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15 Must-Try Tequila Cocktails

I’ve mixed countless tequila cocktails and found that the secret lies in balancing tequila’s boldness with fresh, vibrant flavors. I love seeing guests’ reactions when they take that first sip, the surprise and delight in their eyes. It’s not just about the tequila; it’s about crafting a drink that brings out its best qualities, blending it with citrus, sweeteners, or even a bit of spice for those who like their drinks with a kick. Each recipe in my roundup offers a unique twist on the classic, showcasing the versatility of tequila. I highly recommend giving them a try; they’re sure to impress.

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Margarita

Close up of table filled with glasses and pitcher filled with classic lime margarita cocktails, fresh limes and barware

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

refreshing paloma cocktail with ingredients

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

Mexican mule ice cold cocktail in copper cup with lime and and mint on gray stone background

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 classic tequila sour cocktail

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 Siesta Cocktail

cold refreshing tequila siesta cocktail with grapefruit and lime

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

tequila sunrise cocktail with ingredients on the background

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

bloody maria drink

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

image of a cocktail on a bar, showcasing a darker red hue to emphasize the presence of blackberry liqueur. The cocktail, resembling an El Diablo, is in a highball glass filled with ice and garnished with a lime wheel on the rim. The bar setting should have dim, moody lighting and an elegant ambiance, with a polished wooden bar top. The scene includes various bar tools but no bottles or other drinks near the cocktail.

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.


The Oaxacan Old Fashioned

Oaxacan Old Fashioned Cocktail Garnish with a orange peel and a sphere ice cube

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

tequila mockingbird cocktail served with watermelon garnish

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. 


Cadillac Margarita

cadillac margarita

The Cadillac Margarita 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

Spicy Margarita with pineapple and jalapeno. Mexican cocktail

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!


Ranch Water

a ranch water cocktail made using the best recipe

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.


Tequila Collins

tequila collins
Source: www.thedrinkblog.com

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!


Cantaritos

cantaritos
Source: acouplecooks.com

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.


Delicious tequila cocktails and lime margaritas

15 Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.7 from 3 votes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: tequila cocktails
Servings: 1
Author: Paul Kushner
Discover the best tequila cocktails to spice up your next party.

Instructions

  • Pick your favorite recipe
  • Gather all the needed ingredients
  • Prep a tequila cocktail in less than 5 minutes
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know how it was!
15 Must-Try Tequila Cocktails
Please drink responsibly, be fully accountable with your alcohol consumption, and show others respect.
4.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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Paul Kushner

Written by Paul Kushner

Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.

In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.

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