With an agave flavor not found in any other distilled spirit, tequila brings an earthy, slightly sweet element to drinks. The bold and unique flavors of tequila can be paired with a range of ingredients, from citrus and fruit juices to agave syrup and bitters, to create a range of balanced and delicious drinks that display the spirit’s versatility. Whether the preference is sweet or spicy, citrusy or smoky, there is a classic tequila drink for just about everyone.

The Margarita

Probably the best-known tequila cocktail, the margarita is simple with only three ingredients: blanco tequila, lime juice and your preferred orange liqueur. The ingredients are then shaken with ice, strained into a glass with ice, and garnished with lime. The salt rim is also an important element of a margarita, helping to bring out the sweet and sour flavors while also balancing out bitterness. This simple cocktail is a classic; however, there are many variations and other flavors of margaritas to explore such as a Tommy’s margarita, which simply swaps out orange liqueur for agave nectar.

Bloody Maria

A sibling to the Bloody Mary, the Bloody Maria substitutes tequila for vodka. Combine tequila with tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, celery salt, horseradish, and ground black pepper. Despite its longer ingredient list, the Bloody Maria is a highly adaptable and easy-to-make cocktail. The tequila gives the drink a distinctive and smokey flavor, and tomato juice, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce give it a savory and umami flavor.

Tequila Sunrise

Originally crafted in the 1930s in Arizona and popularized in the ‘70s by the Rolling Stones, this three-ingredient cocktail is named after its recognizable color gradient resembling a sunrise. This simple cocktail includes tequila, orange juice, and grenadine in a highball glass. The grenadine sinks to the bottom with no mixing necessary and adds a fruity sweetness in contrast to the tart citrus.

The Paloma

It’s uncertain who the cocktail was created by, but the Paloma has become one of Mexico’s favorite drinks since it debuted in the 1950s. This simple cocktail requires only four ingredients and can be made directly in the glass. All the Paloma needs is tequila, a little lime juice, salt, and then topped off with grapefruit soda. The Paloma’s simplicity is the perfect pairing of tequila and grapefruit.

Ranch Water

Ranch water is rumored to have been created by a rancher in West Texas in the 1960s to quench the thirst of ranch hands after a long day of work. Since then, ranch water has become a staple in Texas and has gained nationwide popularity over the years. Ranch water is widely considered a healthier alternative to a classic margarita that doesn’t skimp on taste and is made with only three simple ingredients. With just tequila, plenty of fresh lime juice, and Topo Chico served over ice, this cocktail is impossible to mess up. Part of its appeal is that ranch water can be easily modified to individual taste and the ratios of the ingredients are based on preference. It’s the perfect summer cocktail that pairs well with spicy Tex-Mex food and BBQ.

Tequila Collins

The tequila collins is just one member of the collins drink family, which has a simple formula of base spirit, sweet, sour, and soda. The tequila collins is a refreshing cocktail made from tequila, lemon juice, agave nectar for the sweetener, and topped with sparkling club soda.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

With a bit of smoke and a touch of sweetness, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a modern take on a beloved classic. The drink combines tequila, mezcal, agave syrup, and Angostura bitters, and is served in a rocks glass and garnished with an orange twist. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned showcases the combination of tequila and mezcal and creates a casual sipper with a well-balanced flavor of bitter and sweet.

Tequila Martini

Commonly referred to as a ‘tequini,’ the tequila martini is a traditional drink that is a variation on the conventional vodka or gin martini. Made with tequila and vermouth, it is combined with lemon juice and orange bitters which give the cocktail a touch of acidity and hint of sweetness.

Brave Bull

The Brave Bull is the tequila version of a Black Russian. An elegant after-dinner digestif, the Brave Bull is made simply with tequila and Kahlua. The combination of tequila and coffee liqueur shows that the two flavors are natural companions.

There is an extra flavor dimension that only the agave of tequila can bring to the mix. Whether it is a tall mixed drink or a slow-sipping variation on classic cocktails, each recipe will give an entirely new experience.