Tequila is a spirit that originated in Mexico and is made entirely or partly from the blue agave plant. Most tequila is produced in the country, and is currently one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in the world. However, recent studies have shown that the world population is facing a shortage of tequila, due to the lack of the blue agave plants in Mexico. So, now is the best time to learn to make some of the greatest tequila cocktails, while the liquor is still around!
There are several types of tequila, depending on how “mature” the drink is or, in other words, how long it was kept in the wooden barrels. Most of the tequila you consume is called tequila Blanco (Spanish for ‘white’) – this is the youngest sort of pure agave tequila, and it is the one the most often used in cocktails.
Tequila is traditionally mixed with citrus, like lime and lemon, tropical fruit, like pineapple or banana, as well as salt and fizz Tequila-based cocktails are great for parties because tequila always means fun! In this article, you will find the ten easy recipes for the classic tequila cocktails!
Tequila sunrise
This is an all-time tequila classic that came around as early as the 1930s. It is considered a long drink and is typically served in a tall Collins glass. You can probably find it in any bar that serves tequila, so why not learn to make it at home?
Take one shot of Reposado tequila – this is the slightly aged sort of tequila of a light golden colour, and mix it with 125 ml of fresh orange juice. Add a dash of grenadine, and garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
Tequila Sunrise has many variations as a cocktail, including Tequila Sunset with dark rum or blackberry brandy instead of grenadine, or a Blood Orange Sunrise with blood orange juice instead of the regular orange juice. In any variation, this one is probably one of the easiest yet the prettiest cocktails you can make for your guests!
Margarita
The most well-known tequila cocktail, Margarita (Spanish for ‘daisy’) first appeared in 1953 in Esquire. The recipe, suggesting making the cocktail with an ounce of tequila, fresh lime juice and some triple sec, has not changed significantly over the decades.
To make a make a perfect Margarita, mix one shot of tequila, one shot of fresh lime juice and a half a shot of triple sec in a shaker. Shake well, and pour the mix into the chilled glass with a salted rim. Garnish with a lime slice, and enjoy!
Once again, Margarita has many fruity variations, including mango, pineapple, pomegranate, and even rhubarb. You can even add some beer to make it a Coronarita. Serve your Margarita in the traditional way – on the rocks, or make it frozen during the summer season.
Paloma
This cocktail’s name means ‘dove’ in Spanish, and its light pink colour always attracts new fans. Paloma cocktail is a perfect party pleaser: it’s zesty, fresh and smooth.
To make the cocktail, prepare a tall glass filled with large chunks of ice and rim the edge with salt or sugar. Pour one shot of Blanco or Reposado tequila into the glass, add 200 ml of grapefruit juice, and top with some soda. Carefully stir, garnish with a slice of lime. Be ready to impress your guests!
Matador
Matador is probably a less well-known tequila cocktail than Tequila Sunrise or Margarita, but it is also one of the classics. It is extremely easy to make and needs only three ingredients: tequila, pineapple, and lime.
Mix one shot of Reposado tequila with 100 ml of pineapple juice and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake well. Pour over ice into an old-fashioned glass, and serve without garnish.
Tequila Sour
A great alternative to the Whiskey Sour, Tequila Sour is for those drinkers who prefer their cocktails tart. This one is similar to some of the classic tequila drinks, including Margarita and Tequila Sunrise.
Another easy recipe, this one includes ingredients similar to those typically used for making a classic Margarita. Take one shot of tequila, juice of a half of a lemon, and one tablespoon of powdered sugar or sugar syrup. Shake the three ingredients with ice and pour into a whiskey glass. Garnish with a slice of lemon and a cherry. Serve!
Long Island Ice Tea
Moving on to more complex recipes, Long Island Ice Tea has tequila as one of a few strong spirits in it. The rest include vodka, rum, and gin. Despite its name, Long Island has nothing to do with tea except for its look.
To impress your guests with your cocktail-making skills, mix half a shot of tequila, light rum, gin, and vodka. Add another half a shot of triple sec and some lemon juice. Pour everything over ice in a Collins glass, stir well, and top with Cola. Garnish with a lemon slice, and enjoy!
Juan Collins
This one is yet another tequila classic you have to try making at home. Juan Collins is a variation of gin-based Tom Collins and is made with typical ingredients that are used in many tequila cocktails.
To make a Juan Collins, take a Collins glass and fill it with ice. Pour one shot of tequila, one shot of lemon juice and add a tablespoon of sugar. Stir well and top with some soda, garnishing the cocktail with a lemon wage. This one should take less than a minute to make, which makes it a perfect drink to serve at a big party!
Bloody Maria
As you can probably tell from its name, this cocktail is a variation of Bloody Mary – a perfect cocktail to drink with your lunch. All you need to make Mary a Maria is to substitute vodka with tequila Blanco.
Pour one shot of tequila over ice in a Collins glass. Add a teaspoon of horseradish, a couple of dashes of Tabasco sauce and the same amount of Worchester sauce, a splash of lime juice. Add some salt and pepper, and stir the ingredients well. Top it with tomato juice and garnish with a celery stick. Enjoy over Sunday brunch with friends!
Margarita Sangria
This one is a party drink that you can make just once and for everyone to share. Margarita Sangria is a more exotic version of a wine-based Spanish Sangria cocktail. It can be ideal for a barbeque, or a tapas dinner!
Mix a bottle of dry white wine with 375 ml of tequila in a large jug. Add 250 ml of triple sec, 250 ml of fresh orange juice, and 125 ml of fresh lime juice. Take some ice and slice one orange and two limes to add to the mix. Rim the serving glasses with salt, and enjoy the fresh taste!
Corrido Tequila
The final recipe on the list is a different take on tequila cocktails, yet probably the easiest one of all. Corrido Tequila is essentially beer mixed with tequila. To make this one, take a beer mug and sale the rim. Pour a shot of tequila into the mug and top it with beer, preferable of Mexican origin. If you want to make it prettier, garnish the mug with a lime wedge. Have your Corrida Tequila with a Mexican meal.
You can now try these tequila cocktail recipes at home, whenever you are having guests over for dinner or throwing a party. Tequila cocktails can be impressive while being very easy to create. For most of these, you will only need a set of the simplest ingredients, which will also make the process extremely affordable. Don’t miss the chance to make a great impression, and serve some fancy-looking cocktails instead of the usual wine or beer!