cocktail_tequila

Not Just Margaritas: 16 Tequila Cocktail Recipes for Cinco de Mayo

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik, Elana Lepkowski]

Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, and for a lot of Americans that means one thing: tequila. Restaurants around the country are going to put sour-mix margaritas and shots of Cuervo on special, but the agave-based spirit has so much more to offer. We've rounded up 16 tequila cocktails to help you celebrate the holiday right, from a proper margarita and upgraded Paloma to a rich, chocolate-scented twist on the Sazerac.

Prefer to sip your tequila straight? Try chasing it with our fruity, spicy sangritas.

Classic Margarita

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

You can't talk about tequila cocktails without mentioning the margarita. Our version treats the drink right—there's no sour mix to be found here, just a mix of good tequila, Cointreau, and freshly squeezed lime juice. We like to serve our margaritas on the rocks in salted glasses.

Fresh Watermelon Margaritas

[Photograph: Robyn Lee]

These fruity, vibrantly colored margaritas have seedless watermelon blended right in, plus a pinch of salt to bring out the fruit's flavor. This recipe calls for the standard tequila and lime juice, but instead of Cointreau we sweeten the drink with floral St. Germain elderflower liqueur.

Peach and Tequila Frozen Blended Cocktail

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

There's nothing quite as refreshing as a blended cocktail on a hot day. This tequila drink is made with peaches, pineapple, and French aperitif called Suze. The floral, citrusy, and slightly bitter Suze is a perfect complement to the earthy tequila. To keep the drink cold, pre-mix the ingredients and let them chill overnight before blending.

The Upgraded Paloma

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

There's nothing wrong with a classic Paloma—grapefruit soda spiked with tequila—but this recipe makes the drink even better by replacing the soda with a homemade grapefruit cordial. The cordial is made by letting grapefruit peel sit in sugar overnight, then mixing the sugar with grapefruit juice, lime juice, salt, and water.

Swiss Cartel

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Inspired by the Negroni, this cocktail pairs reposado tequila with Carpano Antica sweet vermouth and an aperitif called Gran Classico that has some of the bitterness of Campari. Feel free to play around with the ratios—equal parts of each spirit is traditional, but I prefer to up the tequila slightly to make the drink less sweet.

The Charming Foxhole

[Photograph: Nick Caruana]

Another Negroni-inspired drink, this one is takes Aperol, Amaro Nonino, and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino and adds them to a base of reposado tequila. A couple of dashes of Peychaud's bitters and a grapefruit twist give the cocktail just a touch of anise and citrus.

El Diablo con Limón (Tequila Punch With Cassis and Lemon)

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Coming from Jeffrey Morgenthaler of Portland, Oregon's Clyde Common, this punch is made with crisp blanco tequila, earthy crème de cassis, black tea, and lemon juice. Morgenthaler uses a lemon-lime oleo-saccharum as a sweetener, but we use a lemon syrup instead so that we don't have to bother with two kinds of citrus.

Grilled-Rambutan Cocktail

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

It's getting to be cookout season, and we like using the grill for drinks as well as food. Here that means grilling up rambutans and steeping them into a mix of tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup. You might be able to find fresh rambutans at an Asian market, but canned ones work fine.

Hibiscus-Tequila Cooler

[Photograph: Elana Lepkowski]

This tequila cocktail gets a tart, floral flavor and beautiful color from a homemade hibiscus-lime syrup. The hibiscus only needs to steep for about 15 minutes—let it go too much longer and its flavor will morph from pleasantly tangy to bitter and astringent.

Mango-Ginger Cocktail With Cilantro

[Photograph: Rabi Abonour]

This well-balanced cocktail pairs sweet mango with spicy ginger, tart lemon, and grassy cilantro. To extract the most flavor out of the ginger we muddle it in a mixing glass, then press it through a fine-mesh strainer to get out as much juice as possible. While you can make this cocktail with whatever tequila you have on hand, an oaky reposado is my favorite.

The Federation

[Photograph: Nick Caruana]

The agave-based cousin of the Sazerac, this drink mixes tequila, Creme de Cacao, and Angostura bitters in an absinthe-rinsed glass. The Creme de Cacao stands in for sugar, sweetening the drink while also giving it a deep richness. Chocolate and tequila might seem like an odd combo, but if you like savory, complex cocktails then it totally works.

Strawberry-Balsamic Tequila Sour

[Photograph: Rabi Abonour]

This twist on the tequila sour calls for an ingredient you might not normally associate with cocktails: balsamic vinegar. Reduced down to a syrup, the vinegar provides a tangy complement to sweet fresh strawberries. Fresh lime juice and mint finish this refreshing summer drink.

Cucumber-Tequila Cooler

[Photograph: Maggie Hoffman]

This green cooler uses two more unusual cocktail ingredients: cucumber and celery. We muddle both vegetables and mix in tequila, lime juice, agave nectar, and salt to make a tart, vegetal cocktail. We serve the drink in highball glasses, top with seltzer, and garnish with slices of cucumber.

