Entertaining

11 Best Tequila Cocktails

Of course you know the Margarita. But have you had a really good one? A perfectly executed Margarita is a balanced sweet-and-sour masterpiece made simply with fresh lime juice, agave syrup and blanco tequila. Forget dive bar slushie machine Margs. Mix up your own at home and serve it on the rocks with a well-salted rim.  

You can thank the Rolling Stones for more than just their music—they’re also partially responsible for this dramatic cocktail. In the 1970s, Mick Jagger received a Tequila Sunrise at a private party. He loved it, and the band continued to order the bright and fruity cocktail throughout their tour, earning it worldwide popularity. Of course, its striking appearance didn’t hurt either. A float of grenadine poured over the orange juice creates an ombré, sunrise effect. Try making your own grenadine for even better flavor.

The Bloody Maria is essentially a Bloody Mary made with tequila instead of vodka, but the spirit swap means the cocktail can handle bolder and spicier flavors. Fresh jalapeños, Tabasco and Tapatio hot sauces, and Tajin seasoning make for an assertive brunch cocktail that will definitely get your juices flowing in the morning.

You might think the ubiquitous Margarita is the go-to cocktail in Mexico, but you’d be mistaken. Mexico’s national cocktail is actually the Paloma, an underrated, ultra-refreshing tall drink made with grapefruit-soda. Aged reposado tequila and a pinch of salt give the cocktail more depth than your average highball and more flavor than its vodka-based relative, the Greyhound.

Not to be confused with fruity, wine-based Sangria, Sangrita is more of a drinking ritual than an actual cocktail. Orange and lime juices, grenadine, spicy ancho chile powder and Tajin seasoning come together in a bright and flavorful shot, which is traditionally served next to a shot of blanco tequila. Then, the drinker alternates sips between the Sangrita and the tequila until both glasses are empty. Sip, pour, repeat.

While this modern-day classic cocktail was inspired by the Hemingway Daiquiri, the Siesta kicks things up a notch by swapping in silver tequila for the rum and replacing sweet Maraschino liqueur with bitter Campari. If you’re making Siestas for a crowd, try our signature Group Siesta—a large batch cocktail with the added twist of a smoked-salt infused simple syrup.

The Baja Gold is the Margarita’s easy-going sister. Made with earthy reposado tequila, sweet agave syrup and pineapple juice, this cocktail is easy to sip all night long. Don’t worry about sourcing a million ingredients for a tiki cocktail on those lazy evenings in—this is your new go-to tropical tipple.

If you’re feeling indecisive, never fear—the Acapulco is here. This cocktail is like a “best of tequila cocktails” blended into one glass. It’s made with reposado tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, grapefruit juice and agave syrup, and there’s even some white rum in the mix.

Essentially a Pineapple Margarita—albeit with lemon instead of lime and a peppery blanco tequila in lieu of reposado tequila—this sour cocktail is more vibrant and tropical than its more common sibling. Pair this gulpable refresher with spicy foods, barbecue and warm weather for a stellar combo. Sip this libation by the pool, and you’ll instantly win summer.

If you like Piña Coladas, this blended, frozen Marg should be on your radar. Made with vanilla-rich reposado tequila, lime juice, crushed ice and Coco Lopez coconut cream—which is the defining ingredient in the classic Puerto Rican recipe of its rum-based cousin—this tequila cocktail is the pinnacle of summer drinking. Cooling down with one is like personal A/C in a glass.

One of the stranger classic tequila cocktails, this bittersweet libation uses one of the most underrated liqueurs: crème de cassis. Flavored with blackcurrants, the liqueur is bitter, earthy, woodsy, acidic and fruity. While drinking the liqueur straight isn’t the best idea, you can find harmony by pairing it with rich, sweet reposado tequila and fiery ginger beer. This is a tequila Highball that’s perfect for year-round drinking.