Ready to shake up your cocktail game? For tequila lovers, there’s a whole world beyond the original margarita waiting to be discovered. So including some cool margarita variations, let’s look at 55 tequila cocktails.
These drinks bring together simple ingredients in perfect harmony to create the best tequila cocktails you’ve ever tasted.
From classics served in a rocks glass with plenty of ice to spicy cocktails that pack a touch of spice, each recipe is crafted to wake up your taste buds. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just craving something special on a hot summer day, these drinks deliver.
We’re mixing bright lime with good quality 100% agave tequila, exploring combinations with orange liqueur, and even taking some tropical paradise inspiration. Some are as simple as a splash of lime and soda water, while others bring complex layers of citrus juices and agave nectar.
55 Top Tequila Cocktails
1. Spicy Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Fresh jalapeño slices
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt if desired. Muddle a few jalapeño slices in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with additional jalapeño slices.
2. Classic Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt if desired. In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, and lime juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
3. Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz grenadine
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice and add tequila and orange juice. Slowly pour grenadine, allowing it to sink for a sunrise effect. Do not stir. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry if desired.
4. Paloma
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 4 oz grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice and club soda
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt if desired. In the glass, add tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda or juice and club soda over ice. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with a grapefruit slice.
5. Tequila Mule (Mexican Mule)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
In a copper mug filled with ice, add tequila and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
6. Ranch Water
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz sparkling water
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, then top with sparkling water. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
7. Tequila Mocking Goat
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 3 oz grapefruit soda
- Rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice. Shake and strain into a glass over ice. Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a rosemary sprig.
8. Apple Cider Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz apple cider
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Cinnamon sugar for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with cinnamon sugar if desired. In a shaker, combine tequila, apple cider, triple sec, and lime juice with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with an apple slice or cinnamon stick.
9. El Diablo
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz crème de cassis
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 3 oz ginger beer
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge or blackberry if desired.
10. Honey Trap
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, honey syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh thyme.
11. Cadillac Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz premium tequila
- 1 oz Grand Marnier
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt if desired. In a shaker, combine tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
12. Watermelon Mint Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh watermelon juice
Instructions:
In a shaker, muddle the mint leaves. Add tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and watermelon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a mint sprig or watermelon slice.
13. Tequila Negroni
Ingredients:
- 1 oz tequila
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 1 oz Campari
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine tequila, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir until well-chilled and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
14. Tequila Espresso Martini
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed
- 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional)
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker filled with ice, combine tequila, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup if desired. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
15. Tequila Manhattan (Distrito Federal)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz añejo tequila
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine tequila, sweet vermouth, and bitters. Stir until well-chilled and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry.
16. Tommy’s Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt if desired. In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice or serve straight up in a martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Tommy’s, of course, refers to the San Francisco restaurant run by the late Tommy Bermejo. Stop by the bar run by his son, Julio Bermejo, for some amazing tequila, great stories, and a lot of fun.
17. Jalapeño Pineapple Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Fresh jalapeño slices
- Salt or chili powder for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt or chili powder if desired. Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker, then add tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a jalapeño slice or pineapple wedge.
18. Tequila Sour
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 egg white (optional)
- Lemon twist or cherry for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white if using (dry shake without ice for foam). Add ice and shake again until well-chilled. Strain into a glass and garnish with a lemon twist or cherry.
19. Tequila Lemonade
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz lemonade
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Lemon slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add tequila, lemonade, and lime juice. Stir well and garnish with a lemon slice.
20. Siesta
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz Campari
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 1/2 oz grapefruit juice
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, Campari, lime juice, simple syrup, and grapefruit juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
21. Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz reposado tequila
- 1/2 oz mezcal
- 1/4 oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine tequila, mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters. Stir well and strain into a glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
22. Gingerbread Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz gingerbread syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Crushed gingerbread cookie for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with crushed gingerbread cookie if desired. In a shaker, combine tequila, gingerbread syrup, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.
23. Tequila Screwdriver
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz orange juice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add tequila and orange juice, then stir. Garnish with an orange slice.
24. Cilantro Jalapeño Mojito
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Fresh jalapeño slices
- Club soda
Instructions:
Muddle cilantro and jalapeño in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice, and shake well. Strain into a glass over ice, then top with club soda. Garnish with additional cilantro and a jalapeño slice.
25. Tequila Tonic
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz tonic water
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add tequila and tonic water, then stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
26. Frozen Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 cup ice
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt if desired. In a blender, combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and ice. Blend until smooth and pour into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
27. Grilled Pineapple Tequila Punch
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz grilled pineapple juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Grilled pineapple slice for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, grilled pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a grilled pineapple slice.
28. Watermelon Tequila Aguas Frescas
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 cup fresh watermelon juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
In a glass filled with ice, combine tequila, watermelon juice, and lime juice. Stir well and garnish with a mint sprig.
29. Cucumber Tequila Cooler
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 3-4 cucumber slices
- Club soda
Instructions:
Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice, then shake. Strain into a glass over ice and top with club soda. Garnish with a cucumber slice.
