: tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
To make one, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in tequila and orange juice, then stir.
Slowly add grenadine by pouring it down the side of the glass.
The grenadine will sink to the bottom, creating a gorgeous sunrise effect. Don’t stir after adding the grenadine or you’ll lose the layered look.
This drink became popular in the 1970s. It got a boost when the Rolling Stones enjoyed it during their 1972 tour.
You can easily make a big batch for parties by increasing the ingredients.
3. Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing tequila cocktail that’s popular in Mexico. It’s easy to make and perfect for warm weather.
To create a Paloma, you’ll need tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and salt. Start by rimming a glass with salt if you like.
Fill the glass with ice, add 2 ounces of tequila and a splash of fresh lime juice.
Top it off with grapefruit soda and give it a gentle stir.
Garnish your Paloma with a grapefruit slice or lime wedge. The result is a tangy, bubbly drink that’s less sweet than a Margarita but just as satisfying.
4. Tequila Sour
The Tequila Sour is a refreshing twist on classic sour cocktails. You’ll love its tangy flavor and frothy texture.
To make one, you’ll need tequila, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and an egg white. Shake these ingredients without ice first to create a smooth foam.
Then add ice and shake again to chill the drink. Strain it into a glass and enjoy the creamy mouthfeel.
For extra flavor, try adding a dash of bitters or swapping in lime juice. You can also use agave syrup instead of simple syrup for a more authentic taste.
5. Tequila Old Fashioned
The Tequila Old Fashioned puts a Mexican twist on a classic cocktail. You’ll love this smooth and sippable drink made with aged añejo tequila.
To make it, mix añejo tequila with agave nectar and a few dashes of bitters in a glass. Stir well with ice to chill.
Garnish your Tequila Old Fashioned with an orange peel for a citrusy aroma. The vanilla and caramel notes from the barrel-aged tequila shine in this simple recipe.
Try using reposado tequila for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also experiment with different bitters to customize the taste to your liking.
6. El Diablo
El Diablo is a tasty tequila cocktail that’s perfect for summer sipping. It combines tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger beer.
This refreshing drink was created in the 1940s by Trader Vic, a famous restaurant owner. The sweet black currant flavor of crème de cassis balances nicely with the spicy ginger beer.
To make an El Diablo, mix tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice in a glass with ice.
Top it off with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
The cocktail has a pretty pink color that looks great at parties. It’s not as well-known as margaritas, but it’s just as delicious.
7. Tequila Collins
The Tequila Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins cocktail. It swaps gin for tequila, creating a zesty and invigorating drink.
To make a Tequila Collins, you’ll need tequila, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda. Mix the tequila, lemon juice, and syrup in a tall glass filled with ice.
Top it off with club soda and give it a gentle stir. Garnish with a lemon wedge or slice for extra flair.
This cocktail is perfect for warm summer days or any time you want a light, fizzy drink. The tequila adds a unique flavor that pairs well with the citrusy notes.
8. Mexican Mule
The Mexican Mule is a tasty twist on the classic Moscow Mule. It swaps vodka for tequila, giving it a unique south-of-the-border flair.
To make this drink, you’ll need tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer. Fill a copper mug or short glass with ice. Pour in 2 oz of tequila and 1 oz of fresh lime juice.
Top it off with about 6 oz of ginger beer. Give it a gentle stir to mix the flavors. For a finishing touch, garnish with a lime wedge or slice.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm days or anytime you want a zesty, fizzy drink. The spicy ginger beer pairs well with the smooth tequila and tangy lime.
9. Tequila Negroni
The Tequila Negroni puts a Mexican spin on the classic Italian cocktail. You’ll swap out gin for blanco tequila, keeping Campari and sweet vermouth as the other key ingredients.
To make this drink, combine equal parts tequila, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir for about 15 seconds to chill and combine the flavors.
Strain the mixture into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist to add a citrusy aroma.
This cocktail offers a unique balance of flavors. The tequila’s earthy notes blend with Campari’s bitterness and the vermouth’s sweetness, creating a complex and refreshing drink.
10. Tequila Bloody Mary
The Tequila Bloody Mary, also known as a Bloody Maria, puts a Mexican twist on the classic brunch cocktail. You swap vodka for tequila to create this spicy, savory drink.
To make a Bloody Maria, you’ll need tequila, tomato juice, lime juice, and various seasonings. Mix in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, horseradish, and spices like celery salt and black pepper.
Pour your mixture over ice in a tall glass. You can rim the glass with salt for extra flavor. Garnish with lime wedges, celery sticks, or grilled shrimp for a fancy touch.
This cocktail is perfect for spice lovers. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to suit your taste.
11. Tommy’s Margarita
Tommy’s Margarita is a simple twist on the classic cocktail. It uses only three ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar.
This version skips the orange liqueur found in traditional margaritas. The result is a drink that lets the tequila shine.
To make Tommy’s Margarita, you’ll need 100% agave tequila. Mix it with fresh lime juice and a touch of agave nectar.
