Many drinks pair the classic combination of citrus and tequila, creating refreshing concoctions perfect for summer. However, tequila cocktails can be enjoyed anytime. They range in flavor from sweet to spicy and simple to decadent.
With this spirit, there are endless options. Some of these drinks are traditional tequila cocktails, while others recreate cocktails with the addition of the spirit.
Check out this list of the best tequila cocktails to find something that suits your preferences!
This classic margarita recipe calls for the classic combination of Triple Sec and Blanco Tequila from 100% Blue Agave. This tequila brings out the best flavor from fresh ingredients like lime juice.
While most recipes call for any simple syrup or a sour mix, this margarita uses traditional agave nectar to balance out the sourness of the cocktail.
One of the best tequila cocktails for citrus lovers, the Paloma combines lime juice with effervescent grapefruit soda to create a refreshing drink.
The type of tequila used isn’t as important as the quality of the spirit, though typically, Palomas use Blanco Tequila. This cocktail doesn’t add a sweetener, so it's an excellent option for those avoiding sugar.
A twist on the classic Moscow Mule, the Mexican Mule, is one of the easiest cocktails to make! This simple cocktail comes together fast with only three ingredients and three steps.
Start by combining tequila and lime juice and top with ginger beer that adds a touch of sweetness. Garnish with lime or jalapeno for a spicy take on the drink.
A more complicated cocktail than most, this drink has a foamy top made from egg whites though it is possible to substitute aquafaba for a vegan option.
The foam adds a creamy texture and flavor to this otherwise sweet and sour cocktail. Lime and lemon juice add the tart element, while simple syrup brings a layer of sweetness for the perfect balance.
The Lone Star State makes some fantastic tequila cocktails, including this state staple. Most Texans will tell you that the best Texas Ranch Water is made with Topo Chico.
This sparkling mineral water adds refreshing bubbles and just a hint of salt. Combined with lime juice and the tequila of your choice, this cocktail is perfect for warm summer nights.
This cocktail combines Blanco Tequila with Campari, a bitter liqueur that plays a part in many classic drinks. To cut the bitterness, the Siesta Cocktail uses lime and grapefruit juice to create a tart flavor contrast.
Simple syrup sweetens the drink. These sophisticated combinations and simple preparation make this cocktail perfect for parties!Â
If you’re looking for an aesthetically pleasing cocktail, consider the Tequila Sunrise. Grenadine adds a rich red color to the drink, which, when combined with orange juice, creates a beautiful gradient of color reminiscent of a sunrise. The drink isn’t just pretty. It provides a balance of sweet and sour flavors that pair perfectly with Blanco Tequila.
If you’re a fan of the traditional Bloody Mary, you’ll love this tequila twist on the drink. This cocktail retains all of the spicy elements of the classic but substitutes tequila for the vodka customarily used in the cocktail.
This recipe, in particular, uses two types of hot sauce and spicy horseradish to create this savory drink. Â
El Diablo will quickly become one of your favorite tequila cocktails if you enjoy Reposado Tequila. The rested spirit adds complex notes to the otherwise sweet and effervescent drink.
Ginger beer and Creme de Cassis add the sweet layers, while the addition of lime juice adds a tart contrast. The pale pink color makes this cocktail a stunning choice for parties.
Another example of an amazing tequila cocktail with strong citrus notes, a Cantarito shares many ingredients with Paloma. Grapefruit soda still adds a refreshing burst of flavor, enhancing the additional citrus elements of orange, lemon, and lime. The recipe also calls for a small amount of salt to balance the tart and sweet flavors.
Seekers of complex flavors will love this twist on the Old Fashioned. Another recipe that calls for Reposado Tequila, this cocktail combines the rich flavor of the spirit with bold mezcal, creating a citrus taste with hints of smoke.
Sweeten with a small amount of agave syrup and add contrast with a few dashes of bitters to make this balanced cocktail.
A refreshing combination of watermelon and lime, the Tequila Mockingbird has an attractive pink color. More sweetness is added to the cocktail with agave syrup and balanced with a bit of spice from jalapeno.
Though you will have to do some muddling, this cocktail is easy to make with a bright and refreshing taste.Â
Cheers!
From classic margaritas to twists on drinks that generally wouldn’t contain the spirit, the best tequila cocktails have character. Sweet, sour, and spicy flavors all pair well with tequila, so there’s something to suit everyone’s tastes.
If we missed your favorite tequila cocktail, let us know in the comments below!
Best Tequila Cocktails
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe
- Gather all the needed ingredients
- Prep a summer cocktail in less than 5 minutes
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