These 20+ creative recipes are a great way to use the Mexican liqueur, whether you’re new to tequila or a seasoned drinker.
Tequila Cocktails & Mixed Drinks
Named after the town of its origin, tequila is a strong spirit distilled from the blue agave plant. This unusual flora grows best in the red, volcanic soils of the tequila region, making it unique to the region and a key economic crop for local farmers. So drinking these cocktails isn’t just a fun way to spend an afternoon, it’s also a way of supporting Mexican agriculture! In its hometown, tequila is usually enjoyed neat. Knocked back with salt and lime, it’s a powerful pick-me-up. But you don’t have to be a tequila purist to make the most of this booze. Cultivate your cocktail skills by mixing it up in a margarita, blending it into an icy slushie or making a smooth and silky martini. Shake it up and get ready to party. It’s cocktail hour somewhere!
1. Tequila Sunrise
Sunny and bright, this colorful cocktail is as eye-catching as a golden sunrise. It’s swirled with vibrant yellows and reds, thanks to the fruity combination of orange, lime, tequila, and grenadine. Decorate with a maraschino cherry and a cocktail umbrella to serve this one poolside in the summer.
2. Cherry Lime Tequila Cocktail
This fizzy mood-booster is all you need for a night out. Even if that night out is just you on the couch with your honey. A tempting froth of tart cherry, zingy lime, smooth tequila, and sweet citrus soda, it’s a guaranteed hit. It’s also really, really easy. This fruity refresher is so simple it’ll quickly become a happy hour favorite.
3. Paloma
Made with grapefruit and lime, the paloma is a cocktail for people who hate cocktails. If you’ve shunned mixed drinks because they’re too sugary, or too sickly, or too garish, give this understated treat a try. It’s fresh and simple, made with sparkling water, tequila, and citrus. There’s no added sugar, just a dash of agave to balance the sour notes. This is a cocktail for grown-ups.
4. Jalapeno Margarita
Savory and spicy, if you don’t have a jalapeno margarita on your cocktail bucket list you’re missing out. It’s made with fresh orange juice, lime, agave, and tequila. The kick comes from the jalapeno, which is thinly sliced and added to the liquid ingredients before everything gets thoroughly shaken. Serve it into a salt-rimmed glass for the full effect. Team this funky cocktail with a Mexican feast like tacos or fajitas and you’re in for a great night!
5. Texas Ranch Water
This 3-ingredient thirst-quencher is designed to help ranch hands get through their long, hot, dusty days. Sure, drinking on the job isn’t for everyone, but this tempting tipple would be very welcome after a hard day’s labor. It’s made with tequila, lime juice, and mineral water. That’s it! No added sugar, no sickly fruit juice after taste. Just a refreshing, delicious libation.
6. Siesta Cocktail
This cocktail has a lot in common with siestas (otherwise known as Spanish naps). It’s refreshing, it’s relaxing, and it makes you feel great afterward. Made with tequila, lime, simple syrup, and grapefruit, this is a tart and thirst-quenching sip.
7. Charro Negro
If you like Cuba Libre cocktails then you’ll love this Mexican version of the classic Caribbean tipple. It skips the rum, turning this cocktail from a rum and coke to tequila and coke. Just be sure to use authentic Mexican cola. You can pick this up at a range of grocery stores and it’s well worth hunting it down. Mexican cola uses real sugar instead of sweeteners.
8. Tequila Collins
Replacing the vodka in a Tom Collins turns it into its Mexican cousin, the Tequila Collins. A blend of lemon juice, soda, and tequila – sweetened with just a touch of sugar – you won’t even miss the original (sorry Tom).
9. Strawberry Margarita
Every cook should know how to make a good margarita, and this recipe is a great place to start. This slushie-like version is the ideal adults-only treat on a hot summer day. It’s loaded with fresh berries, tequila, triple sec, and limeade. It tastes just like strawberry sorbet, except it’s boozier and better!
10. Mexican Bloody Maria
Take your classic Bloody Mary south of the border with this creative cocktail. You’ll use tequila, not vodka, for this traditional treat. But otherwise, the ingredients remain the same – Worcestershire sauce, tomato juice, and hot sauce. Spice it up with a dash of smoked paprika and black pepper for a punchy drink that delivers a tangy kick. Don’t forget to dress this one. Just like Bloody Marys, Bloody Marias need a stick of celery, olives, pickles, or citrus wedges for garnish.