Quick and Easy Margarita Shandy

[Photograph: Heather Meldrom]

Normally we're staunch supporters of using fresh juice in cocktails, but when you're making a pitcher drink it can be a little too much work. For this easy shandy we take a shortcut and use frozen limeade concentrate. As for the beer, go for a light, refreshing pilsner or Mexican lager (like Modelo Especial).

Bitter Salty Perro

[Photograph: Heather Meldrom]

The Salty Dog is typically made with gin or vodka, but this variation uses blanco tequila instead. We pair the tequila with freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, add a couple cups of seltzer, then serve in salted glasses with Angostura bitters.

Tequila and Campari With Tangerine

[Photograph: Heather Meldrom]

This citrusy, salmon-colored pitcher cocktail pairs earthy tequila with bitter Campari. We also add in freshly squeezed tangerine or tangelo juice, which sweetens the drink and adds just the right amount of acidity.

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5 Reasons to Take Tequila Beyond Margaritas

Photo by Danny Kim

Margaritas are great, but there's whole world of tequila cocktails out there.

While we love a well-made margarita, sometimes it's nice to shake things up. Here are five tequila-ready cocktails that turn up the heat and give the margarita some competition.

The Paloma deserves to be more than second fiddle. The stirred combination of tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda is just as refreshing as a margarita. Skip the overly sweet and syrupy supermarket sodas by making your own base of grapefruit juice, simple syrup, and club soda. And to give your cocktail some smoke in no time, try grilling your citrus or substituting tequila for mezcal.

Micheladas are the Mexican cocktail that don't feel like a cocktail. Take one beer—we're partial to an inexpensive Mexican lager—pour in spiced sauce, lime juice, and salt. Stir. Drink. Have another. Try mixing in some Worcestershire sauce and tomato juice for extra savory notes. This version below includes the smoky punch of mezcal:

A Bloody "Maria"

Ah, the eye-opening brunch cocktail, made even hairier by substituting tequila for vodka. Try using canned chipotles in adobo to add some smoky dimension (and a lot of extra heat you can’t always find in bottled hot sauces).

Fans of Kir Royales will love this. This riff on a traditional Diablo is a blend of ginger beer, tequila, and crème de cassis. Sometimes made with pomegranate instead of black currant syrup, this sweet and floral cocktail is easy sipping for a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Tequila Sunrise

Time to bring a new day to the oft-despised tequila sunrise. This layered drink uses tequila, orange juice, and grenadine—kind of like an orange margarita. The name comes from the separation of syrup and orange juice, best seen in a highball glass. The drink’s bad reputation comes from the poor quality of syrup, and from the bad decisions a hefty pour of tequila can inspire. The store-bought versions of grenadine are saturated with artificial flavoring and coloring—make your own or buy a high quality version. And if you really can’t shake the craving for a blender drink, make a frozen-over tequila sunrise.

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22 Tried-and-True Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Something special happens when tequila meets salt and lime in a margarita, but this spirit is a great addition to all kinds of drinks. Whether you're looking for something fruity, boozy, or both, you can't go wrong with one of our favorite tequila cocktail recipes. Is it happy hour yet.

Something special happens when tequila meets salt and lime in a margarita, but this spirit is a great addition to all kinds of drinks. Whether you're looking for something fruity, boozy, or both, you can't go wrong with one of our favorite tequila cocktail recipes. Is it happy hour yet.

Silver-Tequila Martini

Unlike any martini we've ever had before, this recipe combines tequila with dry vermouth, fresh grapefruit juice, and grapefruit bitters. A silver flake-sugar rim makes a festive final flourish.

Texas Margarita

What makes a margarita Texan? We thought it was the size, but apparently it's the addition of fresh orange juice. Bottoms up!

Tequila and Tonic

Don't let gin have all the fun! Tequila can play nicely with tonic, too.

Bloody Orange Maria

Upend your brunch routine with this Bloody Mary riff that swaps out vodka for tequila and adds some fresh blood-orange juice to the mix.

Marfa Ranch Water

Let tequila shine by pairing it with just two ingredients -- sparkling water and limes. An Aleppo pepper-spiced rim keeps things interesting.

Mango-Mint Margaritas

Puree mangoes with tequila, lime juice, and sugar the night before the party, and all you have to do the day of is add mint and club soda.

Guava Fresca with Mint and Ginger

Homemade ginger-mint syrup is the piece de resistance in this sparkling guava cocktail. While it's delicious as is, it's even better with a shot of tequila.

Spicy Papaya Sunrise

Sunny days get sunnier when sipping this tropical take on the classic Tequila Sunrise. Red jalapeno gives it a fiery edge.

Strawberry, Basil, and Honey Punch

We can't decide what we like more about this summery punch: the whole bottle of tequila called for in the ingredient list or the combination of sweet strawberries and earthy basil.

Spiced Pineapple Cocktail

Chili powder, sugar, and salt make an incredible spicy-sweet rim for this blended tropical cocktail.

