13 Tequila Cocktails That Celebrate Mexico’s Beloved Spirit

Tequila is having a moment, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

According to the latest data from CGA by Nielson’s OPM tracker, the tequila category is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across American bars and restaurants. With Mezcal Tequila type leading the charge with a remarkable growth rate of +26.6%, and Reposado and While/Silver types following closely behind, it’s clear that tequila has become the spirit of choice among cocktail aficionados.

To celebrate the growing trend and National Tequila Day, we’ve curated a list of 13 extraordinary tequila-based libations that are making waves in mixology circles. From classic margaritas to innovative creations showcasing the versatility of tequila, these cocktails are sure to impress.

So, raise your glasses and join us on this flavorful journey as we explore the rising popularity and irresistible charm of Mexico’s beloved agave spirit. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of tequila and discover mouthwatering cocktails that will elevate your sipping experience to a whole new level.

Live Long And Prospero

Sip on this tropical and fruity cocktail that craves a refreshing and delicious drink. Mango, honey, and coconut water revitalize your senses, while Próspero Blanco adds a smooth finish.

• 1 oz. Próspero” Blanco
• 1.5 oz. Coconut Water
• .3 oz. Honey
• 1 oz. Mango Juice
• .6 oz. Lime Juice
• Top with Raspberry Hard Seltzer

Shake the first 5 ingredients together, pour over ice in a tall glass, and top with Raspberry Hard Seltzer. Garnish with 3 Raspberries.

Smoked Blood Orange Margarita

This smoky and tangy twist on a classic margarita features mezcal, blood orange, lime, and a hint of rosemary.

• 2 oz your favorite mezcal
• 1 oz blood orange juice
• 0.5 oz lime juice
• 0.5 oz rosemary simple syrup
• Dry rosemary to smoke

DIRECTIONS: Rim the glass with Chamoy (it can be found in any Mexican market or store). Add the ingredients one-by-one in the shaker. Place your favorite ice shape in the glass. Smoke with dry Rosemary using Stündenglass Beverage Infuser.

Paloma con Manzana

This refreshing and sweet grapefruit cocktail is made with tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit, lime juice, Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider, and Pamplemousse liqueur.

• 1.75 oz Tequila Blanco
• .5 oz Giffard Pamplemousse (a pink grapefruit liqueur)
• .5 oz fresh lime juice
• .75 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 2.5 oz Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
• 1 grapefruit wheel
• 1 small apple
• 1 tbsp. Tajin
• 1 dash salt

Instructions: Mix Tajin & salt together on a small plate and set aside. Add tequila, pamplemousse, lime & grapefruit in cocktail shaker, shake vigorously & strain over ice, top with sparkling cider, and stir briefly.

Add one wheel of fresh grapefruit, placed inside glass against one side, slightly curved, cut 3 apple slices, “fan” them and place on top of the cocktail. Serve with a straw.

Cantera Paloma

The sweet and tangy Paloma blends Cantera Negra Silver tequila, lime juice, Mexican Squirt, and a spicy Tajin rim.

• Ingredients:
• 2oz Cantera Negra Silver
• .5oz fresh lime juice
• 5oz Mexican Squirt
• Tajin and sugar for rim

Instructions: Build over ice in a Collins glass rimmed with tajin/sugar mix (3 parts tajin to 1 part sugar). Stir and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

Cenote Rose Spritz

Satisfy your thirst with this floral and refreshing cocktail. Cenote Tequila, rose wine, grapefruit soda, and a dash of rose bitters make for a fruity and sophisticated drink.

• 1.5 oz of Cenote Tequila
• 3 oz of Grapefruit Soda
• 1 oz of Rose Wine
• A dash of Rose bitters

Combine, shake, and strain over ice. Garnish with an orange peel or slice.

Tommy’s Margarita

Enjoy the classic and refreshing flavors with Cantera Negra Silver tequila

• 2oz Cantera Negra Silver
• 1oz fresh lime juice
• .5oz agave nectar
• Blood orange slice for garnish

Instructions: Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain over ice in a half salt rimmed rocks glass and garnish with blood orange slice.