11. Tequila and Ginger Ale
Spicy and sweet, ginger is the perfect complement to tequila’s fiery depth. With this bubbly cocktail, you get all that gorgeous ginger taste with a boozy bite. It’s made with just two ingredients, so be sure you use top-quality tequila and high-end ginger ale (the recipe has a few suggestions for both).
12. Pineapple, Coconut & Tequila Slushy
Loaded with tropical tastes, this delightful slushy makes me long for summer. It uses pantry staples like canned coconut milk and pineapple juice alongside a homemade spiced syrup. Made with cloves and allspice, this secret ingredient adds an aromatic kick to balance out the sweet fruity top notes.
13. Dulce Diablo
Sweet yet sinful, I can’t get enough Dulce Diablo. Made with lime-flavored tequila, it’s zesty and tart with just the right amount of sweet agave nectar.
14. Where the Sea Meets the Sky
This poetic-sounding cocktail is made with silver tequila, which is clearer and sharper than the traditional gold type. It’s also bottled as soon as it’s distilled, so there’s no aging, giving it a more neutral taste. In this recipe, it’s a smooth base to more explosive flavors like grapefruit and oregano. Sweet, delicate, and floral, this is a sophisticated drink that true connoisseurs will love.
15. Raspberry Mint Tequila Smash
This breezy booze tastes like summer in a glass. And not just any summer. The kind of summers that are drenched in sunshine, full of good times, and seem to last forever. This magical blend of fresh berries and leafy mint is gorgeously refreshing. It’s spiked with tequila and sharpened with a dash of zesty lime to really kick things into high gear.
16. Mexican Martini
Sweet and salty, this south-of-the-border martini is perfect for a grown-up Cinco de Mayo party. Tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and lemon-lime soda are all you need to mix up this treat for your guests. Spiked with a dash of olive juice, this dirty martini is naughty but nice!
17. Patron Pomegranate Cocktail
Juicy pomegranates take center stage for this boozy fruit juice. A little like a pomegranate margarita, it’s made with tequila, orange liqueur, pomegranate, and lime juice.
18. Tequila Berry Smash
The best thing about this summery smash is the fresh berries. Muddled into the drink, the partially-smashed berries soak up the tequila and lime juice – turning them into boozy juicy goodness. Garnish with fresh mint, serve over ice, and enjoy that last tequila-soaked berry at the bottom of the glass.
19. Tequila Chia Hot Toddy
Winter cocktails are the best way of getting through chilly nights and frosty days. This warming blend features tequila, chai tea, and a slice of lemon. It’s basically cocktail comfort food!
20. Cucumber Lime Margarita
Understated and sophisticated, the flavor pairing of subtle cucumber and tangy lime works perfectly in this cocktail. It’s an elegant twist on the classic margarita, made with lime juice, cucumber, and tequila. This would be perfect for your next Cinco de Mayo. Make a pitcher and get your guests in the mood to party, Mexican-style!
21. Tequila and Pineapple Juice
The tropical taste of pineapple and spicy tequila are a match made in heaven. You don’t have to get complicated to enjoy this dream team. Just stir together tequila and fresh pineapple juice for a 2-minute treat that can’t fail to please. Add a splash of cocktail bitters for deeper flavor or turn it into a pineapple margarita with Cointreau and lime. The sky’s the limit with this versatile tipple.
22. Tequila Lime Mojitarita Cocktail
What do you get if you mash-up a mojito and a margarita? This unique cocktail! It’s a punchy mix of the best of both, made with fresh lime, mint leaves, sugar, and tequila. Top it off with club soda and take your time. This is a drink to savor slowly.
23. Mexican Tequila Mule
The inspiration for this boozy treat, the Moscow mule, is a simple but satisfying mix of vodka and ginger ale (or beer). But move over Moscow, it’s time to take this to Mexico and give it a spicy spin. Tequila, ginger beer, and lime – this is a super-easy cocktail that’s also super-tasty. It’s the ideal way to start your mid-week happy hour or get the weekend started with some Friday fun. Click on a star to rate it!
Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 7 No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.
Share on social media: Let us improve this post!
