11 Delicious Tequila Cocktails That Aren't Margaritas

With its vibrant flavors and rich history, tequila has captured the hearts of many liquor enthusiasts worldwide. However, many people are still unsure about what tequila drinks to make at home or order when they go to a bar. All they know is that tequila tastes good when paired with citrus, specifically lime. This leads to a lot of margarita drinks being made, despite the fact there are many other options.

Don't get it wrong, the margarita is undeniably a treasured classic. But it's time to step out of its shadow and explore the versatility and complexity of tequila. From sophisticated options to refreshing sips that awaken your palate, so many cocktails showcase the breadth of this beloved Mexican spirit. Here are some of the delicious tequila cocktails that aren't margaritas.

Paloma

The Paloma is hands-down one of the most popular tequila cocktails. It is a simple and delightful drink that combines the zesty and bright flavors of grapefruit with tequila. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 ounces tequila (preferably Don Julio Blanco)
• 2 ounces club soda
• 2 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
• ½ ounce lime juice
• Salt 
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 lime or grapefruit wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Rub your glass's rim with a grapefruit wedge, and dip it in salt to coat the rim. Combine lime juice, grapefruit, and sugar in the glass and stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the tequila and top it off with club soda. Garnish with lime or grapefruit wedge. 

Mexican Mule

If you're looking for a summer drink, the Mexican Mule is perfect for you. It is a variation of the iconic Mexican Mule and combines different flavors for a delicious and refreshing drink. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 ounces of high-quality tequila like the Patron Silver 
• ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
• 4 ounces ginger beer 
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions: 

Pour the tequila, ginger beer, and lime juice into a serving glass or copper mug. Add ice cubes to the mixture and garnish with lime. 

Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise cocktail is an iconic and visually appealing drink that perfectly captures the essence of a radiant sunrise in a glass. This delightful libation features tequila as its base, and what steals the show is the gradual color gradient created by layering grenadine syrup and orange juice. 

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces tequila (a good choice is the Espolon Blanco Tequila)
• 1 dash grenadine syrup
• 4 ounces orange juice
• 1 maraschino cherry
• 1 orange wedge

Instructions: 

Pour the orange juice and tequila into an ice-cold glass. Add the grenadine syrup on top so that it floats, and garnish using a fresh maraschino cherry or an orange wedge. 

Tequila Negroni

Tequila Negroni is a wonderful variation of the traditional Negroni cocktail in which tequila is used instead of gin. The inclusion of tequila gives the drink a distinct and vibrant flavor. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 ounce Tequila Blanco
• 1 ounce Campari
• 1 ounce sweet vermouth
• Orange wedge for garnish

Instructions: 

Combine tequila, Campari, and sweet vermouth in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass filled with ice. Stir gently for a few seconds to mix all the ingredients. Strain into a glass and garnish with an orange wedge. 

Mayan Mule

The Mayan Mule is an intriguing cocktail inspired by Mayan culture. It combines tequila's robust characteristics with the spicy warmth of ginger beer and the zesty tang of lime. To give it a Mayan flair, this drink also incorporates a hint of smokiness by adding a splash of mezcal.

Ingredients: 

• 1 ounce lime juice
• 2 ounces Milagro Select Barrel Reserve Reposado Tequila
• 4 ounces ginger beer
• ½ ounce mezcal
• 1 mint sprig or lime wedge for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions: 

Combine tequila, mezcal, lime juice, and ice cubes in a cocktail shaker. Shake the mixture well to mix the flavors. Filter the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Top it off with the ginger beer and gently stir your drink. Embellish with a lime wedge or a mint sprig. 

Little Dragon

This iconic tequila-based cocktail embodies the flavors of tequila, ginger, and lime to create a refreshing and spicy drink. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 ounces of Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 3 dashes hot sauce
• ½ ounce ginger syrup 
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions: 

Combine the lime juice, tequila, hot sauce, and ginger syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add a handful of ice and strain the cocktail into a copper mug or glass. Place a lime wedge on the rim of the copper mug or glass. 

Bloody Maria

The Bloody Maria is a captivating spin on the classic Bloody Mary cocktail, with robust and rich flavors of tequila. Adding tequila to this drink gives it a distinctive twist to the beloved Bloody Mary and enhances the classic cocktail's timeless appeal. 