Bribón Breeze

Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with this fruity cocktail. Bribón Blanco Tequila, Bauchant Orange Liqueur, cranberry and pineapple juice, lime, and spice make a delightful and refreshing drink.

• 1.25 oz Bribón Blanco Tequila
• 0.5 oz Bauchant Orange Liqueur
• 1 oz Cranberry juice
• 2 oz Pineapple juice
• 0.25 oz Lime (half a lime squeezed and dropped in)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Espresso Martini Recipe by AZADORES Café

Energize your senses with this rich and indulgent cocktail. Cazadores Cafe, a tequila-based coffee liquor is paired with coffee, and espresso, perfect for after-dinner sipping.

• 2 oz. CAZADORES Café
• 2 oz. Fresh Brewed Coffee or 1 oz. Espresso
• Coffee beans

Instructions: Combine ingredients with ice, shake and serve up in a cocktail. Garnish with 3 coffee beans.

Gran Copa Paloma

This tangy and refreshing grapefruit cocktail features Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave syrup, orange bitters, and a spicy Tajin rim.

• 2 oz Gran Centenario Reposado Tequila
• 1.5 oz Pink Grapefruit Soda
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• .5 oz Agave Syrup
• 2 dashes Orange Bitters

Preparation: Combine all ingredients (except the soda) in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass rimmed with Tajín and top with grapefruit soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Shades of Pink

Experience the unique flavors of this smoky and fruity cocktail made with Doña Vega Espadin, Matchbook Day Trip Strawberry Amaro, and tangy grapefruit juice. The blend of flavors is balanced and refreshing. A Mezcal Hibiscus Mole salt rim adds depth and interest to the cocktail.

• 1 oz Doña Vega Espadin
• 1.5 oz Matchbook Day Trip Strawberry Amaro
• .75 oz fresh ruby red grapefruit
• Mezsal Hibiscus Mole salt rim

Directions: Start by salting a coupe or martini glass and set aside. In a mixing glass, add the remaining ingredients along with some ice and stir well. Strain into the salted glass and enjoy!

Made in Oaxaca

Embark on a smoky and spicy journey with this mezcal-based cocktail infused with cucumber, mint, habanero, and a touch of natural syrup. The smokiness of the mezcal, the freshness of the cucumber and mint, and the spiciness of the habanero create a perfect balance of flavors.

• 2 oz of mezcal
• 10ml of natural syrup
• 2 cucumber thin slices
• 5 fresh mint leaves previously washed
• 5 ml absinthe liqueur
• 1 thin slice of habanero chili for decoration, make sure to take the seeds out
• Ice

All the ingredients are placed in a shaker. Mix with strong movements. Before serving in the glass, use a strain and use a strainer and strain twice. Once the liquid is ready, serve it in a clean cupetini glass.

Fabrizia Blood Orange Margarita

Satisfy your cravings with this tangy and citrusy margarita made with Limoncello, mezcal, and fresh juices.

• 1.5 oz Fabrizia Blood Orange Limoncello
• 1.5 oz mezcal
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1.5 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
• 1 Tbsp agave nectar (or honey)

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Rim a rocks glass with agave nectar and smoked sea salt and fill with ice.

Grand Margarita

This classic margarita is elevated with Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge, tequila, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. The blend of flavors is refreshing and balanced, making this drink perfect for any occasion.

• 0.75 parts Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
• 1.5 parts Tequila
• 0.75 parts Fresh Lime Juice
• 0.25 parts Agave Nectar
• Lime wheel to garnish
• Salt Optional

Instructions: Begin by filling a wide, shallow dish with 2-3mm of fine salt. Cut a lime in half and rub around half of the glass rim. Then, holding the glass upside down, dip the wet half delicately into the salt, so that it adheres to the rim to a thickness of 2-3mm. Shake the Grand Marnier, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar with ice and strain into the glass. Apply lime wheel to the rim of the glass and enjoy!