25 Tequila Cocktails That Bring the Fiesta

The best Tequila cocktails are the ones that can cleanse your mind of everyday stresses. When you take that first sip, you will slip into a state of mind where no trouble can reach. That’s one of the best things about Tequila as a drink.

But to bring out the best of this Mexican favorite, you need to know the right things to get and the right way to make them. Well, this is your lucky day because I have come prepared with this list right here.  

These recipes for cocktails are some of the best that you can make at home. Just sit back, follow them closely, and the drinks will be magical. Let’s get started with a little information on today’s main player.  

The Origin Of Tequila

Tequila is one of Mexico’s popular alcoholic beverages. It was first made in the town of Tequila (although the name was different during that period) during the 16th century. Due to the spread of Mexican culture in North America, Tequila also gains a foothold within the region.

To distill Tequila, breweries have to harvest a specific Blue Agave plant. This step relies heavily on manual labor instead of using machinery. Next, they run the plants under high heat and turn them into a simple paste before extracting the juice.

Juice from Blue Agave goes into big containers with yeast to begin the fermentation period. There are 3 different types of Tequila based on the length of the fermentation: Blanco or Silver (non-aged); Reposado (2 – 12 months in oak barrels); Anejo (1 – 4 years in oak barrels)    

Different Types Of Tequila

Tequila is not that strong, according to a lot of people. Its alcoholic content is around 40%, which puts the drink somewhere around the same level as Whiskey (43%) or Bourbon (40%). The flavors of Tequila can vary depending on the length of the fermentation period.

Blanco or Silver Tequila

Due to the short fermentation time of this variant, the taste leans more on the grassy side, with a bit of tanginess and a spicy overtone. While the drink is fine on its own, it is much better as a component in many cocktails.

Reposado Tequila

This version has a longer fermentation time compared to the previous variation. It is kept in an oak barrel. This creates a very interesting aroma, like a mix between caramel and vanilla. The tangy and spicy flavors are still there but somewhat weaker. 

Anejo Tequila

Anejo, by far, has the longest time inside an oak barrel. This means that vanilla-caramel fragrance has a longer time to develop. The smell has a positive effect on the overall essence of this version. You can also feel a bit of cinnamony essence at the tip of your tongue.

The Best Ways To Drink Pure Tequila

For beginners, the best way to enjoy a glass of Tequila is with a bit of salt on the rim and a slice of lime. Both the saltiness and the acidity will offset the usual punch from the Tequila.

However, if you’re accustomed to the peppery effect of Tequila, you can experience it in the most traditional way ever. That means drinking Tequila straight from a shot glass and on a rock (with ice).  

Prices Of Tequila And Where You Can Buy It

Since Tequila is currently one of the most popular alcoholic beverages around the world, you can easily find a bottle at a liquor store or a supermarket in your region.

The price tag also depends on the quality of the product. If you’re looking for high-end brands, they can cost you a hefty sum. But don’t worry, with the cocktail recipes below, your cheap Tequila bottle can turn everything into gold.   

25 Interesting Tequila-Based Cocktails

Now that you understand a bit about Tequila, let’s go further in. I will show you how you can make some of the most spectacular Mexican-style cocktails. Sit tight because this is going to be one heck of a ride.

1. Tequila Sunrise

Total time: 3 minutes

There’s no better way to spend your summertime than with a glass of cold Tequila Sunrise. This particular cocktail originated during the 1970s and became rather popular thanks to Mick Jagger, the frontman of the legendary band Rolling Stones.

What is so special about Tequila Sunrise that even a rockstar fell in love with it? It’s all about the mix of ingredients, including orange juice, Tequila, and a type of pomegranate-based syrup called Grenadine.

The ingredients of this orange juice-based cocktail combine to create an exquisite experience. There’s the acidity from the juice to stimulate your taste buds. The sweetness from the Grenadine settles everything down before you meet the Tequila’s dry and spicy kick. 

Tequila Sunrise is a good beverage to make for a party.

2. Texas Ranch Water

Total time: 4 minutes

Coming from the Lone Star State, Texas Ranch Water is not what you expect it to be. Instead of the blandness of pure H20 (also known as water), you can feel that rush of citrusy flavor alongside the hint of dryness coming from the Tequila.

To recreate this simple mixed-beverage, you will get Tequila, lime juice, and a type of sparkling soda of your choice (in this recipe, I recommend Topo Chico).

