Though it is first and last associated with the Margarita, tequila proves to be one of the most versatile spirits for cocktails. To make the case, Wine Spectator has collected 10 essential tequila drinks from our archives. Some are riffs on bartender classics, while others are more inventive options, such as a sparkling wine and yuzu refresher or a coconut slushy. Whether you’re using blanco, reposado or añejo, there’s a cocktail here for every mood.
10 Tequila Cocktails to Try Now
- Perfect Cadillac Margarita
- Fragole Disaronno
- Instant Crush Tequila
- Mexican Coffee
- Tequila Old Fashioned
- Chef Water
- Frida y Diego
- Tequila Manhattan
- Coco Blanco
- Carrot Skin Margarita
Perfect Cadillac Margarita
We don’t have the science to prove it, but drinks seem to taste better out of a Martini glass—even Margaritas. The Cadillac Margarita is rumored to have been invented at the Cadillac Bar in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and is traditionally served up. This “perfect” rendition from El Agave in San Diego tops the tipple with a floater of triple sec.
Fragole Disaronno
From Alfredo di Roma in Mexico City—the country’s only Wine Spectator Grand Award winner—the Fragole Disaronno reflects the restaurant itself: Italian, with a Mexican spirit. Blanco tequila blends muddled strawberry with nutty amaretto, lifted by lime and orange juice.
Instant Crush
Who says that wine and tequila don’t belong together? Elva Ramirez makes the case with the Instant Crush, from her book, Sparkling: Champagne and Sparkling Cocktails for Any Occasion. Her take on a Ranch Water—a simple Texas refresher made with blanco tequila, Topo Chico and lime—replaces the sparkling water with sparkling wine and adds yuzu liqueur.
Mexican Coffee
For a decadent but sophisticated nightcap, try this spin on Irish coffee, where Irish whiskey is replaced with reposado tequila. The agave spirit complements the earthiness of the coffee, cutting through the sweetness of the cocktail with a savory edge.
Tequila Old Fashioned
Swapping extra-añejo tequila for whisky gives an Old Fashioned depth, while still complementing the fruitiness of this classic cocktail. (Want to dive into ultra-aged añejo tequilas? Check out this explainer from our sibling magazine, Whisky Advocate!)
Chef Water
From José in Dallas, this Chef Water cocktail highlights vegetal and herbal blanco tequila, balanced with fruity and floral passion fruit and elderflower liqueurs. Rimmed with a homemade basil salt, this drink hits a range of flavors while still remaining refreshing.
Frida y Diego
Developed at El Agave in San Diego, the Frida y Diego is a refreshing cocktail made with muddled cucumbers and mint. Shaken with blanco tequila, simple syrup and a pinch of salt, this drink is begging to be a poolside sipper.
Tequila Manhattan
Everything rye does, extra añejo tequila can do just as well in this Manhattan riff. Both spirits bring baking spice and peppery notes, but the tequila provides a bit more sweetness and herbaceousness to pair with red vermouth and Angostura bitters.
Coco Blanco
A great way to kick off summer is to drink a frozen cocktail. The Coco Blanco from Narrative in Denver combines blanco tequila with coconut milk, pineapple juice, lime and baking spices, riffing on the traditional piña colada.
Carrot Skin Margarita
At Little Saint, a Best of Award of Excellence winner in Healdsburg, California, sustainability and waste reduction are priorities. This “skin-y” Margarita infuses blanco tequila with carrot skins, enhancing the spirit’s natural sweetness.
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