Drink Recipes with Tequila

You can make a wide range of tequila drinks, from classic cocktails like the Margarita and Paloma to simple two-ingredient mixes with soda or juice.

Classic cocktails 

Margarita 

The quintessential tequila cocktail, a margarita is a balanced mix of sweet, sour, and salty flavors. 

• Ingredients:
  • 1.5 oz tequila blanco or reposado
  • 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
  • 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Salt for the rim (optional)
  • Lime wheel for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Rim a glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge on the edge and dipping it in salt.
  2. Combine the tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice in a shaker filled with ice.
  3. Shake well for about 15 seconds until the outside of the shaker is frosted.
  4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wheel. 

Paloma

In Mexico, the Paloma is a famously refreshing, citrusy, and bubbly highball that is sometimes preferred over the Margarita. 

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz tequila (blanco is recommended)
  • 0.5 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 4 oz chilled grapefruit soda (such as Jarritos or Squirt)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Grapefruit or lime wheel for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Add the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to a highball glass filled with ice.
  2. Top with grapefruit soda and stir gently to combine.
  3. Garnish with a grapefruit or lime wheel. 

Tequila Sunrise 

Known for its stunning layered look, this fruity drink is simple to make and is often enjoyed for brunch or on summer days. 

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz tequila (blanco is best for its light flavor)
  • 4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best taste)
  • 0.5 oz grenadine syrup
  • Orange slice and maraschino cherry for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Fill a tall glass with ice and pour in the tequila and orange juice.
  2. Pour the grenadine slowly over the back of a spoon to let it sink to the bottom, creating a sunrise effect.
  3. Do not stir. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. 

Mexican Mule 

A tequila-based twist on the classic Moscow Mule, this cocktail pairs tequila’s spicy notes with ginger beer’s kick. 

• Ingredients:
  • 2 oz tequila
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 4 oz ginger beer
  • Lime slice for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Fill a highball glass or copper mug with ice.
  2. Combine the tequila and lime juice.
  3. Top the drink with ginger beer and stir gently.
  4. Garnish with a lime slice. 

Easy two-ingredient mixers 

For a quick and simple drink, just add tequila to one of these mixers over ice with a garnish: 

• Tequila Soda: Tequila topped with club soda, seltzer, or sparkling mineral water. Add a squeeze of lime or grapefruit.
• Tequila with Ginger Ale/Beer: Mix tequila with ginger ale or spicier ginger beer for a simple, refreshing drink. Garnish with a lime wedge.
• Tequila and Pineapple Juice: The sweetness of pineapple juice is a natural match for the earthiness of tequila. Serve over ice with a lime wedge or fresh mint.
• Tequila and Lemonade: This combination results in a smooth, sweet, and tangy drink, especially good when made with homemade lemonade. 

For a classic Brazilian cocktail, learn how to make a Caipirinha.