The classic margarita is one of the most popular mixed drinks on earth, but true tequila fans know that it’s only one of many ways to enjoy their favorite spirit.
Tequila is incredibly versatile, and it pairs beautifully with all sorts of citrus fruits. Combined with the right juice and mixers, there are all sorts of fresh and tasty tequila cocktails that you can make in a matter of seconds at home.
Ready to discover your new favorite tequila drink?
Here are five quick and simple tequila cocktails that we love to make and love to drink.
Paloma
The Paloma is one of the easiest cocktails to make, and it’s beloved for its crisp, refreshing flavor. Somewhat tart and somewhat sweet, it’s one of the most popular drinks in Mexico. While it may never eclipse the popularity of the margarita, it’s faster to make and just as easy to enjoy.
- Optional: rim a highball glass with salt
- Over ice, pour 1 ounce tequila
- Add a bit of freshly squeezed lime juice
- Add 1 ounce grapefruit soda
- Optional: garnish with a grapefruit slice
Grapefruit sodas like Squirt and Jarritos are some of the most popular grapefruit sodas on the market, but they contain quite a bit of sugar. If you want to make your Paloma a bit healthier you can replace the grapefruit soda with a mix of equal parts club soda and fresh grapefruit juice.
Mexican Mule
Vodka fans love the Moscow Mule, but the Mexican Mule is the preferred alternative for tequila lovers. Whether you make it in a highball glass or the classic copper mug, this cocktail is super easy to mix.
- Over ice, pour 1 ½ ounces of tequila
- Add ½ ounce lime juice
- Add 3 ounces of ginger beer
- Optional: garnish with a lime wedge
Ranch Water
Ranch water might not sound fancy, but it is delicious. This drink originated in Texas, and it’s a staple you’ll find in just about every bar in the Lone Star State. It’s simple to make and it’s beyond refreshing — the perfect way to beat the heat on a scorching hot day.
- Fill a tall glass with ice
- Add 1 ½ ounces of tequila
- Add 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- Optional: add a sprinkle of salt
- Top off the glass with Topo Chico mineral water
- Optional: add a lime wedge
If you prefer your cocktails on the spicy side, you can give your Ranch Water a kick by adding some sliced jalapenos (minus the seeds).
Tequila Sunrise
You don’t have to be on vacation to enjoy a tequila sunrise, though drinking one might make you wish you were. Created in the early 1970s in northern California, this drink is as colorful as it is tasty. It’s also rather fun to make.
While most tequila cocktails are best made with blanco tequila, the tequila sunrise works just as well with reposado.
- Stir or shake 3 ounces of orange juice and 1 ½ ounces of tequila
- Pour into a tall glass with ice
- Slowly pour in ½ ounce of grenadine and let it sink to the bottom of the glass
- Optional: garnish with a maraschino cherry or an orange slice
Tequila Pineapple
Tequila and pineapple go hand-in-hand, and it’s because of the piña. Piña is the Spanish word for pineapple, and it’s also how the Spanish describe the agave heart, which tequila is made from. Combined, they create a refreshing, citrus-forward cocktail that’s perfect for a summer day.
- Stir or shake 3 ounces of pineapple juice and 2 ounces of tequila
- Pour into a tall glass with ice
- Top with a splash of club soda
- Optional: garnish with a pineapple slice
Which Tequila Should You Use in Cocktails?
When it comes to making cocktails, most mixologists and tequila connoisseurs opt for blanco tequila (aka silver tequila).
Why?
Because blanco is tequila in its purest form.
Unlike reposado and añejo expressions, blanco is not aged, so it doesn’t take on the complex flavors of the barrels it’s been aged in. It tastes like strong, pure agave, which is perfect for making mixed drinks.
But which blanco you choose matters. Most tequila experts prefer additive-free tequila made by master distillers. Additive-free brands pay respect to the traditional tequila-making process, providing a more authentic taste and a more authentic drinking experience.
In Conclusion
There are many tequila cocktails that are easy to make with just two or three ingredients, and you don’t need fancy barware or a cocktail shaker to make them. Just grab a bottle of blanco, fill a glass with ice, and stir in your favorite juice and mixer. In a matter of seconds you can make a mixed drink that’s as tasty and refreshing as can be!