Watermelon Margaritas

The vibrant red of watermelon makes for a sip-worthy, on-the-rocks margarita.

Tequila-Thyme Lemonade

It’s always tequila time with this herbaceous concoction.

Frozen Pomegranate Margaritas

Warm nights call for a refreshing drink, and these frozen pomegranate margaritas are sure to kick off your next summer party in style. By freezing the juice ahead of time in ice-cube trays, you’ll be able to whip up these frosty drinks in just minutes!

Paloma Cooler

A drunken lime -- a cored out lime filled with a shot of tequila -- floats like an island in this cooling drink.

Chili-and-Cucumber Margarita

Spice is nice, but cooling cucumber keeps everything in check.

Tequila-Cranberry Cooler

The hectic holidays become a little more bearable with this festive tequila cocktail.

The Taurus

The essential oil from a strip of orange zest gives this tequila cocktail a wonderful perfume. Finish with a lime wedge.

Frozen Margaritas

A blender is the only power tool needed to create these icy treats.

Ruby-Red Tequila Cocktails

Despite its name, this simple three-ingredient cocktail is more pink than red. It pairs tequila with two kinds of juice -- grapefruit and lime.

Pineapple-Basil Margaritas

Pulsing fruit rather than pureeing it makes for a margarita loaded with flavor and texture.

Elderflower Tequila Sipper

Elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, adds a crisp, floral note to this elegant cocktail.

Frozen Peach Margarita

Using frozen peaches makes this recipe super easy to pull together.

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22 Tried-and-True Tequila Cocktail Recipes

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The Grown-Up Way To Drink Tequila

Sweet pineapple mixed with spicy-warm cinnamon makes this tequila drink sing.

Spice up your summer drink staple this season with a little turmeric.

As the colder weather moves in, warm yourself up with a tall glass of this blood orange tequila cocktail.

Whip up a refreshing minty mojito — minus the rum and plus the tequila punch.

Get into the autumnal frame of mind with this honey and pear, on-the-rocks marg.

Making margaritas post summer has never felt so fall festive.

What better way to ease the seasonal transition from summer to fall than with a sip of this PSM?

Love Warheads Sour Candy? Well, then this tequila drink was made for you.

Pineapple and dragon fruit add just the right hint of sweetness to compliment the classic tang in this margarita.

Macerated strawberries and freshly squeezed orange juice sing in this tequila-spiked summer sip.

This on the rocks tropical tequila cocktail is naturally sweetened with mangoes, oranges, and a zesty hint of lime.

Coconut rum and pineapple juice add some major summery vibes to this refreshing tequila cocktail.

Blue curacao gives these tequila beauties their tropical hue.

Starfruit adds an herbal touch to this take on the traditional Paloma cocktail.

We don't think this tequila drink could be more millennial if it tried — unless it was served out of a coconut.

Blueberries, and blackberries, and strawberries. and tequila — oh, my!

Steep some cilantro and jalapeños into your next tequila cocktail for a punch of zesty-fresh flavor.

Achieve this pale pink and frothy tequila cocktail with Campari, grapefruit, cinnamon, lime, and an egg white.

When three spring superstars collide, the watermelon rosé margarita is born.

Switch things up this weekend with a beergarita — blend together cherry soda, frozen limeade, tequila, and a cold Corona.

The combo of creme de violette and lavender syrup make for one lovely tequila cocktail.

It's officially spring — swing into it with this bubbly and refreshing grapefruit tequila slammer.

Honey, lime juice, and a splash of soda make this silver tequila cocktail simply splendid.

Who says margaritas can't be pink and sparkly?!

With spring on the horizon, whip up a batch of these blackberry lemonade margs.

Give the classic citrus marg a run for its money with this fruity and floral take.

Use up the last of your tangelo bag with this refreshing margarita recipe — crushed ice is key for that orange-slushy consistency.

Vanilla and pear mixed with tequila make for a warming winter cocktail.

Spritzers aren't just for the warm weather months — try a sprig of time and a slice of lemon for some wintry hints.

Jump on the matcha-trend-train with this bright and buzzy tequila cocktail.

Holiday tensions high? Make a batch of these cranberry margaritas to put the party at festive ease.

Kombucha, cider, and tequila make for a surprisingly festive apéritif combination.

For when regular orange juice just isn't daring enough.

Nothing like an ombre mimosa to get your next brunch party started!

Warnings state that alcohol can impair your vision — but this carrot cooler begs to differ.

The zest of grapefruit adds a boost to this sugary and spicy marg.

You can't really go wrong with rosé, fresh fruit, kombucha, AND tequila all in one drink.

Pineapple juice and tequila take lemonade to a whole new level of summertime refreshment.

The "Guavarita" mixes in sweet guava juice for its namesake twist on the classic marg.

Take the classic margarita to new summer levels by freezing it on a popsicle stick.

Margaritas in the morning?! When orange juice is involved, yes you can.

Summery strawberries are the perfect complement to tequila and lime.

