What to Mix With Tequila
If you’re stuck with half a bottle of tequila, don’t fret – margaritas are remarkable, yet there’s so much more to explore when it comes to concocting delicious drinks! With a variety of boozy and non-alcoholic options available for mixing with your tequila, we’ve rounded up the tastiest combinations. So say goodbye to those days of wondering what else can be done with that remnant in your cabinet; these flavors will inspire you!
What Is Tequila?
Tequila is the elixir of celebration, crafted from blue agave originating in Mexico. Through a distillation process, three main varieties are created – Blanco tequila that’s bottled directly after being distilled, Reposado which matures for at least 60 days and Añejo with an amber hue as it rests over one year in small oak barrels.
What Does Tequila Taste Like?
Every tequila is unique in its flavor and aroma due to the origin of the agave plant. Blanco tequilas have a slight sweetness with undertones of citrus and pepper, while aged tequilas such as Reposado or Añejo possess smooth woody flavors coupled with hints of smoke. Depending on where it’s from, Jalisco lowlands produce more robust earthy tastes whereas highland-born varieties boast floral bouquet along with notes of citric acidity.
What to Mix With Tequila
Whether you prefer to savor your tequila in a shot with salt and lime, sip aged tequilas neat, or mix up something special – there are plenty of ways to enjoy this Mexican spirit. If you have an unopened bottle sitting on your shelf that’s calling out for attention, why not try one of these delicious cocktail combinations!
Triple Sec + Lime (a Margarita)
Margaritas are undoubtedly the most sought-after tequila cocktail, and luckily you can add your own personal flavors for a unique twist. Yet to ensure that your drink remains traditional, one should always follow the 3-2-1 ratio when making it: three parts tequila, two parts orange liqueur, and one part lime juice.
To make a flavorful margarita for two, mix together 3 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of orange liqueur and 1 ounce of lime juice. Then get creative by adding fresh fruits or veggies like strawberries, jalapeños, cucumbers or watermelon to create your own unique margarita concoction!
Grapefruit Soda (a Paloma)
Palomas – the cousin of margaritas – are the perfect companion for any summer day. All you need is 2 ounces of tequila (or mezcal if that’s more your style!) and add a splash of both grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca or Jarritos, plus some lime juice to top it off. Simple yet flavorful, this combination will be sure to tantalize your taste buds!
Orange Juice + Grenadine (a Tequila Sunrise)
Make your brunch truly special and enjoyable with a Tequila Sunrise, an easy-to-make drink bursting with fruitiness. Simply combine 1 ½ ounces of tequila, ¾ cup of orange juice, and ¾ ounce of grenadine syrup in one glass – then top it off by adding a slice of oranges and cherries for garnish. Now you have yourself an unforgettable beverage!
Tomato Juice (a Bloody Maria)
Spice up your Bloody Mary and substitute the vodka with tequila to create a zesty Bloody Maria. Any ordinary Bloody Mary mix recipe will work – simply switch the vodka with tequila for an added kick. Additionally, using tequila instead of standard vodka helps bring out qualities from hot sauce, making it even spicier than usual! Alternatively, you can opt for an easier route by combining a premade Blood Mary mix directly into iced-down t e q u i l a .
Crème de Cassis + Ginger (an El Diablo)
For a delicious El Diablo cocktail, mix ½ ounce of crème de cassis (a sweet liqueur crafted from blackcurrant extract), 1 ½ ounces tequila, and ½ ounce lime juice. Top off your creation with ginger beer or ginger ale for an extra kick! If you’d rather not use crème de cassis, just combine tequila with either ginger beer or ginger ale to make an equally mouth-watering libation.
Lemon Juice + Simple Syrup + Club Soda (a Tequila Collins)
This exciting beverage has many names – the Juan Collins, José Collins, and Tequila Collins to name a few. In reality though, it is essentially a Tom Collins made with tequila! All you need for your own version of this drink are 2 ounces of tequila combined with ½ ounce each lemon juice and simple syrup before topping off with club soda!
Lager Beer (a Corona Sunrise)
Why not turn a bottle of beer into something extraordinary? With this trending TikTok drink, you can transform Corona into an invigorating fruity and summery cocktail. All you need are the ingredients for a tequila sunrise as well as lime juice. Plus, it’s so easy to make – just empty out some of the beer from your bottle and then combine all of the other ingredients right inside! Your next party will be sure to have everyone in awe with this creative concoction.
Club Soda
A classic tequila cocktail can be made with any kind of sparkling water, mineral water, seltzer, or club soda – but Topo Chico takes it to the next level! With its higher mineral content compared to other options out there, this two-ingredient drink is sure to please. Don’t forget a citrus wedge for squeezing into your concoction; lime orange and grapefruit are all great choices.
Vermouth
Get creative and treat yourself to a unique twist on the classic martini! Mix Blanco tequila with dry vermouth, then stir in a splash of olive juice for an exciting ‘dirty’ tequila martini. You won’t be disappointed!
Flavored Soda
Elevate your evening with two ounces of tequila and a bubbly soda, like lemon-lime or coconut. This easy beverage is the perfect accompaniment to any night, and a lime wedge will give it an extra splash of citrusy delight.
