If you love tequila cocktails, then you can’t miss these recipes. We’re also covering the origins of tequila, the different types, and more!
What is tequila? Is it exquisite nectar blessed to us from the heavens? Or is it a distilled spirit harvested from the blue agave plant?
Our bets are on the latter, however if the tequila gods descended to the Earth and presented to us their finest tequila cocktails to boot, we wouldn’t be surprised.
Because if there was anything we’d have in common, it would be our love for the precious blue agave plant in all its intoxicating glory!
What Is Tequila?
The blue agave plant, grown in the Mexican state Jalisco, marks the origin of the tequila cocktail. Also, some other municipalities containing this rare and precious plant include the states of:
- Guanajuato
- Michoacán
- Nayarit
- Tamaulipas
The agave plant takes at least 6 years to mature. However, in some locations—the highlands—the blue agave can take up to 12 years to mature.
Types of Tequila
The three types of tequila make up the bulk of tequila distributions. However, there are two less common variants out there for the more daring tequila connoisseurs to enjoy.
- Blanco – 100% blue agave
- Tequila Joven – Some aged tequila + unaged tequila blend
- Reposado – Aged for two months up to a year
- Añejo – Aged for at least a year
- Extra Añejo – The rarest tequila. Aged for at least 3 years
The Best Tequila Cocktails
Here are a few of our favorite recipes using tequila. Above all, they’re all unique and absolutely refreshing! In addition, we’re also sharing a recipe for an easy tequila grapefruit soda below.
Ranch Water
This Ranch water recipe is a refreshing, 3-ingredient low calorie cocktail created in West Texas. It’s simple to make but delicious to sip.
Ingredients
Sparkling Mineral Water, Tequila, Lime Juice
Strawberry Tequila Sodas
These strawberry tequila sodas are refreshing and super easy to make. They consist of tequila, tonic water (or club soda) and lime juice with a few muddled strawberries.
Ingredients
Strawberries, Tequila, Lime, Club Soda
Honeydew Margarita
This Honeydew Margarita is light and refreshing and has the perfect mix of honeydew, lime and, of course, tequila.
Ingredients
Honeydew Juice, Tequila, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup, Gran Marnier
Italian Paloma Cocktail
This refreshing and zingy Italian Paloma Cocktail is easy to mix and even easier to drink! This pretty tequila based cocktail is made with a mixture of citrus juices and campari.
Ingredients
Tequila, Campari, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Italian Orange Soda
Tequila Spiked Lemonade
The easiest and most refreshing Thyme Tequila Spiked Lemonade Recipe. The best part is using store-bought light lemonade or make your own.
Ingredients
Light Lemonade, Tequila, Thyme
Skinny Margarita
You’ll never want a regular margarita again after tasting this skinny margarita! cocktail is low calorie and sugar however, still taste amazing. Therefore you can have a second without the guilt.
Ingredients
Tequila, Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Agave Syrup
Watermelon Punch
This watermelon cocktail punch is perfect for a summer cookout! Made with simple ingredients and tequila, it’s sure to cool you down.
Ingredients
Watermelon Juice, Lemon Juice, Lime Juice, Tequila, Cointreau, Simple Syrup
Classic Paloma
A Paloma is a traditional drink in Mexico with the main ingredients being grapefruit and of course, tequila! However, we love our Italian Paloma just as much!
Ingredients
Tequila, Grapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, Grapefruit Soda
3 Ingredient Coconut Margarita
This is the easiest coconut margarita recipe! It’s made with only 3 ingredients and shaken to perfection.
Ingredients
Tequila, Coconut Puree, Lime Juice
Hibiscus Margarita
This hibiscus margarita is a lovely twist on the classic margarita cocktail and boy does it pop! With its rich color and lovely tangy taste, it’ll be a hit at parties.
Ingredients
Tequila, Lime Juice, Cointreau, Hibiscus Simple Syrup
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Tequila for Cocktails?
Tequila Blanco, also known as silver tequila, is young and only aged in oak for up to 2 months. It has a strong flavor and mixes the best with a variety of—often fruity—flavors.
What Is a Good Inexpensive Tequila?
Tequila doesn’t have to be pricey to be enjoyed. In fact, the best tequila for parties and social gatherings is the kind that doesn’t break the bank.
Some of the greatest inexpensive tequila brands include:
- El Destilador – $15
- Espolon – $20
- Patron Silver – $20
- Sauza Blue Silver -$17
- Don Julio – $20
- El Jimador Silver – $20
- Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata – $21
The tequila brands in this list were chosen for their quality and price. Of course, you can buy tequila for much cheaper but we wouldn’t advise that!
What Can You Add to Tequila?
Tequila can be combined with just about anything, but some of the best mixtures add a combination of fruits and sodas.
Some of these tasty mixtures include:
- Orange Juice + Grenadine + Tequila
- Tequila + Mint & Limes + Syrup + Soda
- Watermelon + Triple Sec + Tequila
- Tequila + Orange Juice + Pineapple Juice
- Leche Mexicana – Tequila + Milk
- Tequila + Grapefruit Soda
- Tequila + Tomato Juice
What Is the Easiest Tequila Cocktail to Make?
The Tequila Sunrise. It’s the first combination on our list above and all you need is your favorite brand of tequila, some orange juice, and a bottle of Grenadine.
Also sharing a very simple tequila cocktail recipe below. Similar to our strawberry tequila sodas, this one is made with grapefruit soda.
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Tequila Grapefruit Soda
Ingredients
- 1 oz tequila
- 3 oz grapefruit soda
- 1/2 oz lime juice
Instructions
- Add the ingredients into a glass filled with ice.
- Stir and garnish with a lime or grapefruit wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
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katerina @ diethood.com says
Oh my these sound so good!! I can’t wait to try this!
Betsy says
So delightfully refreshing! So tasty and delicious! Yum! Perfect cocktail for so many occasions!
VAlentina says
What a simple drink recipe! Great cocktail to enjoy and it is so SIMPLE to make at home!