Here are the top tequila cocktails to use up a bottle! There’s something for everyone, from the classic margarita to the Mexican mule and tequila sunrise.

Margarita

Got a bottle of tequila to use up? It’s best known for the margarita, but tequila is extremely versatile and stars in many tasty cocktails. This Mexican liquor made from the agave plant is at home in Mexican style drinks like the Paloma and Mexican mule. But it’s equally as tasty in a 1920’s style sour cocktail like the Tequila Sour, or a Bloody Maria, a spin on the Bloody Mary. With so many tasty mixed drinks to try…let’s start mixing! Want to start simple? Try these 2 Ingredient Tequila Drinks.

And now: the top tequila cocktails to try!

Types of tequila

The secret to the best tequila cocktails? Buy a good tequila! A cocktail is only as good as the alcohol you use. Look for a mid-price range tequila (or a high end one, if your budget allows). You can buy either blanco or reposado, depending on the drink. Here’s the difference between these types of tequila and when to use them:

  • Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor. Use in easy drinks like the Tequila Sunrise or Frozen Margarita.
  • Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, from 2 to 12 months. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla. Use in classy drinks like the Classic Margarita or Cadillac Margarita.
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tequila cocktails

Paloma (& More Tequila Cocktails!)


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink 1x

Description

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


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) tequila blanco
  • 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) fresh squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1 tablespoon (½ ounce) fresh squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon (½ ounce) maple syrup or simple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) soda water
  • Flaky sea salt & 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!
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Keywords: Tequila Cocktails

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

Sonja & Alex

Meet Sonja and Alex Overhiser: Husband and wife. Expert home cooks. Authors of recipes you'll want to make again and again.

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