A cranberry margarita?! Yes, it exists— and yes, it is delicious.

What do you get when you mix ginger, lime, and tequila on the rocks? A refreshingly delicious ginger beergarita, of course!

Juicy watermelon with freshly squeezed lime juice AND tequila? We just found our new summertime staple.

This tequila cocktail is summer sunshine in a glass.

All you diehard BB fans out there (or just lovers of the color blue), get ready for the drink of your dreams! The Breaking Bad margarita takes it to the next level with blue salt AND blue ice chips.

Ever heard the saying "as cool as a cucumber?" Well this is it, in cocktail form.

Give your fruity cocktail an unexpected kick with chili powder and fresh jalapeño.

You can make this easy, boozy frosty with frozen mango.

This sweet slushy recipe can be made in 5 minutes, with just 3 ingredients (4 if you are counting the tequila)!

These coconut lime margaritas are cool and zesty!

Bring some heat to your sweet with this killer duo of berries and spicy jalapeños.

Not a sage fan? No problem. Try this refreshingly easy recipe with some mint or basil instead!

Not your ordinary slushy-machine frozen margarita, this blueberry twist is sophisticated and delicious.

Who says popsicles can't be for adults? One lick of these passion fruit and tequila poptails is all the proof we need.

Sweeten up your margarita with a simple and refreshing addition — kiwi!

Let this tequila cocktail instantly transport you from Netflix and chill to aloha and luau — it's like a cup of sunshine, with a little salt.

Zesty grapefruit paired with sweet and spicy sugar makes for some serious refreshment!

Planning your next grownup fiesta? You'll definitely want to use this classic margarita recipe.

Your cocktail game just got taken up a notch with this next level combo of frozen sangria and margaritas.

This tequila cocktail gets a festive and crafty makeover with sweet pear, honey, and some cinnamon spice.

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10 of the finest cocktails for National Tequila Day

I t's National Tequila Day, and what better way to mark the occasion than with ten of the best tequila-based cocktails, from the classic to the creative? Actually, it’s more like eight, because I’ve thrown in a couple of mezcal drinks to spice things up a bit. The differences between them are regional and, well… it’s complicated. Tequila can only be made with Blue Agave. Mezcal can feature up to 30 different types of agave. With tequila, the agave is cooked in industrial ovens before fermentation. With mezcal, it should be baked in a pit over wood fires — that's the source of its delicious smokiness.

The Margarita

N othing says sunny days and happy times better than the sharp and spiky Margarita. One sip and I am back in California. Chips and guacamole are mandatory, as is some suitable mariachi music.

Wipe a wedge of lime around the rim of a tumbler. Dip the rim into some sea salt. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 30ml lime juice, 30ml Cointreau, 60ml white tequila (I favour Herradura). Shake, shake, shake until bitingly cold. Then fill the tumbler with fresh ice and strain the drink over the top. Squeeze a wedge of lime into the glass, and toss it in too. Stir and drink.

The Garre De Tigre (The Tiger’s Claw) with mezcal

F rom my delightful friend Bricia Lopez, co-owner of the fabulous Oaxacan restaurant Guelaguetza in Los Angeles, comes this stunner starring tequila’s big brother, mezcal. I’m a big fan of the San Cosme mezcal from Oaxaca.

R ub a wedge of lime around the rim of a glass. Dip into some gusano salt. Yes, that is salt with ground-up maguey worms. if you can’t find it or you’re squeamish about the worms, feel free to mix 1 part powdered chilli to 3 parts salt to make a substitute. Now pour 60ml lime juice, 30 ml sugar syrup and 60ml mezcal into the blender with a cup of ice. Blitz until smooth and frothy. Pour into the glass and serve.

The Paloma

R efreshing and simple. In Mexico, they’d make this with a grapefruit-flavoured fizzy drink, but I prefer to top up with soda. You may do as you wish.

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 60ml white tequila, 60ml pink grapefruit juice, 30 ml lime juice, 10 ml sugar syrup and a pinch of salt. Stir and top up with soda water or fizzy grapefruit drink. Lounge and sip whilst dreaming of Tulum…

Tequila Sunrise

H ow much more rock’n’roll can a drink be? The Rolling Stones purportedly got through their ’72 American tour on a lot of them and The Eagles named a song after it. Yeah, baby!

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add 50ml white tequila. Then carefully pour in 90ml fresh orange juice. DO NOT STIR. Add 10ml grenadine. The grenadine should sink to the bottom of the glass … giving you … a sunrise effect. Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry. Sip to side one of Sticky Fingers.

The Bloody Maria With Pickled Chillies

Y ou guessed it — it’s a tequila-based Bloody Mary. Tequila’s pepperiness makes for a perfect complement to the usual ingredients.

F ill a tall glass with ice. Add 60ml white tequila, some celery salt and pepper, a pinch of dried chilli and a slug of the brine out of a jar of pickled chillies. Pop in a glug of Tapatio or Cholula sauce, a splash of Worcestershire sauce (optional) and some lime juice. Top up with tomato or Clamato juice. Stir and serve garnished with a few pickles chillies and an extra wedge of lime.

