Paul Kushner
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. Tequila has always been a popular spirit, but today it’s more popular than ever, so bartenders are constantly making new, tasty cocktails.
From classics to inventive new drinks, you can find a tequila cocktail to fit your tastes. Check out this list of the best tequila cocktails to find something that suits your preferences!
Margarita
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. You’ll also add orange liqueur for a touch of sweetness.
I love a salt rim with this classic cocktail to balance out the sweetness!
Paloma
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, depending on what grapefruit soda you use. The squeeze of lime juice balances it out perfectly without any sugar!
Mexican Mule
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.
Tequila Sour
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.
Ranch Water
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.
The Siesta Cocktail
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!
Tequila Sunrise
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 Tequila Sunrise isn’t just pretty. It provides a balance of sweet and sour flavors that pair perfectly with Blanco Tequila.
This is a great brunch cocktail if you like to start your day with orange juice, but it can be enjoyed anytime as a classic tequila cocktail and one of the easiest mixed drinks to make.
The Bloody Maria
If you’re a fan of the traditional Bloody Mary, you’ll love this tequila twist on the drink.
This Bloody Maria recipe retains all of the spicy elements of the classic – tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and all – 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.
El Diablo
El Diablo will quickly become one of your favorite tequila cocktails if you enjoy Reposado Tequila.
The tequila reposado adds complex notes to the otherwise sweet and effervescent drink. Reposado means the tequila is aged in oak barrels, bringing lots of different flavors to the tequila and to this refreshing cocktail.
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.
Cantaritos
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.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned
Seekers of complex flavors will love this twist on the Old Fashioned.
Another recipe that calls for Reposado Tequila, this Oaxacan Old Fashioned 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.
Tequila Mockingbird
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.
Tequila Collins
For something light and refreshing, try out the Tequila Collins.
Served in a Collins glass, the Tequila Collins is a tequila-infused twist on the classic gin drink, Tom Collins.
To make this tequila cocktail, all you need is tequila (I prefer blanco for this drink), freshly squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and club soda. You can also use simple syrup or another sweetener of choice if you prefer.
The result is a lemon and tequila drink that’s perfect for summer sipping. Garnish with lemon and a cherry for the classic look!
Cadillac Margarita
The Cadillac Margarits isn’t so different from a classic margarita, but it uses only the highest end ingredients.
This tequila cocktail really shows off what a difference premium ingredients can make. It has all the makings of a normal margarita, but uses Patron Silver, or your preferred top shelf brand, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice and simple syrup.
Try out a taste test and see if you can tell the difference between a classic margarita and a Cadillac!
Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita
There are so many great margarita variations, it can be hard to choose our favorites.
I do love this pineapple jalapeno margarita, however. The sweetness of the pineapple balances our the spice of the jalapeno, resulting in a deliciously nuanced cocktail.
To make it, you’ll need reposado tequila, pineapple juice, triple sec, a jalapeno and fresh pineapple. For an extra kick, add black pepper!
Top 15 Tequila Cocktail Recipes
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pick your favorite recipe
- Gather all the needed ingredients
- Prep a tasty cocktail in less than 5 minutes
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