The process is rather simple, you put the lime juice, Tequila with ice in a highball glass (a type of tall glass for cocktails). The next step is to pour in the sparkling soda for that signature fizziness of Ranch Water.

The ice can enhance the freshness of the lime. After a while, you can feel the exciting rush of Tequila around every inch of your body. This is truly a great way to cool off during the summer.   

3. Tequila Collins

Total time: 5 minutes

Tequila Collins, Juan Collins, or TeQuollins are the names that describe the same reimagining of Tom Collins cocktail. While the original recipe calls for Gin (a type of distilled alcohol from Juniper berries), this version puts a Mexican twist by replacing Gin with Tequila.

Aside from Tequila, the other ingredients include lemon juice, sweet syrup of your choice, and mineral water. The steps are similar to other cocktails, you just have to add Tequila, lemon juice, and syrup into a shaker before mixing everything.

Pour the mixture into a glass and top it with mineral water. Tequila Collins offers a very unique experience once you get a taste of it. Tequila has the strongest flavor, yet it is not overwhelming, thanks to the sweetness of the syrup and the mild saltiness of the water. 

4. Blackberry Devil’s Cocktail (El Diablo)

Total time: 50 minutes

In Spanish, El Diablo means “The Devil”, and the appearance of this particular cocktail truly invokes that image with its blood-like color. It’s quite a great cocktail option for Halloween. This wonderful beverage can loosen you up to enjoy a party.

The redness of the drink comes from a type of blackberry syrup. The syrup not only adds a layer of enticing color to El Diablo but also provides the necessary sweetness to offset the dryness of the alcohol.

The other parts of the cocktail include Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec (a liqueur made with orange peels), and lime juice. The combination of Triple Sec and lime juice offer a citrusy flavor, while the Reposado Tequila has its oaky essence.

Are you feeling the summer heat? Then let this El Diablo recipe cool you off.

5. Siesta Cocktail

Total time: 5 minutes

Every good party needs special drinks to heighten the mood. This is where the Siesta Cocktail comes in, with its quality that can hype you up in no time. Katie Stipe, a mixologist, was the person who created this drink in 2016.

With Siesta, you can feel the essence of both Mexico and Italy in one simple cocktail. That’s because the recipe requires the use of Tequila and Campari (an Italian liqueur consisting of fruits and herbs). There is also lime juice, grape juice, and syrup (water + sugar)

With this blend of many delightful components, you can feel the extra tastiness of this Campari-infused cocktail. The acidity and sweetness can combine well with both alcohols. It reduces the bitterness of Campari and brings out the herbal taste of Tequila.   

6. Brave Bull Cocktail

Total time: 3 minutes

Brave Bull Cocktail is such an interesting concept. The beverage combines the nutty and caramelized flavors of coffee liqueur with a more herbal Tequila. And to the surprise of many drinkers, it works.

There are only two simple ingredients for the recipe, Blanco (White) Tequila and a version of coffee liqueur called Kalua. Mix the two alcohols in a glass with ice. You can stir gently until the glass reaches the right temperature.

Like I said before, the first thing you will notice is how the herbal aroma is not too overwhelming in this coffee-flavored cocktail. Instead, the nuttiness and mild sweetness are still very clear alongside the strong kick from the Tequila.    

7. Tequila Hot Toddy

Total time: 5 minutes

Unlike the previous drinks I have mentioned, this one is more suitable during the colder period of the year instead of the summer. While a cup of hot chocolate is always nice, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a bit of fun with alcohol during the winter.

Tequila Hot Toddy is very similar to warm honey lemon but with a touch of Anejo Tequila. If you want to improve the citrusy aroma, just pour a bit of Cointreau, an orange-flavored liqueur similar to Triple Sec from France.

With a sip, you can feel the amazing essence of this honey-infused cocktail. You can feel the warmth of the honey lemon spreading all over the body. The Tequila provides a pleasant vanilla undertone. Garnish the drink with a cinnamon stick for that vanilla-like fragrance.

This Tequila Hot Toddy drink will warm you up in no time.

8. Classic Margarita

Total time: 5 minutes

If you’re a frequenter of many bars, there’s a chance that you might have come across Margarita. The drink is one of the most popular cocktails around the world today, thanks to the mix of great ingredients together.

Although the true origin of the Margarita is unknown, the big impact it has on the cocktail market is still undeniable. That’s because the classic version, which includes Tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice, is well-known in many bars around the world.