Mrs McQ’s Folly

C reated for a dear friend — this is spicy, strong and rather chic. Much like the lady herself. Pop a sliver of fresh chilli into the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle gently. Fill with ice. Add 60ml mescal, 20ml orgeat, 20ml lime juice and 25–30ml blood orange juice (out of season, I favour the Mango Girls’ divine bottled juice) and a good dash of pimento bitters. Shake hard until icy cold. Strain into a beautiful cocktail glass. Garnish with a twist of orange or blood orange.

A Michelada Boilermaker

Mightily refreshing on a hot day, this cerveza cocktail exists in many versions, much like a Bloody Mary. So customize away. Just make sure you have some ice-cold beer on hand…

F ill a shot glass with tequila. Then wipe a wedge of lime around the rim of a sturdy beer mug. Dip it into some salt to coat it. Squeeze in the juice of 1–2 limes. Add a few dashes of Tapatio sauce, Maggi sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Season with a few grinds of black pepper. Add 20ml tomato or clamato juice. Top up with VERY COLD beer. Stir. Then pop in the shot glass (carefully). Shout VENGAAAA! And drink. Try to catch the shot glass in your mouth as it races towards you.

The El Niño

T here seems to be a multitude of El Niño recipes. I favour this one, based on an old recipe from a bartending guide I found many moons ago. With its rose-like nose, it seems to refer to niño as a child rather than that thing with the ocean.

Muddle 6 wedges of lime in the bottom of a cocktail shaker with one hulled strawberry and 20ml sugar syrup. Fill up with ice. Add 60ml white tequila and a good dash of rosewater. Shake up a storm. Strain into an ice filled tumbler. Garnish with a rose petal or two.

The Mexican Negroni

This twist on the classic Negroni works very well with tequila and makes a slightly sweeter drink.

F ill a tumbler with a couple of large cubes of ice. Add 60ml white tequila, 20 ml Aperol and 20ml sweet red vermouth (I favour Riserva Carlo Alberto) . Add a dash of orange bitters. Stir well and serve garnished with a twist of orange.

The Tequila Sour

T his is tart and refreshing. Drink poolside. Or from a flask at the lido.

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 10ml lime juice, 10ml lemon juice, 15ml sugar syrup and 50ml white tequila. Shake like Tom Cruise in Cocktail (“The Bar. Is. Open!”). Strain into a tumbler and garnish with a cherry. Or a chilli. You choose.

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Tequila Drinks Recipes

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Inspiration and Ideas

• Tips & Tricks

Salty Chihuahua

"Tequila, lemonade, lime—what's not to like? Refreshing and well-balanced. Yum!" – MagicallyDelicious

Tequila Sunrise Cocktail

"So pretty! I cut down the tequila until it was just right for me." – moaa

Beer Margaritas

"My very favorite drink for a party. You would never know there was beer in it!" – Karen

Tequila

Just like Champagne or cognac, tequila can only be made in a specific region: the Mexican state of Jalisco and some surrounding areas. The area’s volcanic soil is perfect for growing agave. The forbidding plant, which has sharp thorns and long, thick leaves, takes between eight and 12 years to reach maturity before it can be harvested.

The heart of the plant, which can weigh well over 100 pounds, is peeled, roasted and crushed, and its sweet juice is then fermented and distilled. (While premium tequila is made from pure agave, cheaper tequila called mixto is distilled from both agave and other sugars.) Tequila is usually distilled twice.

There are four main tequila categories: Blanco (also called silver, plata or platinum) is aged for less than two months and is clear; reposado is aged between two and 12 months and is golden-colored; añejo is aged between one and three years and is a whisky-like brown; and extra-añejo, a new category introduced by the Tequila Regulatory Council in 2006, is aged more than three years. Tequila, like most Scotches, is typically aged in used bourbon casks.

HOW TO DRINK TEQUILA:

Blanco tequila is perfect for shots and works nicely in cocktails like the Margarita, the Paloma and the Bloody Maria. Reposado, añejo and extra-añejo tequilas can be sipped like whiskies or can be used to create a decadent cocktail.

Tequila Brands

Cocktail Recipes

Articles About Tequila

Meet the Cocktails from the 2018 Tequila Herradura Bartender Legends Finalists

Tune into the Tequila Herradura Bartender Legends Finale at 3 p.m. CST on October 24. Just go to Herradura’s Facebook page to watch these incredible bartenders compete for the grand prize. You need skill and talent to reach the Tequila Herradura Bartender Legends finale. But the most important factor is the original cocktail. The finalists […]

Get to Know the Finalists for Tequila Herradura Legends

Tune into the Tequila Herradura Legends Finale at 3pm CST on October 24. Just go to Herradura’s Facebook page to watch these incredible bartenders compete for the grand prize. Twenty-six bartenders will soon arrive in Mexico to compete in the Tequila Herradura Legends finale. Each finalist took a different route to Casa Herradura, using their […]

What Will Trump’s Trade Policies Mean for Tequila?

