When most americans think of mexican cocktails, the the thing that comes to mind are margaritas. While margaritas are a popular fixture of Summerlin Mexican restaurants. They are undoubtedly refreshing and delicious. But, they aren’t quite mexican. According to popular legend, they were invented by an irish bartender working in Tijuana sometime in the mid 20th century. He grabbed the wrong bottle when mixing a “Daisy Cocktail”, typically prepared with brandy, thus inventing the “Tequila Daisy.”
How do you say “daisy” in spanish? Margarita.
While there is no denying the popularity and “deleterious effects” of a good margarita, there are some other great drink cocktails that really blow them out of the water, in a manner of speaking. Keep reading to learn about a few great tequila cocktails that you need to try.
1. La Paloma Cocktail
This beloved mexican cocktail is a delicious blend of Tequila, lime, and grapefruit that is refreshing as it is delicious. It’s a simple classic that’s perfect on a hot summer evening,
What You Will Need
– 2 Oz. Silver Tequila
– ½ Oz. Lime Juice
– 4 – 5 Oz. Grapefruit Soda
– Highball Glass
To prepare, combine the tequila and the lime juice in a highball glass that is about ¾ full of ice.
Fill the rest of the glass with grapefruit soda, and stir to mix. Garnish with a wedge of lime and grapefruit peel. This is a crisp and tart drink, with a delightful citrus twist that tickles the senses.
2. Tequila Mockingbird.
This playful blend of watermelon and tequila is a surprisingly satisfying and delicious cocktail with a hint of chili infused mischief.
What You Will Need
– 1 Jalapeno Slice
– 2 Oz. Silver Tequila
– 1 1⁄2 oz Watermelon Puree
– ¾ Oz. Lime Juice
– ¾ Oz. Agave Syrup
– Shaker
– Rocks Glass
To prepare, muddle the jalapeno slice in the mixer with the lime juice and tequila. Add the rest of the ingredients to the mixer and fill it the rest of the way with ice. Shake for about 10 seconds and double strain into the rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with fresh basil and a lime wedge for a sweet and savory cocktail with a nice spicy kick.
3. Tequila Mojito
This Mexican take on the classic Cuban cocktail makes for a tasty poolside refreshment, or a perfect “punch bowl” beverage for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta.
What You Will Need
– 4 Mint leaves
– 2 oz Silver Tequila
– 1 oz Blue Agave Nectar
– 1 oz Lime Juice
– 2 oz Club Soda
– Mixer
– Collins Glass
To prepare muddle the mint leaves in the mixer with the lime juice and the agave nectar. Add the tequila and fill the mixer with ice. Shake for about 10 to 15 seconds and strain into a collins glass full of fresh ice.
4. Tequila Martini
This take on the classic martini substitutes a reposado tequila for the vodka typically used in this cocktail. And it packs a fairly potent punch.
What You Will Need
– 1½ Oz. Tequila Reposado
– ¾ Oz. Dry Vermouth
– Dash. Orange Bitters.
– Mixer
– Martini Glass
To prepare, combine all ingredients in a mixer and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with orange peel to create this simple and sophisticated twist on the classic cocktail.
5. Distrito Federal AKA Tequila Manhattan
This spin on the classic manhattan packs is a surprisingly tart, sweet, and smooth concoction that is a pleasant departure from the standard.
– 2 oz Reposado Tequila
– 1 oz Sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Orange bitters
Combine all the ingredients in a mixing glass and fill with ice. Stir well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime and a cherry.
6. Bloody Maria
This tomato infused spicy and savory drink is a great accompaniment to brunch tacos, or any time really. It’s a crisp and refreshing cocktail that makes for a good “hair of the dog.” Similar to a bloody mary, or a bloody caesar, this unique concoction is best followed by another.
What You Will Need
– 2 ounces Silver Tequila
– 3 Dashes Worcestershire
– 3 Dashes Hot Sauce
– ½ tsp. Horseradish
– 2 Oz. Lime Juice
– 3 Oz. Tomato Juice
To prepare this fantastic cocktail, combine all the ingredients in a mixer and fill with ice. Shake well and double strain into a chilled pint glass filled with ice. Garnish with a celery stalk and a wedge of lime.
Salud! To Your Health!
There are so many great ways to enjoy Mexico’s most iconic spirit, and these 6 cocktails are just a few of the endless possibilities. As always, we urge you to drink responsibly, and always hire an Uber or Lyft to take you home if you’ve had too many.
What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy tequila? Leave us a comment with your best recipe in the section below! We may even feature it in a later blog.
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