Ingredients: 

• 4 ounces tomato juice
• 2 ounces tequila (Milagro Tequila Silver is a good choice)
• 3 dashes Tabasco sauce
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 pinch dashes pepper
• 1 pinch of celery salt
• 1 cucumber spear for garnish
• 1 lime wedge or lemon for garnish

Instructions: 

Put all the ingredients and ice cubes to a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a glass then garnish with a lemon wedge and a cucumber spear. 

El Diablo

This captivating cocktail effortlessly blends the distinctive flavor of tequila with a vibrant and energizing flavor profile. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 ounces Tequila Blanco
• 1 ounce crème de cassis
•  1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 3 ounces ginger beer
• 1 blackberry 
• 1 lime wedge 

Instructions: 

Add the tequila, lime juice, and crème de cassis into a shaker. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a glass with ice, top with the ginger beer, and garnish with fresh blackberry and lime wedge.  

Tequila Mojito

The Tequila Mojito is a delightful variation of the traditional Mojito cocktail. It is known for its zesty and refreshing flavors. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 ounces Tequila Blanco
• 6 mint leaves
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 ounce blue agave nectar
• 2 ounces club soda
• 1 mint sprig 
• 1 lime wedge

Instructions:

In a shaker, muddle some mint leaves. Fill it with ice, then add the tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar. Shake and strain the liquid into a glass. Top with club soda, and use the lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish. 

Texas Ranch Water

The Texas Ranch Water cocktail is a popular and refreshing drink that originated in Texas. It is simple yet delicious, and it only takes around 3-5 minutes to prepare. 

Ingredients: 

• 3 ounces Tequila Blanco
• 1 ½ ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
• Topo Chico mineral water (chilled)
• A slice of lime for garnish

Note: Topo Chico is a wonderful choice for this cocktail because of its crispness and effervescence. But you can use any other sparkling mineral water if Topo Chico is unavailable. 

Instructions: 

Fill your glass with ice. Add three ounces of Tequila Blanco and the fresh lime juice. Top the drink with Topo Chico and garnish with a lime wedge on the glass's rim.

The Dark Reviver

For the perfect Halloween drink with a gothic color design and intriguing flavors, look no further than this tequila cocktail.

Ingredients: 

• 1 ounce of Corralejo Reposado Tequila
• ½ ounce orange juice
• ½ ounce lemon juice
• ¾ ounce digestivo or aperitivo liqueur
• 2 pieces of orange peel (for garnish)
• 2 teaspoons activated charcoal powder

Instructions: 

Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Using a strainer, finely strain the liquid into a coupe glass. Slice an orange peel into a thick slice. Light the peel on fire and use it to rim the glass. Discard the flaming peel and put a new orange twist on the rim of your glass.

Conclusion 

As you can see, the world of tequila cocktails goes way beyond margaritas. It is evident that tequila's versatility knows no bounds. So, the next time you find yourself wanting a tequila cocktail, remember that the margarita is merely the tip of the iceberg. Allow yourself to experiment and explore the countless possibilities that await. Who knows! You might just discover a new favorite. 

FAQs

Does Tequila Give Someone a Hangover? 

Tequilas that contain more congeners than others may result in hangovers that are a little bit more intense. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "hangover-free tequila." Any type of tequila, even the purest you can get, will leave you with a bad hangover if you consume enough of it. 

Are There Any Healthy Concerns Associated with Tequila Cocktails? 

As with all alcoholic drinks, it's always important to consume cocktails responsibly and in moderation. Excessive consumption of alcohol can be harmful to your health. Additionally, some people may be allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients used in cocktails, so paying close attention to potential allergens is crucial. 

Can I Make Tequila Cocktails in Large Batches?

Yes, you can definitely scale up cocktail recipes and make larger batches for gatherings or parties. Just be sure to maintain the proportions and ratios of the ingredients accordingly to avoid altering the taste.

Where can I find more tequila cocktail recipes?

You can find more tequila cocktail recipes in cocktail recipe books, online website blogs, or by exploring dedicated mixology blogs and resources. There are numerous options to discover and experiment with.

Where Can I Buy Tequila Online? 

You can purchase your favorite tequila bottle at various online liquor stores. One reputable option is Nestor Liquor, which offers a wide selection of tequilas that cater to different budgets and tastes. Whether you are looking for high-end tequilas or more affordable options, the website has something to suit your liking.