With NAFTA on the rocks, the Mexican booze industry is poised for an uncertain future.

What Inspires the Talented Finalists of the Tequila Herradura Legends Competition?

The slate is set for the finale of the Tequila Herradura Legends competition. Bartenders will be traveling to Mexico for the experience of a lifetime. They’ll get a VIP distillery tour at the last true tequila-producing hacienda on the planet, explore popular and historic attractions and—most importantly—face off for the grand prize in the global […]

What Do Master Distillers Drink When They Drink Cocktails?

Liquor makers reveal their favorite ways to mix things up.

This Bartender’s Exit Strategy:

Open a Rum Distillery

How Todd Thrasher went about it and what he learned while doing so.

This Is How You Build a Great Modern Dive Bar

Lessons from the Best Intentions duo in Chicago.

Last Call at Mayahuel:

Did the Pioneering Tequila and Mezcal Bar Change American Drinking Forever?

Looking back at a legendary bar.

Puerto Vallarta Resort Has a Tourist-Trap Problem. Can This New Bar and Resort Change That?

It’s sure going to try.

Why Is There a Clothespin in My Cocktail? A New Trend Is the Reason

Here’s which bars are doing it. And why.

George Clooney’s Tequila Company Sells For $1 Billion

Cheers, George Clooney. Just when you thought you couldn’t envy someone’s life more, he turns around and sells his tequila company for up to $1 billion. Yesterday, Diageo—the global leader in spirits that owns popular brands such as Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, Smirnoff and Johnnie Walker—will acquire Casamigos for $700 million, with the potential of […]

Celebrate Negroni Week With the Most Expensive Negroni Ever

There’s no better way to celebrate Negroni Week than to kick back, relax and enjoy a $1,000 version of the classic Italian cocktail. Yes, you read that right. Through June 11, Lot 45 in New York City is offering customers The $1,000 Negroni. The luxurious version of the drink combines Gran Patrón Platinum tequila (which […]

Tequila Gummy Bears Are Here to Make Your Summer Even Better

Remember rosé gummy bears? Well, those are so last year. Enter tequila gummy bears, the newest concoction courtesy of those crazy geniuses over at Sugarfina. The luxury candy boutique has partnered with George Clooney’s Casamigos tequila brand to create a new collection of tequila-infused sweets. You can choose from the Shake Your Margarita, a blanco-tequila-infused Margarita gummy with […]

5 Rules for Drinking Tequila

Do you know it like you think you do?

How to Actually Drink Good Tequila in Tequila

An independent tasting room breaks barriers.

This Might Be the Most Expensive Moscow Mule Ever

There’s a lot to love about the classic Moscow Mule. But do you love it enough to drink 10 pounds of it? Two New York City bars think you do. The Beach at Dream Downtown and PHD Terrace at Dream Midtown are now offering the Mega Mule, a 164-ounce version of the classic Moscow Mule cocktail, for […]

Tequila Mixed Drinks

From refreshing watermelon-tequila cocktails to red sangria, here are amazing mixed drinks to make with tequila. We've got delicious recipes for every occasion, whether you're picnicking in the park or relaxing at the beach. And don't worry -- margaritas are also included.

"I've always felt tequila had a natural affinity for superearthy ingredients," says San Diego bartender Lindsay Nader, who makes this refreshing cocktail with beets. "Try not to spill, because the stain can be more perilous than red wine!" she warns.

In-Sandíary

This cocktail's name is a play on both the Spanish word for watermelon, sandía, and "incendiary," referring to the peppery tequila and the spicy ancho chile rim.

Red Sangrita

In Mexico, sangrita is traditionally served well chilled and accompanied by a good tequila served neat.

Punto Pomelo

The name of this margarita-like cocktail means "the point of grapefruit," referring to mixologist Cyrus Keyhari's belief that citrus-based cocktails have an affinity for spicy food.

Pepino’s Revenge

Cucumber and basil are the star-ingredients in this refreshing tequila drink.

Prickly Pear

Bartender Brook Chisholm named this cocktail after the cacti that often grow near agave, the plant used to make tequila.

Fiestas Patrias

Sean Muldoon modeled the Fiestas Patrias ("patriotic holidays" in Spanish) on the Armillitta Chico, a tequila concoction made with lime, orange flower water and grenadine. He particularly likes the drink with Mexican food.

Agave Negro

The inspiration for this drink is the popular Asian drink bubble tea, with the round sections of blackberry (called drupelets) mimic the look of the tapioca pearls.

Watermelon-Tequila Cocktails

When watermelon is in abundance, this is a great way to use it. Bobby Flay purees seedless watermelon chunks, then strains the juice through a sieve and mixes it with silver tequila, sugar syrup, blueberries, mint and fresh lime juice.

Añejo Manhattan

Cocktail consultant Ryan Magarian garnishes this drink with a tequila-marinated dried cherry wrapped in a mole-spiced sausage slice.

