15 Classic Tequila Cocktails – Timeless Recipes for Every Occasion

Tequila has a rich history, making it a beloved base for many classic cocktails. Classic tequila cocktails, like Margaritas and Palomas, offer vibrant flavors that can transport you to a sunny beach or a spirited fiesta. They blend zesty citrus, smooth agave, and sometimes smoky elements to match every taste.

You don’t need to be a seasoned bartender to enjoy these drinks at home. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be crafting delicious cocktails in no time. Learning to make these classic tequila cocktails can elevate your next gathering and impress your guests.

Classic Tequila Cocktails

Explore a variety of classic tequila cocktails, from the timeless Margarita to the sophisticated Añejo Old Fashioned. You’ll find recipes catering to diverse taste preferences, making them perfect for any occasion.

Margarita

The Margarita is a quintessential tequila cocktail. It blends the bright flavors of lime and orange liqueur.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
• Salt for rimming the glass

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with salt.
2. Fill a shaker with ice, tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau.
3. Shake well.
4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Paloma

The Paloma offers a refreshing mix of tequila and grapefruit soda. It’s a popular choice for summer.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Grapefruit soda (like Squirt)
• Salt for rimming the glass

Instructions:

1. Rim the glass with salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add tequila and lime juice.
4. Top with grapefruit soda.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise features vibrant layers of orange juice and grenadine.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add tequila and orange juice.
3. Slowly pour in grenadine.
4. Let it settle to create a sunrise effect.
5. Garnish with an orange slice.

Tommy’s Margarita

Tommy’s Margarita is a modern twist on the classic. It uses agave nectar instead of orange liqueur.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz agave nectar

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice, tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Ranch Water

Ranch Water is a simple and refreshing mix of tequila, lime, and soda water.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• Top with soda water

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add tequila and lime juice.
3. Top with soda water.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Mexican Mule

The Mexican Mule combines the spicy kick of ginger beer with tequila and lime.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• Ginger beer

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add tequila and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Garnish with a lime slice.

El Diablo

El Diablo is a unique mix of tequila, crème de cassis, and ginger beer.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz crème de cassis
• Ginger beer

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add tequila and lime juice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Float crème de cassis on top.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Cantarito

The Cantarito blends multiple citrus flavors with tequila and soda.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz orange juice
• Grapefruit soda

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add all fruit juices and tequila.
3. Top with grapefruit soda.
4. Garnish with a citrus slice.

Bloody Maria

The Bloody Maria is a tequila-based riff on the classic Bloody Mary.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz tomato juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce
• Dash of hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice and all ingredients.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
4. Garnish with a celery stalk and lime wedge.

Tequila Screwdriver

The Tequila Screwdriver replaces vodka with tequila in this simple mix.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz orange juice

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add tequila.
3. Top with orange juice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice.

Tequila Manhattan

The Tequila Manhattan is a sophisticated drink with a tequila twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz añejo tequila
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, tequila, vermouth, and bitters.
2. Stir well.
3. Strain into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish with a cherry.

Tequila Negroni

The Tequila Negroni substitutes tequila for gin in this classic cocktail.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz tequila
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice and all ingredients.
2. Stir well.
3. Strain into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Mexican Martini

The Mexican Martini is a larger, more complex version of a Margarita.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz orange liqueur
• 1 oz olive brine

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice and all ingredients.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into a glass.
4. Garnish with olives.

Añejo Old Fashioned

The Añejo Old Fashioned uses aged tequila for a rich, smooth drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz añejo tequila
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Instructions:

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice, añejo tequila, syrup, and bitters.
2. Stir well.
3. Strain into a glass over a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

Tequila and Ginger Ale

Tequila and Ginger Ale is a simple, refreshing highball.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• Ginger ale

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Add tequila.
3. Top with ginger ale.
4. Garnish with a lime wedge.