10 Cocktail Recipes You Can Make with Tequila

Various cocktails in different glasses on a bar counter

Tequila shots aren’t always the vibe. Sometimes, you just want a delicious drink to sip and enjoy. That’s where cocktails come in and there are many you can make with tequila to treat yourself and impress guests whenever you have people over. Here are some of the best cocktail recipes you should try:


Classic Margarita

A hand holding a margaritaPhoto by Olha Tatdot on Unsplash

You probably already know the “Margarita,” but it’s a classic for a reason. You just need 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, and a half ounce of triple sec. You have to shake all the ingredients with ice and then strain the drink into a glass filled with ice. If you want to add extra deliciousness, rim the glass with salt before pouring the margarita.

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise CocktailPhoto by Mathew Benoit on Unsplash

“Tequila Sunrise” is a vibrant drink, known for being refreshing and sweet, with a nice fruity flavor. You’ll need 2 ounces of tequila, 4 ounces of orange juice, and a half ounce of grenadine. To make it, fill a glass with ice and pour the tequila. Then, pour the orange juice before you slowly pour the grenadine down the side of the glass. Let it settle at the bottom to create the signature color gradient. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry to add the final touch.

Paloma

Strait Paloma Cocktail

Photo by Kurman Communications LLC on Flickr

The “Paloma” cocktail offers a lovely combination of sweet and sour, so it can become a new favorite very easily. You need 2 ounces of tequila, ½ ounce of fresh lime juice, and grapefruit soda. To make this, pour the tequila and lime juice into a glass filled with ice. Then, pour the grapefruit soda and stir everything gently. It doesn’t get any easier than that!

Tequila Mojito

Tequila Mojito CocktailPhoto by Mae Mu on Unsplash

The “Mojito” is another popular cocktail and for good reason. It’s refreshing, slightly sweet, and tangy, so it’s an easy go-to. You’ll need 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, a half ounce of simple syrup, and 6 to 8 mint leaves. To make it, start by muddling the mint leaves and lime juice in a glass. Then, add the tequila, simple syrup, and ice. Top it with some soda water, stir gently, and enjoy!

Tequila Sour

Tequila Sour CocktailPhoto by Mgg Vitchakorn on Unsplash

The “Tequila Sour” is another simple recipe that can become an instant favorite if you’ve never had it before. You’ll need 2 ounces of tequila, ¾ ounces of fresh lemon juice, and a half ounce of simple syrup. Shake all the ingredients with ice and strain into a glass filled with ice. There’s a version of this cocktail recipe that involves egg whites to give it a frothy top, but this is easier and just as delicious.

Mexican Mule

Mexican Mule Cocktail

You may know the “Moscow Mule” but the “Mexican Mule” is even better. It’s bold and bubbly, with a nice zing to it. You’ll need 2 ounces of tequila, a half ounce of fresh lime juice, and ginger beer. You’ll also need a copper mug! Fill it with ice then pour the tequila with the lime juice. Finally, top it with ginger beer, give it a gentle stir, and have at it!

Tequila Old Fashioned

Tequila Old Fashioned Cocktailliquor pouring on clear shot glassPhoto by Adam Jaime on Unsplash

“Old Fashioned” is usually made with whisky, but this spin on the traditional recipe offers a lighter drink without sacrificing complex flavors. You’ll need 2 ounces of tequila, ¼ ounce of agave syrup, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and orange peel. Stir the ingredients together with ice until they’re nice and chilled. Then, strain into a glass with ice. We recommend using a large ice cube so the drink doesn’t water down. For the final touch, squeeze the orange peel over the drink and add it in as garnish.

Tequila Sunrise Martini

Tequila Sunrise Martini Cocktail

Photo by Leszek Leszczynski on Flickr

This is a modern version of a “Martini” and it’s a smooth, vibrant, citrusy drink. To make the “Tequila Sunrise Martini” you’ll need 1 and a half ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of vodka, 1 ounce of orange juice, and a half ounce of grenadine. Shake the tequila, vodka, and orange juice with ice vigorously for 15 seconds, and then strain the drink into a chilled martini glass. Finally, pour the grenadine slowly into the glass to create the layered effect of the “Tequila Sunrise.”

Jalapeño Margarita

Jalape\u00f1o Margarita Cocktail

Photo by Ralph on Pixexid

If you like anything spicy, you have to try this “Jalapeño Margarita.” This cocktail is spicy, a bit sweet, tart, and very refreshing. You’ll need 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, half an ounce of agave syrup, and 2 slices of jalapeño pepper. Start with muddling the jalapeño slices in a shaker, then add tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice. Shake it well and strain it into a glass filled with ice. If you want to be extra, add a slice of jalapeño and a lime wedge as garnish.

Tequila Smash

Tequila Smash Cocktail

Photo by kim ick on Unsplash

Last but not least, we have the “Tequila Smash,” which is a combination of a “Margarita” and a “Mojito.” It’s a fresh, minty cocktail that anyone can get behind. You’ll need 2 ounces of tequila, half an ounce of simple syrup, soda water, 4 to 6 mint leaves, and 2 slices of lemon. Muddle the mint leaves and lemon slices with the simple syrup in a glass. Then, add ice and tequila, and stir it well. Top with soda water, stir gently, and serve.

Whatever cocktail you decide to try, enjoy it responsibly!

a photo of a young sylvia mendez and a sign that says we serve whites only no spanish or mexicans

This article is part of a series developed in partnership with Project Pulso.

When the tale of American civil rights unfolds, towering giants like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. often take center stage. While their stories are indeed awe-inspiring and rightfully belong center-stage, it's also vital to highlight the untold tales of heroism within the Latine community, and one such unsung heroine is Sylvia Mendez, whose journey paved the way for dismantling school segregation long before the renowned Brown v. Board of Education case.

Keep ReadingShow less
Abstract design of a woman's face separated from her body, showing inner details.
Luz Media

Ah, the dreaded imposter syndrome. While it isn’t considered a mental health disease or disorder, it's a common experience that can affect people from all backgrounds, professions, and levels of achievement.

Keep ReadingShow less
huge puerto rico flag hanging over narrow street in puerto rico

Every March 22, Puerto Rico commemorates Emancipation Day, a historical milestone that marks the abolition of slavery on the island. Meanwhile, the topic of statehood continues to be rooted in a desire to separate the country from its colonial past and achieve self-determination. As the island navigates its future, its fight for statehood is inextricably connected to this moment in Puerto Rican history.

Keep ReadingShow less