When you think of Tequila Cocktails, the first thing that usually comes to mind is the Margarita. -For some party animals of the 80s, Tequila Sunrise might beat the Margarita to it. However, the often overly sweet drink didn't make it on our list.
Yet, there are many more beautiful cocktails based on the earthy, smooth agave spirit than that. So, here are our favorite Tequila Cocktails, including riffs on classics and outstanding contemporary creations.
- Also, if you want to get an overview of all our recipes for cocktails made with Tequila, click here:
View all Tequila Cocktails on Cocktail Society
Classic Margarita and popular riffs
Here's the ultimate Tequila drink with the iconic salt rim and the tangy taste. Plus, some of the best riffs to try at home.
1. Classic Margarita
The classic Margarita - a member of the Daisy cocktail family, is made with Tequila Blanco, lime juice, Triple Sec, and an optional splash of agave nectar for better balance.
Margarita cocktail inspiration
2. Spicy Grapefruit Margarita
If you like spicy cocktails, this might be the drink for you. The recipe calls for jalapeño-infused Tequila, chili powder, and a few slices of hot jalapeños. The grapefruit juice brings in some bittersweet flavors, as well.
3. Coconut Margarita
From spicy and sour on to mild and sweet - the Coconut Margarita is the nemesis of the Spicy Grapefruit Margarita. This recipe adds rich and sweet cream of coconut to the classic recipe and creates a beautifully tropical twist.
4. Tommy's Margarita
Tommy's Margarita is a child of the 90s and a simplified version of the original. The recipe leaves off the Triple Sec and only asks for Reposado Tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave nectar.
5. White Christmas Margarita Punch
For this festive twist on the classic Tequila cocktail you need:
Añejo Tequila, lime, Triple Sec, coconut milk, coconut cream, coconut-flavored Rum, sugar syrup, and fresh cranberries. -Quite a long list, yet, worth the effort.
6. Soho House Picante de la Casa
It does not carry the name, but this drink, too, is a twist on the Margarita. It adds two traditional Mexican cooking ingredients, cilantro, and chili, to the cocktail and omits the Triple Sec.
Other Tequila Cocktails
Moving on from the Margaritas to Tequila twists on classics like the Whiskey Sour and other delicious creations.
7. Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Here's a twist on another all-time classic, the Old Fashioned. The base is split between Tequila and smoky Mezcal (3:1).
A couple of dashes of Angostura bitters and a good portion of agave nectar complete this drink.
8. Tequila Sour
The Tequila Sour follows the traditional formula of Sour Cocktails: base spirit, citrus juice, syrup, and a frothy egg white top. Three drops of Angostura Aromatic Bitters complete this beautiful drink.
9. Cantarito
This citrus-forward blend is worth trying. Apart from Silver Tequila, you will need orange juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice, and grapefruit soda.
10. AMF - Adios Mother Fucker
Don't be put off by the name. There's no other reason for it than that such names were fashionable for cocktails in the 80s.
It's a blue-colored riff on the Long Island Iced Tea, with an equally long list of ingredients. The blue color, of course, comes from Blue Curaçao.
11. Paloma
To be precise, the Paloma is also a grapefruity twist on the Margarita. Still, it is so popular and has ifself already brought forth various twists of its own. And as such, it deserves a stand-alone position on this list of Tequila cocktails.
Even more Tequila cocktail inspiration
More about Tequila
If you saw a specific Tequila mentioned for some recipes, like Reposado or Silver, and you don't know what that means, I recommend reading our article on the different types of Tequila.
And if you want to stock up on Tequila in your home bar and are unsure what to buy, here are our favorite bottles for a perfect Margarita.