The taste is bright and citrusy. It’s less sweet than a regular margarita, which many people enjoy.
Try pairing this drink with Mexican food like tacos or guacamole. The lime flavors go well with these dishes.
12. Tequila Martini
The Tequila Martini puts a Mexican twist on the classic cocktail. You’ll swap out gin or vodka for tequila, creating a unique and flavorful drink.
To make this cocktail, mix tequila with dry vermouth. Add a splash of orange bitters for depth. Shake the mixture with ice and strain it into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish your Tequila Martini with a lime twist or olive. Some bartenders add a small amount of olive brine for a “dirty” version.
This drink is smooth and sophisticated, perfect for sipping at cocktail parties or upscale gatherings.
13. Tequila Smash
The Tequila Smash is a refreshing cocktail that combines tequila with fresh citrus and mint. It’s easy to make and perfect for warm weather.
To create this drink, you’ll need tequila, lime juice, lemon juice, and mint leaves. Some recipes also include a honey simple syrup for added sweetness.
Start by muddling mint leaves in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and lemon juice. If using, include the honey simple syrup.
Shake well with ice for about 20 seconds.
Strain the mixture into a glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
The result is a zesty, minty cocktail that showcases tequila’s bright flavors.
14. Tequila Highball
The Tequila Highball is a simple yet refreshing drink perfect for hot summer days. You’ll love how easy it is to make.
To create this cocktail, you’ll need tequila, lime juice, and club soda. Fill a tall glass with ice, then add tequila and a splash of lime juice.
Top it off with club soda and give it a gentle stir. For an extra touch, garnish with a lime wedge.
This light and bubbly drink lets the tequila shine. It’s less sweet than many other tequila cocktails, making it a great choice when you want something crisp and clean-tasting.
15. Tequila Julep
The Tequila Julep puts a Mexican twist on the classic mint julep. This refreshing cocktail swaps bourbon for tequila, creating a unique flavor profile.
To make a Tequila Julep, you’ll need añejo tequila, agave syrup, fresh mint leaves, and crushed ice. Muddle the mint and agave in a julep cup or glass.
Fill with crushed ice and pour the tequila over top.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients and garnish with a sprig of mint.
The result is a cool, herbaceous drink perfect for sipping on hot days.
The aged tequila adds depth, while the mint provides a crisp, refreshing note. It’s an unexpected but delicious variation on a classic cocktail.
Understanding Tequila
Tequila is a unique spirit with a rich history and distinct varieties. It’s made from the blue agave plant and has strong ties to Mexican culture.
History of Tequila
Tequila’s roots go back to the Aztecs. They made a drink called pulque from agave sap. When Spanish colonists arrived in the 1500s, they brought distillation techniques.
This led to the creation of mezcal, tequila’s predecessor. The first large-scale tequila distillery opened in 1600 in Jalisco, Mexico.
In 1974, Mexico claimed the rights to the name “tequila.” Now, true tequila must come from specific regions in Mexico. It must also be made from at least 51% blue agave.
Types of Tequila
There are five main types of tequila:
- Blanco (white): Unaged and bottled right after distillation.
- Joven (young): A mix of blanco and aged tequilas.
- Reposado (rested): Aged 2-12 months in oak barrels.
- Añejo (aged): Aged 1-3 years in oak barrels.
- Extra Añejo: Aged over 3 years in oak barrels.
Each type has its own flavor profile. Blanco is crisp and ideal for cocktails. Aged tequilas are smoother and better for sipping.
You can spot high-quality tequila by looking for “100% agave” on the label. This means no other sugars were added during production.
Enhancing Tequila Cocktails
Making great tequila cocktails is about more than just mixing ingredients. It’s about picking quality components and blending them in perfect harmony. Let’s explore how to take your tequila drinks to the next level.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Start with high-quality tequila. Look for 100% agave tequila for the best flavor. Blanco tequila works well in citrusy drinks like margaritas and palomas. Reposado adds depth to richer cocktails.
Fresh juices make a big difference. Squeeze your own limes, lemons, and grapefruits for the brightest taste. Avoid bottled juices with added sugars or preservatives.
Pick good mixers too. Use real grapefruit soda in palomas instead of cheaper alternatives. For margaritas, try agave nectar instead of simple syrup for a more authentic flavor.
Don’t forget the garnishes. Fresh fruit slices, herbs, and salt rims can add visual appeal and extra taste to your drinks.
Balancing Flavors
The key to a great tequila cocktail is balance. You want to taste the tequila without it overpowering other flavors.
Start with basic ratios and adjust to your taste.
A classic margarita uses 2 parts tequila, 1 part lime juice, and 1 part orange liqueur. You can tweak these amounts to make it stronger or sweeter.
Think about how flavors work together. Tequila pairs well with citrus, but also with spicy, smoky, or herbal notes.
Try adding a dash of hot sauce to a bloody maria or muddle some jalapeño in your margarita for a spicy kick.
Remember that ice dilutes your drink as it melts. Taste and adjust your cocktail before serving.
You might need to add a bit more tequila or lime juice to keep the flavors strong.