Tasty Tequila Cocktail Recipes

 

Tequila’s unique flavor comes from the blue agave plant making it a fantastic choice for crafting enjoyable and flavorful cocktails. However, as with any spirit, the quality of the tequila used will greatly impact the overall taste and experience of the cocktail. Using a high-quality tequila is essential for achieving the best results. 

Below are a few recipes, some you have probably heard of, and some not so common. We hope there are a few that will pique your interest, and give them a try. When orange and lime juices are part of a recipe, if possible use fresh squeezed for the best flavor.

Tequila Sunrise 

One of the best-known tequila drinks is the Tequila Sunrise. It is so easy to make with only three ingredients, plus a garnish for that extra pizazz. It became famous in the early 1970s when the Rolling Stones made it a part of their tour name, and the Eagles created a song with the same name.

Photo credit - Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

Ingredients –

• 2 ounces blanco tequila
• 4 ounces orange juice  
• ¼ ounce grenadine
• Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry

Steps -

• In a highball glass filled with ice add the tequila
• Then add the orange juice 
• Top with grenadine which will sink to the bottom of the glass as it is denser
• Leave the grenadine layer at the bottom of the glass for a layered look
• Add the garnishes and serve

Note: Instead of having a layered look, add all ingredients except the garnish to an ice-filled cocktail shaker, and shake. Then strain while pouring into a highball glass filled with ice, and add the garnishes.

 

El Diablo 

Although not as well-known as some other tequila drinks, the combination of berries, tart lime, and ginger provides a complex and well-balanced drink that mixes perfectly with tequila.

Photo credit and recipe – acouplecooks.com

Ingredients -

• 1 ½ ounces reposado tequila (blanco tequila will work as well)
• ½ ounce crème de cassis
• ¾ ounce lime juice
• 3 ounces ginger beer

Steps – 

Add tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice to an ice-filled highball glass

Top with ginger beer, stir gently and serve

 

Grilled Pineapple and Tequila Punch

This punch has a few unique ingredients that you may need to search a little more for, but the result is worth it. Grilling the pineapple is optional and may be a bit much for some, but the punch alone, that serves 8 to 10, is a refreshing way to relieve the summer’s heat. (This recipe includes steps for grilling the pineapple which can be skipped).

Photo credit – Greg Dupree; recipe from foodandwine.com

Ingredients -

• 2 1/2 cups (20 ounces) blanco tequila
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) Ancho Reyes Verde (poblano liqueur)
• 12 ounces pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (from 4 to 5 limes)
• 1 fresh pineapple, peeled and cored for grilling
• Garnish: Mint sprigs, lime wheels, and jalapeño slices (optional) 
• Topo Chico (or sparkling mineral water)

Steps –

• Soak 8 to 10 wooden or bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes. Prepare the grill for cooking under medium heat.
• Cut pineapple lengthwise into spears (about 1 1/2 inches wide). Thread pineapple on skewers. Grill pineapple over medium heat until charred on both sides. Set aside.
• Combine the tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde liqueur, pineapple juice, and lime juice in a large pitcher; refrigerate until ready to serve.
• Before serving, add ice to the pitcher, and place one skewer inside each of 8 to 10 tall glasses filled with ice. Fill each glass 3/4 full from the pitcher, top each glass with Topo Chico, and garnish with mint sprigs, lime wheels, and jalapeño slices, as desired. Serve

 

 

Margarita 

Another of the most popular cocktails in the United States, the margarita, can be prepared in a plethora of different ways. Here we provide a delicious basic recipe for this classic cocktail. Of course it can be tweaked in a variety of ways.

Photo credit - Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

 

Ingredients –

• 2 ounces blanco tequila
• 1 ounce lime juice; freshly squeezed preferred
• ½ ounce orange liquor
• ½ ounce agave syrup (available at most grocery stores)
• Garnish with a lime wheel
• Optional – kosher salt

Steps –

• Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
• Shake until well-chilled
• Optional: In a rocks glass, rim the rocks glass with a lime and dip it into kosher salt
• Pour contents of the cocktail shaker into the rocks glass; garnish with a lime wheel and serve

 

Ranch Water

This tequila offering could not be any easier to make. Those in warm southern states like Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and Florida will agree, it is simple and refreshing. Many tequila drinks have just a few ingredients, and this is another one. Note that this is a refreshing light cocktail with a lower alcohol content. Naturally, by adding a bit more tequila this will increase the alcohol by volume.

Photo credit – Maxwell Cozzi; recipe from thespruceeats.com

Ingredients – 

• 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila
• ½ ounce lime juice
• 4 ounces chilled mineral water (Topo Chico or S. Pellegrino are ideal)
• Garnish – Lime wedge

Steps –

• Fill a highball glass with ice
• Pour in the tequila and lime juice
• Stir well, then top with mineral water and serve

Variations –

• Add a ½ ounce to 1 ounce of citrus; grapefruit or orange juice is perfect for a citrus flavor boost. Start with a little citrus, and slowly add more until it is just right for your taste buds.

 

The Passion Cocktail 

Some refer to the Passion Cocktail as the tequila cosmopolitan. With cranberry and lime juice providing the tartness and orange liqueur as a sweetener, this is a great choice for any gathering. This recipe makes two martini glass drinks, or one larger drink in a highball glass.

Photo credit –S&C Design Studios;  recipe from thespruceeats.com

Ingredients – 

• 2 ounces of tequila (blanco and gold tequila are great options, or try a reposado for a slightly darker version)
• 3 ounces cranberry juice
• 1 ounce lime juice
• ½ to 1 ounce of orange liqueur (Grand Marnier, or Cointreau)
• Garnish – Lime slice (not pictured)

Steps –

• Add the tequila, cranberry and lime juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker
• Shake well
• Strain and pour half into each of the two martini glasses
• Add equal amounts of orange liqueur to each glass
• Garnish with the lime and serve

 

The Envy Cocktail

Here is a cocktail that is both visually alluring and has a taste of the tropics. It may look like a high-brow drink, but it is also enjoyed at any casual gathering. You can taste the essence of the Caribbean Islands in each sip. 

Photo credit –S&C Design Studios;  recipe from thespruceeats.com

Ingredients – 

• 1 ½ ounces blanco tequila
• 1 ounce blue curaçao liqueur
• ½ ounce pineapple juice
• Garnish- Maraschino Cherry

Steps –

• In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the tequila, blue curaçao, and pineapple juice
• Shake Well
• Strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice
• Add the maraschino cherry and serve

 

The Final Shot

We end our tequila journey with, what else, a shot. Now, everyone knows the standard, tequila with a rim of salt around the glass, and a lime wedge. Toss it  down in one mouthful and then you get the wince on the face after swallowing.

Here is a slightly more ‘civilized’ take on the tequila shot that eases the wincing.

It is called the tongue-tied shot. Simply combine ¾ ounce cherry liqueur and ¾ ounce of silver tequila. Mix together, pour into a shot glass and…well, take the shot!

Enjoy them all, and let the 'Fellas' know which drink you prefer.