34 Best Tequila Cocktails to Try

Explore the range of drink possibilities tequila offers

A lemongrass-ginger infused tequila in glasses, garnished with lime wedges

The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

Tequila cocktails are diverse and a lot of fun to explore. You can mix up the original margarita or enjoy it in a variety of flavors, from strawberry to tamarind. There are also tall, refreshing tequila mixed drinks, slow-sipping variations of famous whiskey and vodka cocktails, and tantalizing spicy cocktails. With each recipe, you get an entirely new experience.

The beauty of tequila is that its agave flavor brings an earthy, semi-sweet element to drinks. It's a flavor you won't find in any other distilled spirit, and it's fascinating to discover how that reacts with a variety of mixers. Whether you're a newcomer or experienced with this liquor, kick off your tequila adventure with a few essential cocktails that display the spirit's versatility.

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Watch Now: Get Inspired by our Favorite Tequila Cocktails

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    Tequila Screwdriver

    A tequila screwdriver in a tall glass with two orange slices on the rim

    The Spruce Eats / Karen Hibbard

    As the name implies, the tequila screwdriver is just like the famous vodka cocktail. Tequila and orange juice are all you need for this recipe. It is tequila's answer to vodka's screwdriver and essentially a tequila sunrise, hold the grenadine. If you have made either of those popular mixed drinks, then you'll have no problem here.

  • 02 of 34

    The Margarita

    Margarita in salt rimmed glass

    The Spruce Eats / Margot Cavin

    The margarita is the best-known tequila cocktail. The original lime version is incredibly easy to mix up from scratch. It requires just three ingredients, and the fresh citrus flavor is captivating. Once you get a taste of an authentic margarita, there are many other margaritas to explore.

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    Frozen Tequila Sunrise Margarita

    Frozen Tequila Sunrise Margarita

    The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

    The tequila sunrise margarita brings the beauty of a tequila sunrise into the world of frozen margaritas. It combines the best of both drinks and is utterly refreshing with its tropical fruit flavor. Enjoy this one on a hot summer day, whether that means cooling off by the pool or watching the sunset from your patio.

  • 04 of 34

    Ranch Water

    A ranch water tequila Topo Chico cocktail in a highball glass with a lime wedge

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

    Ranch water is an effortless tequila mixed drink, and it's incredibly refreshing. This low-sugar drink mixes up in a minute and requires just three ingredients. Ranch water's fizzy tart lime flavor ensures that it's the ideal summer cocktail and an excellent pairing for spicy Tex-Mex food and barbecue fare.

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  • 05 of 34

    Raspberry Margarita

    A raspberry margarita in a margarita glass with three raspberries on top

    The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

    Fresh raspberries make this raspberry margarita special. It's a fantastic tequila cocktail to enjoy during the summer or any time of the year when you want a delicious, fresh, and fruity margarita

  • 06 of 34

    Tequila Sunrise

    Tequila sunrise

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

    The beautiful tequila sunrise is another iconic cocktail. This simple mixed drink includes tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. Not only does the grenadine create a sunrise in your glass, but it also adds a fruity sweetness to contrast the tart citrus. With tequila hanging out in the background, it's easy to see why this will forever be a favorite.

  • 07 of 34

    The Paloma

    A paloma cocktail with salt on the rim and a copper straw in the drink with cuts of lime off to the side

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    The paloma may be one of the most underrated tequila cocktails. For this recipe, you'll choose your favorite tequila, add a little lime juice, then top it off with grapefruit soda. The simplicity does not do justice to the taste, and it's one of the best ways to experience the perfect pairing of tequila and grapefruit.

  • 08 of 34

    Tequila Collins

    A tequila Collins cocktail resting on a countertop with a lemon wedge on the rim

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Tequila makes an appearance in the collins drink family as well. While gin, whiskey, and vodka have long been the stars of this famous formula, a shot of tequila gives it new life. In the tequila collins, you'll pour lemon juice and agave nectar, then finish it off with club soda. These semi-transparent flavors allow a good tequila to shine in all its glory.

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  • 09 of 34

    The Tequini

    A Tequini (Tequila Martini) in a martini glass with a cut of lemon skin on the rim

    The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

    With all the martinis in the world, it shouldn't be a surprise that tequila has found its way into the mix. The tequini replaces gin with tequila, and it's a fascinating way to switch up a routine. The key to this drink is to start with the best blanco tequila you can find, then pair it with quality vermouth to create a dry cocktail with a shining personality.

  • 10 of 34

    Brave Bull

    A Brave Bull cocktail in a glass with four cubes of ice

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

    Fans of the vodka-based black Russian will surely want to get a taste of the brave bull. Tequila's agave flavor adds a new dimension to the mixed drink, and the recipe shows off another fabulous tequila pairing. In this lowball, all you need is a little coffee liqueur for a fun twist on a happy hour staple.

  • 11 of 34

    Envy Cocktail

    A light blue Envy cocktail in a martini glass with a cherry resting on top

    The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

    Blue and green cocktails are alluring. Throw tequila into the mix, and you know it's time to get the party started! One of the best in this category is the stunning envy cocktail. This fancy little cocktail mixes tequila with the tropical fruit taste of blue curaçao and pineapple juice. When served in a cocktail glass, the turquoise drink works just as well for elegant affairs as it does for casual parties.

