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Tequila is one of the best-selling spirits in America—and for good reason! This versatile Mexican agave liquor stars in iconic classics like the Margarita and Paloma, but shines in so many more creative mixed drinks.

As a certified mixologist who’s studied tequila cocktails extensively, I’m sharing my curated collection of the 25 most essential tequila drinks for every palate and occasion.

Why I Love Tequila Cocktails

When I first started exploring mixology, tequila intimidated me. But after studying cocktail history and working with premium tequilas, I discovered what bartenders have known for years—tequila creates some of the most balanced, flavorful cocktails.

What makes so tequila special? Unlike neutral spirits like vodka, tequila brings its own complex flavor profile to every drink. The natural earthiness and sweetness of blue agave creates a foundation that works beautifully with citrus, spice, sweetness, and even bitter ingredients.

Over the years, Alex and I have tested hundreds of tequila drink recipes in our home bar. We’ve refined each one through multiple iterations to find the perfect balance. These 25 essential tequila cocktails represent our absolute favorites—from time-honored classics to modern innovations that deserve a place in your cocktail repertoire.

Top tequila cocktails—recipe list

Want simple tequila cocktails? Try these 2 Ingredient Tequila Drinks!

Tequila 101: Choosing the Right Bottle

The foundation of any great tequila cocktail starts with selecting the right tequila. When shopping for tequila, look for these designations:

  • Tequila blanco (or “silver”): Aged less than 2 months with a bold, straightforward agave flavor. I reach for blanco when making cocktails with dominant fruit flavors like the Tequila Sunrise or Frozen Margarita.
  • Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish): Aged 2-12 months in oak barrels, developing notes of vanilla and caramel. This is my go-to for sophisticated cocktails like the Classic Margarita or Cadillac Margarita where tequila plays a starring role.
  • Tequila añejo (“aged”): I save these expensive bottles for enjoying neat rather than mixing in cocktails.

My top tip: A mid-range tequila ($25-45) will dramatically improve your cocktails compared to the bottom shelf options. Look for bottles that specify “100% blue agave” on the label.

Expert tips for cocktail success

  • Use fresh juices: Always use fresh juice in cocktails: the flavor difference is unparalleled.
  • Salt rim technique: Moisten only the outside edge of your glass with lime, then dip it at a 45-degree angle for a professional-looking rim.
  • Consider glassware: The right glass enhances aromas and maintains proper temperature—details do matter!
  • Quality ice: For visually stunning drinks, consider making clear ice at home.

A few more tequila cocktails

Love margaritas? Check out our 25 Best Margarita Recipes that include creative variations like Jalapeño Margarita, Strawberry Margarita, Mango Margarita, and more. Our guide includes expert tips on tequila selection, ratios, and techniques to make signature margaritas at home.

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Top Tequila Cocktails: Paloma & More

tequila cocktails

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5 from 1 review

Combine tequila and grapefruit and you’ve got the classic Mexican paloma cocktail! Here’s how to make this tangy and refreshing drink.

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ounces tequila blanco
  • 2 ounces grapefruit juice
  • ½ ounce lime juice
  • ½ ounce simple syrup
  • 1 ounce soda water
  • Flaky sea salt and grapefruit wedge, for the garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut a notch in the grapefruit wedge, then run the grapefruit around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt.
  2. To the glass, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, syrup and stir until combined.
  3. Fill the glass with ice (clear ice if you want to get fancy!). Top with soda water and serve!

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More types of cocktails

There are so many more great cocktail recipes to try! Here are some of our best drink collections:

About the authors

Alex & Sonja

Hi! We’re Alex & Sonja Overhiser, authors of the acclaimed cookbooks A Couple Cooks and Pretty Simple Cooking—and a real life couple who cooks together. We founded the A Couple Cooks website in 2010 to share seasonal recipes and the joy of home cooking. Now, we’ve got over 3,000 well-tested recipes, including Mediterranean diet, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, smoothies, cocktails, and more!

Leave a Comment

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5 Comments

  1. Matt says:

    Very nice presentation and well done. I’ll try a couple of those.
    You’ve worked hard on this. Thanks :-)

  2. Anaya Chatlin says:

    Thank you, my shocking your days will start on the 2nd!

    Anaya

  3. Keyifler Yerinde says:

    Very good






  4. Anonymous says:

    How does Gingerale and tequila work