The traditional way to enjoy this lovely Cointreau cocktail is to coat the rim of the glass with salt to offset the strong grassiness of Tequila. If you want to reduce it even further, the recipe also suggests adding a sweetener (syrup in this case).

Both lime juice and Cointreau provide a layer of acidity to improve the taste.   

9. Cucumber Lime Margarita

Total time: 15 minutes

To many people, the summer is always the time for pool parties, outdoor barbeques, and refreshing cocktails. And one of the best cocktails to fight off the stifling heat is making a pitcher of Cucumber Lime Margarita.

Similar to the classic version, the two most important ingredients are Tequila and lime to recreate the classic dry sourness. Other than those, the recipe recommends agave nectar that increases the herbal essence of the drink.

You shake the Tequila and lime with the blended cucumber until everything is well incorporated. The result is an incredible cocktail that is tangy and sweet. The kick from the Tequila is still strong, but the addition of cucumber offsets this side of the drink.  

10. Strawberry Margarita

Total time: 10 minutes

When it comes to Margarita, there are so many great variants since the base of the original recipe is very customizable. One of the more well-known variations is a mix of a frozen dessert and a cocktail called Strawberry Margarita.

To recreate this, all you have to get is Tequila, limeade (which is lime juice with sugar), and frozen strawberries. Use a blender to mix all of the ingredients along with ice. When you see a slushie-like mixture start forming, the cocktail is done.

This cocktail with strawberries is a refreshing beverage. The pleasant sweetness of the fruit reduces any sort of strong grassiness from the Tequila. The limeade evens out the sweetness with its tangy flavor. Give the rim a coating of salt for that classic Margarita feel.

This Strawberry Margarita tutorial gives you a nice dessert beverage.

11. Cherry Lime Margarita

Total time: 25 minutes (With 60 minutes of chill time)

If you’re one of the few people who do not like strawberries, I also have a great alternative for you. Introducing the Cherry Lime Margarita, a cocktail with a similar consistency to Strawberry Margarita but with an entirely different taste.

Despite having a moderate amount of alcohol, the flavors are dominated by the tartness of the cherries. The use of syrup and lime juice in the cocktail further enhances the depth of this particular beverage.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that this cherry-based mixed alcoholic beverage lacks the kick. On the contrary, the pepperiness of Tequila easily fills that role. The Cointreau also gives this drink a mild citrusy aroma.

12. Tequila Slushies

Total time: 20 minutes

For many kids, nothing makes them feel better than slushies while suffering through the scorching heat of summer. So how can you recreate that nostalgic feeling as an adult? The answer is quite easy, you just add a touch of Tequila to the dessert.

Making this fun-filled version of a classic dessert is fairly easy since there are three essential ingredients: Frozen berries, lime juice, and Tequila. To further enhance the flavor, you can make a simple mint syrup with sugar, water, and mint leaves. 

The only thing you have to do is put everything in a blender and let the device do its magic. Pour the liquid into the glass and just enjoy. This amazing frozen cocktail is sweet, tangy, and peppery. The underlying Tequila also helps you relax and enjoy the day.

13. Paloma Cocktail

Total time: 5 minutes

If Margarita might be a little too strong for your preference, might I suggest this fantastic beverage called Paloma Cocktail? I can assure you that Paloma can still give you the nice effect of a Tequila-based cocktail without causing much discomfort.

You will need Blanco Tequila, grapefruit juice, and sparkling water for the ingredients. The first step is to coat the rim of the glass with salt. The salt acts as an extra flavoring agent for the Paloma. It can reduce the bitterness of the Blanco Tequila.

Pour the alcohol, juice, and a bit of syrup (I recommend Agave syrup for authenticity) into a cocktail shaker. Shake well until everything comes together. As a result, you get a very tangy and slightly sweet cocktail with some fizziness from the sparkling water.      

A meal will always taste better with a glass of this Paloma Cocktail.

14. Tequila Sage Smash

Total time: 5 minutes

Compared to the others, a Smash cocktail is usually balanced with the use of spirit, sweetener, and herbs to create a perfect drink. In this entry, I want to show you a version of Smash using Tequila called Tequila Sage Smash.

The main ingredients are sage leaves, Tequila (and Cointreau), and slices of lime. Combine everything in a shaker and pour the liquid through a strainer. The best way to garnish the Smash is with orange peels and more sage leaves.