  • 12 of 34

    Bloody Maria

    A Bloody Maria cocktail in glasses with lemon and lime slices in a bowl

    The Spruce Eats / Madhumita Sathishkumar

    The bloody Mary is one of the most popular mixed drinks. Have you tried substituting tequila for the vodka? The bloody Maria recipe has everything that makes the original great, including savory tomato juice and all the classic spices customized to your taste. However, with tequila's agave flavor in the backdrop, this brunch cocktail is even more exciting.

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  • 13 of 34

    The Passion Cocktail

    A Passion Tequila cocktail in a martini resting on a wooden table
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The passion cocktail is an excellent choice when you're in the mood for the sweet taste of cranberry. Just like the cosmopolitan, you'll need cranberry and lime juices along with an orange liqueur like Grand Marnier. It's simple, lovely, and perfect for a romantic dinner (the recipe makes two drinks). You might even find that you prefer tequila over the vodka version.

  • 14 of 34

    Reposado Old-Fashioned

    A Reposado Old-Fashioned with Tequila and Nectarines in it with full nectarines and cherries surrounding the drink
    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Love an old-fashioned but ran out of bourbon? Grab a bottle of reposado tequila instead! Similar to the original, the reposado old-fashioned is a stunning way to show off an exquisite tequila. It uses agave nectar for the sweetener and switches up the fruits to nectarine slices and Bing cherries. Give it a dash or two of bitters, and a fabulous cocktail is ready to enjoy.

  • 15 of 34

    El Diablo

    An El Diablo cocktail in a tall glass with ice cubes and a lime slice on the rim

    The Spruce Eats / Karen Hibbard

    El diablo is a cocktail that every tequila lover needs to taste. The recipe pairs an aged tequila with lime juice and the sweet black currant flavor of crème de cassis. Top it off with your favorite ginger beer to create a dazzling drink.

  • 16 of 34

    Tamarind Margarita

    A Tamarind Margarita in a margarita glass with a spicy slated rim and a lime slice on the rim

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    The sweet and sour taste of tamarind is also a fantastic complement to tequila. The two shine their brightest in an ice-cold tamarind margarita. Whether you shake it or blend it, this margarita is an absolute delight, and tamarind nectar is available in many grocery stores. Don't forget the chili rim. It adds a great spice that contrasts the drink's flavors wonderfully.

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  • 17 of 34

    Lychee Tequila Shooter

    A Lychee Tequila Shooter in four glasses with lemon wedges on the rim

    The Spruce Eats

    There are many tequila shots in the world and the lychee tequila is one of the best. This semisweet shooter relies on lychee liqueur, which is made from a fruit from Southeast Asia. When it's combined with tequila, the drink becomes a mix of flavors that is truly fascinating.

  • 18 of 34

    Danny Ocean Cocktail

    A Danny Ocean cocktail filled with ice on a cutting board with grapefruit slices in the background

     The Spruce Eats

    The Danny Ocean cocktail is named after a famous movie character, and it's a fun twist on fruity margaritas. Rather than an orange liqueur, the drink's reposado tequila is accentuated with maraschino liqueur, while lemon and grapefruit juices give it a wonderful citrus base.

  • 19 of 34

    Cantarito Tequila Cocktail

    Grapefruit soda being added to the tequila and juice mixture of the Cantarito Tequila cocktail

    The Spruce Eats / Nyssa Tanner

    The cantarito is a complex cousin of the paloma, and it's also a favorite tequila cocktail from Mexico. Its name comes from the cantarito (or jarrito de barro), a stout clay cup that's used to serve drinks like this at bars and cafés all over Latin America.

  • 20 of 34

    Lemongrass-Ginger Tequila

    A Lemongrass-Ginger Infused Tequila cocktail, garnished with lime wedges

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    Jazz up your average tequila shot with a little extra flavor. This lemongrass-ginger-infused tequila can take up to two weeks for the flavor to fully develop, so you'll want to start early. Once it's done, you'll have tequila with a brilliant lemony-spiced taste that's ready to amaze everyone at the party.

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  • 21 of 34

    The Guadalajara

    The Guadalajara cocktail in a martini glass with an orange peel on the rim, resting on a wooden table

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The Guadalajara stretches the boundaries of the average tequila cocktail. The key to this drink is the pairing of reposado tequila with Fernet Branca, an Italian digestif, made from a proprietary herbal blend. There is nothing like it, and there is no drink like the Guadalajara, which is why it's a ton of fun.

  • 22 of 34

    El Pepino

    A El Pepino Tequila cocktail garnished with a cucumber slice on a blue tile surface

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    Don't let the ingredient list intimidate you, el pepino is not a difficult cocktail to mix up. This is a margarita of sorts, made with fresh cucumber and cilantro. It also brings in the fascinating texture of an egg white, just like ​some of the best classic cocktails.

