Tequila Cocktails That Aren't Margaritas
Margaritas are great and we love them. A little happy hour situation with chips and guac on the side? A perfect marriage. But if you don't share our joy for tequila, triple sec and lime on the rocks (or frozen, if you get down like that), there are other excellent ways to enjoy Mexico's signature spirit. Expand your horizons with these tequila cocktails that aren't margaritas.
Banco de Mexico
This tequila drink is a crafty take on the traditional mint julep. Instead of bourbon and mint, the Banco de Mexico gets tequila and its smoky sister mezcal. It also gets a little creme de cacao for a hint of both chocolate and vanilla. Talk about a variety of flavors!
Bloody Maria
The bloody maria is a spin on the traditional brunch beverage, the bloody mary. This version masterfully combines tequila with international spices and colorful tomatoes.
Café Olé
Mexican Mule
If you appreciate a good cocktail, you've likely had a Moscow mule with vodka, ginger beer and lime in a shiny copper mug. Try it with tequila instead and you've got yourself a Mexican mule.
Click here to see the Mexican Mule recipe.
Corralejo Tequila Tropical
This cocktail is like a tropical snow cone for adults. The tequila is complemented by pineapple and lime juices, plus some simple syrup (sugar) and bitters for balance.
Mexican Heat
With blood orange, tequila and chile, this cocktail is like an intense tequila sunrise, without the grenadine.
Cinco de Derby
It's all in a name, and as "Cinco de Derby" suggests, this cocktail was created with Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby in mind. The recipe — by Instagram-famous Apartment Bartender Elliott Clark — includes and unlikely combination of Champagne and tequila, plus blackberry, cinnamon and lime.
Playa Colada
If you're looking for something creamy with a little kick, your search ends here. The Playa Colada is a twist on the piña colada, but instead of using rum it features tequila and a few other juices beyond pineapple.
Smoky Paloma
It seems that every modern-style bar in the country today has at least a couple of mezcal-based cocktails on their menu. This is a variation on the grapefruit-based paloma, which is typically made with tequila. The mezcal makes it a touch smokier.
Tequila or High Water
This boozy beverage features just four simple ingredients: tequila and Champagne cut with lime juice and simple syrup. Tequila or High Water is a play on "Hell or High Water," a film starring Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Jeff Bridges.
Tequila Smash
It's time to upgrade your tequila soda. This recipe uses blackberries to give the drink nice flavor and color, and sage leaves to elevate everything to the next level. Plus, when has a lemon-lime soda ever let you down?
Tequila Sunrise
If you drink tequila on the regular, you're likely familiar with the tequila sunrise. It's a classic, truly. You can't go wrong with orange, lime and cranberry (or tequila, for that matter). It's fruity and refreshing. Now we just need a beach.
Watermelon Basil Punch
This recipe combines tequila with some of the best flavors of summer: watermelon, basil and lemon. It's pretty and refreshing, and it's perfect for sipping with a group of friends on a warm days.
Wealth in Division
This handcrafted drink was created by Al Sotack, a bartender at Jupiter Disco in Brooklyn, New York. He says: "Wealth in Division gives a tribute to the adorned agave spirits of Mexico. This cocktail is bright, elegant and complex with a touch of heat."
A Good Old-Fashioned Shot
Put some hair on your chest before you head to the bar or end the night with a little salt and lime. This no-frills option will certainly get you drunk and help you lose weight, according to science. Separate studies show that taking a shot of tequila could help lower your cholesterol and aid digestion. It's also gluten free! So if you have a sensitivity, you're good. The best part of all? You can get one at each and every one of the 150 best bars in America.
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