This cocktail is rather aromatic, thanks to the leaves and lime slices. The sage’s subtle earthy tone hides within the Tequila’s grassy flavor. On the other hand, the acidity of the lime reduces the bitterness to improve the overall flavor.

15. Raspberry Tequila Cooler

Total time: 5 minutes

This Raspberry Tequila Cooler is something you want after a hard day at work. The cool feeling of this beverage running through your body can pick your spirit up as quickly as possible. And the best thing about it is that the cocktail is fairly easy to make.

To get the best flavor out of the raspberries, you have to smash them with a piece of specialized equipment called a muddle. But if you don’t have it, you can always use the mortar and pestle to extract the essence.

Mix the crushed raspberries with lemonade and Tequila and strain the solid bits out. And that’s how you get this fantastic raspberry-based cocktail. The sweetness complements the herbaceous aroma of Tequila. The lemonade adds a touch of sourness to the drink. 

16. Mexican Martini

Total time: 5 minutes

In the world of cocktails, Martini stands as one of the most iconic due to its portrayal in a lot of films and TV series. While there are many versions of Martini in existence today, there’s only one that dares to fully embrace the wonderful flavor of Tequila.

According to a popular theory, Mexican Martini originates from a bar in Texas. At its core, the Mexican Martini has a lot of similarities to the classic variant of the Margarita with the use of  Tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice.

However, the taste is the biggest factor that makes this cocktail using Martini unique. Due to the appearance of olive juice, there is almost no sweetness. Instead, you can feel a new type of saltiness that enhances the dry feeling of the alcohol.  

Mexican Martini is on so many occasions, so why don’t you try it out?

17. Pomegranate Cocktail

time: 5 minutes

Are you in need of a flavorful cocktail with an equally amazing appearance? Well, look no further because I have the right thing for you. Pomegranate Cocktails takes advantage of its fruitiness to give you a thirst-quenching summer drink.

The recipe calls for Tequila, orange-flavored Angostura bitters (a bitter type of liquor), and pomegranate juice. If you want to enhance the color of this cocktail, I can suggest using Grenadine (pomegranate syrup) as well.

Mix thoroughly using a shaker before pouring the liquid into a Mason jar with ice. The sweetness of pomegranate gives this cocktail with orange bitters a pleasant taste. The dryness adds a bit of depth without being too strong.

18. Mojitarita Lime And Tequila Cocktail

Total time: 5 minutes

In this entry, I will introduce a drink that is a combination of two different cocktails called Mojitarita. This version takes the best parts of both Mojito Cocktail and Margarita Cocktail to form such a delectable icy drink for you.

You need Tequila, lime (including lime juice and wedges), and agave nectar for the recipe. First, use a muddler to crush the lime wedges and juice with mint leaves to extract the essence. The zestiness from the lime combines nicely with the peppery aroma of mint leaves.

The next step is to mix the Tequila and agave nectar with the mixture. Shake and strain the liquid. When you taste this cocktail, you can feel the grassiness from the alcohol and a hint of sweetness underneath.  

19. Mexican Tequila Mule

Total time: 5 minutes

Tequila is a Mexican-styled take on the classic cocktail called Moscow Mule. Instead of using Vodka, a traditional Russian liquor, this recipe calls for Tequila. This creates a new layer to the drink that no one has ever experienced before.

Unlike the normal version of Mule, you will not be able to smell the grainy aroma of the Vodka. What you can feel in this Mexican version is something akin to a fragrant field of grass. That’s one of the biggest differences between the two variants.

Other than the liquor, Mule also requires lime juice and ginger beer. The ginger beer offers a side of pepperiness to the overall flavor, plus the gas from the beer creates a frothy layer on top. On the other hand, the lime juice provides the cocktail with a familiar acidity.

One notable aspect of the Mule is that the drink is usually served in a copper mug. This exotic presentable sets itself apart from other typical cocktails.

Every dinner will be better with this cup of Mexican Tequila Mule.

20. Mexican-Style Bloody Maria

Total time: 10 minutes

Aside from the Mexican-style Tequila Mule, Bloody Maria is another rising name in the cocktail market. This recipe takes the beloved Bloody Mary and adds a Mexican flair to the drink. Hence, Bloody Maria is created to reflect on the change in style.

Similar to the Mule, this recipe switches the alcohol from Vodka to Tequila. As for the ingredients, you still see the familiar tomato juice, juice from pickled Jalapeno peppers, and, interestingly, Worcestershire sauce (a type of fermented condiment from Britain).