  • 23 of 34

    Jalapeño Margarita

    Teo Jalapeño Margaritas with salted rims and a lime half sitting next to the glasses

    The Spruce Eats / Ali Redmond

    It's not a Cinco de Mayo party without a spicy cocktail or two! The jalapeño margarita is the perfect recipe for tequila drinkers who like it hot. This recipe goes beyond the "just add a pepper" mentality for all things spicy. It classes it up with reposado tequila and an orange liqueur upgrade makes it as sophisticated as it is fun.

  • 24 of 34

    Frostbite Tequila Cocktail

    A light blue Frostbite Tequila cocktail in a glass, garnished with Luxardo Cherries

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    A sneaky drink that hides tequila behind a creamy blue veil, the frostbite is fun. This simple blue cocktail uses an unusual combination of ingredients that you'll definitely want to try because it gives you a good idea of tequila's full potential in cocktails.

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  • 25 of 34

    Tequila Slammer

    A fizzy Tequila Slammer cocktail resting on a marble surface

    The Spruce Eats / Maxwell Cozzi

    The tequila slammer is a fun tequila shot that's perfect for a party. It's not complicated (requiring just two ingredients) and it's actually more about the action you take before drinking it than anything else.

  • 26 of 34

    Dirty Bird

    Overhead of a Dirty Bird Cocktail with a cocktail shaker and jigger off to the side

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The dirty bird is a fun little cocktail that you'll likely find very familiar. It is, essentially, a white Russian with a quick shake added at the end. Everything else remains the same, including the vodka, coffee liqueur (e.g., Kahlúa), and cream.

  • 27 of 34

    Chocolate Margarita

    Chocolate Margarita in a glass and garnished with cocoa powder, next to a small bowl with cocoa

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    A chocolate margarita is a fantastic way to enjoy chocolate and tequila in a single glass. It's one of the most indulgent margaritas you can mix up and this blended recipe has a little extra dimension to tantalize your taste buds.

  • 28 of 34

    Pineapple Tequila Cocktail

    A Pineapple Tequila cocktail with a lime wedge and pineapple slice on the rim

    The Spruce Eats / Julia Hartbeck

    Although the pineapple tequila cocktail recipe is unbelievably simple to make, it results in a spectacular drink. This cocktail shows off the magical combination of its two named ingredients and marries them wonderfully with the help of a few common bar ingredients. It's so good to sip this when the weather is warm, or as an accompaniment to tacos, burritos, or other Tex-Mex fare.

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  • 29 of 34

    The Cadillac Margarita

    A Cadillac margarita in a margarita glass with salt and a lime slice on the rim, resting on a platter

    The Spruce Eats / Cara Cormack

    As the name suggests, this is the ultimate margarita. It's made with top-shelf ingredients, and that's really the only difference between a Cadillac margarita and a regular margarita. With a few simple upgrades, the Cadillac margarita is one of the best tequila cocktails you can mix up. Its golden color only adds to its allure, ensuring it lives up to its namesake's prestige.

  • 30 of 34

    Oaxaca Old-Fashioned

    An Oaxaca Old-Fashioned cocktail with an orange peel in it resting on a marble surface

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    The Oaxaca old-fashioned is a modern classic in the cocktail world. It showcases the intriguing combination of tequila and mezcal in a relatively unadulterated form, and, as with many of the best cocktails, it's an extremely simple drink recipe. The intriguing, well-balanced flavor makes it a delightfully casual sipper that's a great choice when you want to explore the array of tastes available in different mezcals.

  • 31 of 34

    Keto Margarita

    A Keto Margarita with a lime wedge on the rime and extra lime slices in the background

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    There's no need to skip margaritas when you want to cut sugar and calories from your diet. Instead, mix up this refreshing keto margarita. It's the same tequila cocktail you know and love, just without the excess of sugar.

  • 32 of 34

    Fright Night in the Grove

    A Friday night in the grove cocktail with a salted grapefruit wedge on the rim, resting on a concrete surface

    The Spruce Eats

    Here is an interesting Jägermeister cocktail that many people will enjoy, especially those who are fans of the powerful liqueur. The fright night in the grove recipe mixes Jäger with aged tequila for an unforgettable drink. While it's a great candidate for Halloween parties, it would also be nice anytime you want a cocktail with that piles on the flavor.

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  • 33 of 34

    Mango and Ginger Kombucha Mule With Tequila

    A Mango and ginger Kombucha Mule with Tequila that's topped with a lime wedge

    The Spruce Eats / S&C Design Studios

    Kombucha (or "booch" as it's popularly called) is an excellent cocktail mixer. With its slightly acidic taste and gentle fizz, kombucha can easily replace soda in mixed drinks. In this tequila kombucha mule recipe, ginger-flavored kombucha replaces the Moscow mule's ginger beer to create a lively drink that's both familiar and intriguingly different.

  • 34 of 34

    Coco Margarita

    A Coco Margarita with a pineapple wedge on the rim, resting on a dark marble surface

    The Spruce Eats / Karen Hibbard

    Can't decide between a piña colada and a margarita? The coco margarita is the best of both worlds. This fun cocktail recipe has the tequila base of a margarita and the delicious combination of pineapple and coconut that makes the piña colada great. It's a perfect cocktail for any summer party and a great way to show off your favorite tequila.