The Red and the Black

A clever black pepper-infused simple syrup makes this drink taste more sophisticated than most fruity cocktails.

Fernando's Hideaway

Peach nectar and peach liqueur lend a nice touch of sweetness to this tequila drink.

Jalisco Sling

Jacques Bezuidenhout likes this fruity drink on warm summer evenings with spicy Asian food like Thai green curry.

Robert Hess, self-taught bar expert and creator of Drinkboy.com, a Web site for the cocktail-obsessed, introduced this classic to the Zig Zag bartenders.

Tart hibiscus tea gives this drink its striking rose color.

To give this tequila smash an autumnal feel, Devlin DeVore adds apple juice ("apple" is manzana in Spanish) and cinnamon.

Tequila

Tequila is Mexico’s National Drink, and one of the icons synonymous with Mexico.

The spirit is distilled in just a small handful of locations in Mexico; it is tightly regulated to ensure quality and enjoyed widely by Mexicans as it is by people all over the world.

How Tequila is Made

Tequila is distilled from the Blue Agave (ah-gah-veh) plant. As the story goes, back in the days of the Conquest, wine and brandy were in short supply, so the Spanish ordered that the Agave be processed and distilled to create alcohol. The plant is grown primarily in the state of Jalisco, with additional plantations also present in Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tamaulipas, although all tequila production takes place in the state of Jalisco. Tequila can be enjoyed straight or with a wide variety of mixers – see below for cocktail recipes.

Tequila Cocktail Recipes – Different Ways to Enjoy Tequila

Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients: 1.75 Parts Tequila, 0.5 Parts Grenadine, 2 Ice Cubes, Crushed ice, fresh Orange Juice.

Method: Place the Tequila and orange juice in a cocktail mixer with all the crushed ice and shake thoroughly. Pour mixture into a glass with the ice cubes already in it. Slowly add the grenadine, allowing for it to rise. Stir well before drinking for best taste.

Ingredients: Tequila, half a glass of light beer, lemonade (not diet).

Method: Pour the tequila, cold, light beer and a small amount of cold lemonade into your favorite glass, and enjoy. Very refreshing on a hot day!

Black Turncoat

Ingredients: Tequila, Cola drink, mineral water, lime, 2 ice cubes.

Method: Pour the tequila into a glass over the ice, add the juice of half a lime and a splash of mineral water. Fill to taste with the Cola drink, stir and enjoy!

Tequila Sour

Ingredients: Tequila, Lemon Juice, Natural Syrup, slice of lime, red cherry.

Method: Place 2 parts Tequila in cocktail mixer along with 0.5 parts of lemon juice and 2 Tb Sp of natural syrup. Shake well. Pour into a short glass, and garnish with a slice of lime and a red cherry.

The Cockroach

Ingredients: 1.5 Parts Tequila to 1 Part of Kahlúa.

Method: This drink combines the two great Mexican classics of Tequila and Kahlúa. Pour the tequila and Kahlúa into a glass, and (optionally) set on fire with a lighter. If you light it, pop a straw in the glass and drink! Otherwise this can be enjoyed slowly, on its own or as an after dinner liqueur.

The Giraffe

Ingredients: Tequila, grapefruit juice, 2 ice cubes.

Method: Pour the Tequila into a tall glass and followed by the two ice cubes. Swirl the two around in the glass for a time (note: do not stir), and then add grapefruit juice to taste.

The Margarita

Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, Fresh Lime (or Lemon could be used) Juice, a lime, crushed ice and salt.

Method: An American favorite, the margarita is the most commercial and most popular of all tequila mixes. The original Margarita is made with lime juice, and although lemon juice can be used as a substitute, most connoisseurs agree that lime juice is the best choice. Before you intend to serve this drink, place some glasses in the freezer and allow them to frost over. Moisten the rim of the glass with the juice from the lime, turn up-side-down and place gently on a bed of salt (for the classic ‘salted rim’). Place the tequila, Cointreau, lime/lemon juice and crushed ice into a cocktail mixer and shake well. Pour your mix into the glass. while avoiding the salted rim. Serve immediately.

Ingredients: Tequila, fresh lime juice (squeezed from 1 average-sized lime), cola drink, ice cubes.

Method: Pour the Tequila into a tall glass, followed by the fresh lime juice. Place the ice on top and swirl in the glass (note: do not stir). Now add cola drink to taste.

Cocktail on the Attack!

Ingredients: 2 Part Tequila, 1 Part Triple Sec, 1 Part Dry Vermouth, Lime, crushed ice.

Method: Pour the tequila, triple sec and dry vermouth into a cocktail mixer. Squeeze in the juice from a lime, and add the crushed ice. Shake vigorously. Serve mix in a champagne glass, garnished with a slice of lime on the side.

Tequila Fizz

Ingredients: 5 Parts Tequila, 3 Parts fresh lemon juice, natural syrup, egg white, lime, 2 ice cubes.