30. Pomegranate Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz pomegranate juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Pomegranate seeds for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, pomegranate juice, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with pomegranate seeds.
31. Blood Orange Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh blood orange juice
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Blood orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, blood orange juice, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a blood orange slice.
32. Strawberry Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 oz triple sec
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- Salt or sugar for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt or sugar if desired. Muddle strawberries in a shaker, then add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a strawberry slice.
33. Mango Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/4 cup fresh mango, diced
- Salt for rim (optional)
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt if desired. Muddle mango in a shaker, then add tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a mango slice.
34. Chipilo Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz Aperol
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Grapefruit twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, Aperol, grapefruit juice, and simple syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
35. Here Comes the Sun
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz orange juice
- 1/2 oz carrot juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, orange juice, carrot juice, and lime juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with an orange twist.
36. Rosita
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz dry vermouth
- 1/2 oz sweet vermouth
- 1/2 oz Campari
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine tequila, dry vermouth, sweet vermouth, and Campari. Stir well and strain into a glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
37. Bee’s Knees with Tequila
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 3/4 oz honey syrup (equal parts honey and water)
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, honey syrup, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
38. Italian Margarita
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz amaretto
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orange juice
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, amaretto, lime juice, and orange juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with an orange slice.
39. Tequila and Pineapple Juice
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add tequila and pineapple juice, then stir. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
40. Tequila Old Fashioned (Añejo New Fashioned)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz añejo tequila
- 1/4 oz agave syrup
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine tequila, agave syrup, and bitters. Stir well and strain into a glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
41. Blanco Tequila Spritz
Ingredients:
- 2 oz blanco tequila
- 3 oz sparkling water
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Instructions:
In a glass filled with ice, add tequila, sparkling water, and lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel.
42. Smoky Rosemary Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Smoked rosemary sprig for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a smoked rosemary sprig.
43. Cilantro Lime Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
44. Espresso Tequila Tini
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 1 oz espresso, freshly brewed
- 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Coffee beans for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, espresso, coffee liqueur, and simple syrup with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
45. Tequila Green Juice
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 cup green juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- Celery stick for garnish
Instructions:
In a glass filled with ice, combine tequila, green juice, and lime juice. Stir well and garnish with a celery stick.
46. Blackberry Tequila Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 5-6 fresh blackberries
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle blackberries in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice, then shake well. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with mint leaves.
47. Tequila Bloody Mary (Bloody Maria)
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz tomato juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- Celery stalk for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, tomato juice, lime juice, and hot sauce with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a celery stalk.
48. Strawberry Tequila Spritzer
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/4 cup strawberry puree
- 3 oz sparkling water
- Strawberry slice for garnish
Instructions:
In a glass filled with ice, combine tequila, lime juice, and strawberry puree. Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with a strawberry slice.
49. Grapefruit Basil Tequila Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle basil leaves in a shaker. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup with ice, and shake well. Strain into a glass over ice and garnish with basil leaves.
50. Tequila Limeade
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 4 oz limeade
- Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
In a glass filled with ice, combine tequila and limeade. Stir and garnish with a lime wedge.
51. Mexican Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- 1/2 oz olive brine
- Olive for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and olive brine with ice. Shake well and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an olive.
52. Lavender Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz lavender syrup
- 1/2 oz triple sec
- Lavender sprig for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, lavender syrup, and triple sec with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a lavender sprig.
53. Jalapeño Watermelon Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 1/4 cup watermelon puree
- Fresh jalapeño slices
Instructions:
Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker. Add tequila, lime juice, agave syrup, and watermelon puree with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice. Garnish with a jalapeño slice.
54. Chocolate Tequila Martini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz chocolate liqueur
- 1/2 oz coffee liqueur
- Chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, chocolate liqueur, and coffee liqueur with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with chocolate shavings.
55. White Lady with Tequila
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz tequila
- 3/4 oz triple sec
- 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, and lemon juice with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Final Thoughts
Every great cocktail starts with a cocktail shaker and a dash of creativity. From the most popular cocktails to unique recipes adding a tequila twist to classic drinks, these recipes will keep your parties exciting.
Remember that premium tequila that is 100% agave, such as many of the tequilas available at Trader Joe’s, fresh citrus, and high-quality mixers like Topo Chico make all the difference. Even a simple squeeze of lime and maraschino liqueur can transform into something spectacular with the right technique.
Whether you’re mixing up drinks with orange bitters for sophistication or adding a spicy kick for adventure, the key is quality ingredients and proper mixing. Don’t forget the basics: fresh ice, proper measurements, and good technique with your cocktail shaker.
Let these recipes inspire you to become your own mixologist. With practice, you’ll develop an instinct for the perfect mix that makes every drink special. Planning a party, these drinks along with my amazing collection of drinking quotes are all you need to get started!
Remember to drink responsibly and ensure everyone enjoying these cocktails is of legal drinking age.
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