You probably know (and love) tequila for its role in margaritas, but this Mexican spirit is good for so much more! Try these unique tequila cocktail recipes and find your new favorite.
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Your ultimate guide to Tequila Cocktails
Ah, tequila. This crisp, clean spirit is easy to love — even if you have to overcome a few bad memories of cheap tequila shots to get there!
Perhaps most well-known for its starring role in the ever-delicious margarita, tequila compliments so many flavors. It’s also strong enough to stand alone, great for sipping either neat or on the rocks.
Tequila is complex, with different varieties bringing different notes that work well in a variety of recipes. It can have floral, fruity or earthy flavor notes, with a taste like citrus, herbs, pepper and spices. You can tailor these drinks to your preferences by using your favorite bottle of tequila or try something new.
How to choose a tequila
When it comes to tequila, there are three main types:
- Blanco tequila is the most common, often used for mixed drinks since it has a crisp flavor that’s easy to build on like in a Paloma.
- Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels, giving it some of the oak’s coloration and flavor, though additional coloring and flavoring are sometimes added. It’s used for both mixing and sipping.
- Añejo tequila is a premium tequila that has been aged for a year or longer. This aging gives it the complexity of a fine cognac, and it is meant to be sipped straight or used in a spirit-forward cocktail.
A zero-proof tequila will give you all of the flavor, but none of the booze, in your drinks. You can purchase a tequila alternative or make your own zero-proof spirit right at home. Try them in something like a virgin margarita or sunrise mocktail when you’re craving a fun sipper.
zero-proof tequilas
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Ritual agave spirit alternative
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Don’t miss Tequila 101 where you can learn more about which bottles to buy.
What to mix with tequila
When it comes to tequila, it’s hard to go wrong. It pairs beautifully with citrus like lime (a margarita staple), grapefruit and orange. My recommendation is to use fresh juice whenever possible — lime juice, orange juice and grapefruit juice is so much more flavorful when it’s freshly squeezed.
Triple sec, an orange liqueur, is a common ingredient in margs, and for good reason. Its sweet, slightly bitter citrus flavor brings out those same notes in the tequila. Agave adds more of a sweetness that compliments the deeper flavors found in the spirit. Many tequila drinks include a touch of salt to round out the flavors, like the salt rim on a classic margarita.
Jalapeño is an unexpected, yet oh so tasty, addition to any tequila recipe. You can infuse your own jalapeño tequila at home to control the level of spice, or opt for jalapeño simple syrup for a blend of sweet and spicy.
The best Tequila Cocktails
The best tequila cocktails are the ones you make your own! Grab your favorite bottle and mix up one of these recipes next time you’re craving a taste of tequila:
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