Method: Pour tequila, lemon juice, 2 Tb Sp of natural syrup, egg white (1 egg), and the juice of the lime and the 2 ice cubes into a cocktail mixer and shake very well. Pour the mix into a tall glass, and garnish with a slice of lime.

Sweet Tequila

Ingredients: Tequila, Aniseed (e.g. Pernot)

Method: Mix tequila and aniseed gently and pour into a cognac glass to enjoy.

The Submarine

Ingredients: Tequila, Light Beer (a Mexican light beer is best)

Method: Ensure that the beer is ICE COLD. Place the Tequila in a medium glass, tilt and pour the beer in very slowly. Serve immediately.

Pineapple Leap

Ingredients: 1.25 Parts Tequila, 2 parts Pineapple Juice, 1 Part lemon Juice (fresh if possible), 0.25 Parts Grenadine, crushed ice.

Method: Pour all ingredients into a cocktail mixer. Shake very well, and serve in tall glass.

Dry Tequila

Ingredients: Tequila, Dry Vermouth, Grenadine, 2 ice cubes.

Method: Pour the Tequila, Vermouth and Grenadine into a glass and stir. Add the two ice cubes; garnish with lime or orange slice. Serve immediately.

Tequila Tonic

Ingredients: Tequila, Quinine (Indian Tonic Water), 1 ice cube, the peel of 1 lime

Method: Wash a lime thoroughly, and finely grate the outside. Mix the Tequila and Quinine in a glass with the ice. Now introduce the lime peel and stir well.

Tequila Cocktail

Ingredients: 4 Parts Tequila, Juice from a lime (fresh), 2 Parts Grenadine, 2 ice cubes, a slice of lime.

Method: Pour the Tequila, Grenadine into a cocktail mixer. Squeeze the juice from 1 lime into the mix. Add the ice cubes. Shake thoroughly. Pour mixture into a cocktail glass (leave the ice cubes behind). Garnish the rim with a slice of lime and serve immediately

Ingredients: Tequila, Vodka, and a fresh fruit juice (or tropical fruit juice mix) of your preference, ice

Method: Pour the Tequila, Vodka and some fruit juice (to taste / dilute) into a cocktail mixer; add the crushed ice and shake vigorously. Pour into a tall glass; serve immediately.

Tequila Slammer / “Moppets”

Ingredients: Tequila, Fizzy Lemonade or Champagne.

Method: Probably the most famous of all “slamming” drinks, this is the tequila classic! For best results, you should buy the lemonade in cans, to ensure maximum fizz. Pour some tequila and lemonade into a tequila shot glass, leaving about a fifth of the glass unfilled. Cover the top of the glass with your bare palm, (or a cloth serviette under your palm). Raise the glass above the table, “slam” the glass down (not too hard else you’ll break it!). This action will mix the two ingredients, and create a massive fizz in the glass. The art now is to drink the entire contents of the shot glass, in one gulp!

Use of Champagne makes a good alternative to lemonade, and is known as the “Slammer Royale”

You can also practice the salt and lime routine with this, if you want to. See Tequila Straight, below…

Tequila Straight

Ingredients: Tequila, Lime, Salt (tomato juice optional)

Method: For straight Tequila, it’s best to choose the gold-colored tequila, instead of the clear. It has a smoother, more mellow and richer taste when enjoyed on its own. The tequila should be served in a small tequila shot glass… A fresh lime, sliced into quarters and sea salt should be on the table. You can also have a tequila shot glass filled with tomato juice if you like. This is how you drink it: Lick the back of your hand, the area just above the thumb. Pour some salt on the wet area, so it sticks. Lick the salt off your hand, and immediately follow through with a drink of the Tequila (all of it, or just some – your choice) – then bite in a lime quarter, which you will have grasped between your finger and thumb on the same hand with the salt. If you have tomato juice on the table, now is the time to enjoy some of it, before you repeat the process!

Tequila Furnace

Ingredients: Tequila, Tabasco sauce, lime, salt.

Method: Pour tequila into a shot glass. Add between 3 and 6 drops of Tabasco sauce and gently stir. Lick some salt off your hand (see Tequila Straight – above) – down the tequila and bit the lime. Now prepare to breath fire! (Not for the feint throated!).

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Watermelon Plata Tequila Cocktail

Watermelon-Tequila Cocktail (00:56)

Ingredients

• 6 cups seedless watermelon chunks
• 1/4 cup simple syrup, see Cook's Notes
• 2 limes, cut into chunks
• 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, plus sprigs for garnish
• 1 cup plata (silver) tequila
• Crushed ice

Directions

Puree the watermelon in a food processor until smooth. Strain the juice into a bowl pressing on the pulp, then discard the solids.

Put the simple syrup, lime chunks, berries and mint in a pitcher and muddle until the berries are slightly crushed. Add the tequila and watermelon juice and stir to combine. Refrigerate until cold, at least 1 hour. Serve over crushed ice, garnished with mint sprigs.

Cook's Note

Put a 1/2 cup of water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Whisk in the sugar and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let cool.

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