Due to the unique combination, this irresistible red cocktail has a very complex set of flavors that you can’t make out after the first drink. It is quite savory, sour, and spicy. The Tequila blends well into the beverage with a distinct grassiness.        

21. Tequila And Ginger Ale Cocktail

Total time: 5 minutes

You can consider this cocktail a distant cousin of the Mexican Mule but without the alcoholic undertone of the ginger beer. Instead, you replace the beer with a carbonated drink called Ginger Ale.

This change in the base component also changes the overall taste of this special ginger ale-based cocktail. The combination between Tequila and ginger ale is sweeter compared to the Mule. That’s because you do not feel the peppery aroma of the ginger beer.

However, it doesn’t mean that it’s sickeningly sweet. The cocktail is still herbaceous and sour, which will stimulate your appetite. The Tequila provides the signature kick to keep yourself excited for any activities.

22. Sangrita

Total time: 10 minutes

With the Sangrita, you might be taken aback due to the strange mix of ingredients that you do not find in other cocktails. However, one sip of this wonderful concoction can change your entire mindset on what cocktails can be.

Other cocktails rely on acidity and sweetness to reduce that kick from the alcohol. However, Sangrita does the unconventional by using more savory components to improve the flavors, like Tabasco hot sauce, soy sauce, and a generous portion of tomato juice.

Due to the addition of tomato juice and soy sauce, there’s an umami taste to go along with the herbal essence of Tequila. The sourness is still clear, yet it has a bit of spiciness thanks to the hot sauce. If you like to sweeten the drink, add a few tablespoons of Grenadine.

This Sangrita tutorial offers another take on this Mexican drink.

23. Tequila And Pineapple Juice Cocktail

Total time: 3 minutes

When the weather starts to make your body a little sweaty, it’s time to whip out this fantastic cocktail to relieve some of that heat stress. The Tequila And Pineapple Juice Cocktail is perfect for many affairs, including parties, date nights, or just a simple beverage for your meal.

The pineapple mixed alcoholic drink is easy to make, with a few essential ingredients to bring out the best flavors. The pineapple juice offers a clear acidity. The orange liqueur improves this side with its strong orange aroma.

On the other side, you can still feel the strong kick of the Tequila. At first, the sourness greets your taste buds. But as soon as the drink goes further in, you feel the dryness of the Tequila start surrounding the inside of your mouth. 

24. Black Cowboy (Charro Negro)

Total time: 2 minutes

Let me introduce to you the Charro Negro, or Black Cowboy Cocktail, a staple of Mexican drinking culture. The beverage’s name is inspired by the legend of the Black Cowboy or El Charro Negro due to its appearance.

When it comes to ingredients, you don’t have to prepare a lot since there are only three things: Coca-cola, lime juice, and Tequila. Just mix them all and pour the liquid into a glass of ice. And that’s it, you just finish the Charro Negro.

Due to its simplistic nature, the flavors are pretty basic with the sweetness from the Coca-cola. The lime offers a level of acidity that makes this coke-mixed cocktail more delectable. The Tequila gives you that herbaceous punch to the taste buds.   

25. Tequila Honey Bee

Total time: 5 minutes

“Opposites Attract” is a fairly common theme in the culinary world, where opposing flavors can improve the food or drink. And Tequila Honey Bee manages to utilize this theme to its advantage, resulting in an almost perfect cocktail.

In this recipe, the two “opposites” are sweetness and savoriness. Honey is where most of this sweetness comes from. However, you need to dilute it with hot water to not let the sweetness overwhelm other ingredients.

Moving to the other side, there’s the explosive punch to the tongue coming from the hot sauce and Cayenne pepper. It’s rather interesting since the spiciness from both ingredients stands apart from the kick that Tequila usually has.

Despite the strange mix of components, this cocktail infused with honey offers a very unique experience. Once you get a taste, you might go back for more.     

Watch this video: Do you want to make the Honey Bee? Well, this is another recipe for you.

Tequila Cocktails Are Perfect For A Fun Party

If you’re someone who likes Tequila but feels that drinking it straight is a bit difficult, the recipes above could potentially alleviate your problem. There are many fun ways to mix cocktails with Tequila. The only thing you need is a bit of creativity and a love for alcohol.

And that’s a wrap for today’s journey. Before you leave, make sure to hit that like button and share this article on your social media. If you have an interesting recipe that you want to share, just comment below, I would love to read it. Stay tuned, and goodbye!