Tequila is now one of the world’s most beloved spirits, and it’s not hard to see why. Whether you prefer something to sip on a sunny day or slake your party thirst, there is a tequila drink that’s right for everyone. Here’s a tour of some awesome choices, from classics to creative cool new combos.
Understanding Tequila Before You Drink
Before we get into some easy tequila drinks, it is useful to understand what sets tequila apart. Tequila Plus, that blue agave beauty out of Mexico has been sipping staple for the ages. The spirit comes in a variety of styles depending on how long it has been aged. Blanco tequila is clear and unaged, reposado spends a few months in barrels, and añejo has sat for more than 12 months. Each style has its own flavor, adding a unique twist to your best tequila drinks.
When you’re serving cocktails, quality of tequila does make a difference. Quality tequilas of 100 percent agave will taste better than those produced with other sugars, called mixtos. Good quality spirits will really impact what your tequila drinks taste like.
Time-Honored Tequila Drinks Everyone Loves
Other tequila drinks have been on the scene for years and are still beloved for a reason. Taken together, those classics are the bedrock of tequila culture and a staple at bars everywhere.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more popular tequila drink you can order. It is made with tequila, fresh lime juice and triple sec in a glass with a salted rim. It has such a wonderful sweet and sourness that’s oh so refreshing. It’s one you can make frozen or on the rocks, whichever you prefer. Lots of bars put their own spin on this basic recipe, but good old classic Toast never goes out of style.
The Tequila Sunrise is a colorful addition to your glass. It combines tequila with orange juice and grenadine syrup. The grenadine sinks to the bottom, so you get a beautiful sunrise when you look at your drink. This one is smooth and a little (a lot?) sweet, which is great if you don’t like drinks that are too strong.
A Paloma is another wonderful pick for top tequila drinks. It involves tequila and grapefruit juice, and lime, perhaps with a splash of soda water. The grapefruit provides a distinctive tanginess that a lot of people find more interesting than the typical margarita. This has become quite the popular drink in the last few years.
Tequila Modern Tequila Creations You Won’t Be Ashamed to Love
Plugged-in bartenders now are having a lot of fun with tequila. These latter-day beverages suggest how flexible tequila can really be when you let your imagination run wild.
The Jalapeño Margarita brings spiciness to the standard. The cocktail is muddled with fresh jalapeño slices, adding a spicy kick that builds while you drink. If you are a fan of strong taste, slightly spicy dishes, then this modern version of an age-old favorite will surely blow your mind.
Smoky tequila drinks are trendy in high-end bars. Bartenders are pouring smokier flavors into their cocktails, with mezcal or tequila derived from smoked agave. These beverages attract those who enjoy challenging tastes, and don’t mind trying the unfamiliar.
Another route for best tequila drinks is the fresh fruit versions. Some bars use muddled berries, mango or pineapple in their drinks. These naturally sweet fruits complement tequila and make for drinks that feel special without being fussy.
Tequila Drinks for Different Occasions
| Occasion | Best Tequila Drink Choice | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Summer Party | Paloma or Tequila Sunrise | Delicious, refreshing, not too strong |
| Casual Dinner | Classic Margarita | Great with food and great-tasting |
| Girls’ Night Out | Jalapeño Margarita | Fun, flavorful, and Instagram-worthy |
| Upscale Event | Smoky Tequila Cocktail | Sophisticated and shows quality spirits |
| Beach Day | Frozen Margarita | Cold, sweet and great for chilling out |
How to Make Excellent Tequila Drinks at Home
You don’t have to hit up a bar for great tequila cocktails. They’re easier to make at home than you might expect — and this way, you can control just what goes into your glass.
Start by gathering quality ingredients. Use the fresh lime juice instead of bottled juice; it makes a big difference. Get a decent bottle of tequila that’s 100 percent agave. If you are making margaritas, invest in the good stuff — real triple sec — and not a less expensive knockoff. While not nearly as affordable, these options make much better drinks.
Invest in basic bar tools. A jigger (so you can measure the ingredients properly), a cocktail shaker and a strainer. They are cheap and last for years! Don’t skip the measuring — bartenders measure (the good ones, anyway!) for a reason: It’s how you get balanced, delicious drinks every time.
Practice your technique. When you add ice, shake with it for about 10 seconds to chill the drink properly. Strain into your glass, trying not to bring the ice with you. Little nuances like this are what make drinking your homemade tequila drinks feel like a professional bartender made them for you.
Popular Tequila Drinks Around Mexico
Bartenders in Mexico have their own tequila favorites you should sample. These authentic
Popular Tequila Cocktails to Make at Home
Preparing tequila drinks at home is not as difficult as you might imagine. Whether you’re throwing a party, or just want to indulge in something refreshing after work, knowing how to make popular tequila drinks ensures that you have full control over the ingredients and flavors. You don’t require fancy equipment or decades of bartending experience to transform your home bar into a place where tasty drinks are made — just a few simple tools, good tequila and some straightforward ingredients.
Tequila cocktails are so versatile. From storied classics to new standbys, every drink is a picture of the flavors inside. Making your own at home allows you to control how sweet the drink is, use higher-quality spirits and tailor each cocktail to taste. Follow this guide and you can make the best tequila drinks in your kitchen.
Understanding Your Tequila Selection
Before you begin mixing, it is important that you know about the different tequilas there are. There are different types of tequila, and they all have differences in their qualities that will play into your drink. Clear, fresh and crisp, the usually faint-in-bitterness tequila makes blanco more adaptable to cocktails in which you actually want the clean flavor of agave to come through. Reposado tequila is aged for two months to a year in oak, so it has a slightly smoother and woodier flavor. Añejo tequila is aged for at least a year in barrels, giving it deeper and more complex flavors that you don’t want to spoil with mixers.
For mixed drinks you’re generally looking for blanco or reposado tequila. These choices offer great taste without the top shelf price of aged tequilas. Quality is key however—going 100% agave makes sure you’re enjoying a premium spirit that mixes wonderfully in cocktails. Skip mixto tequilas, which are 51% agave and can be too biting in drinks.
Essential Tools and Ingredients
You don’t have to have a well-stocked bar at home in order to mix great tequila drinks. Keep it simple when you’re outfitting your kitchen. Of course, your major investment will be a cocktail shaker — something along the lines of a Boston shaker (two part metal) or cobbler shaker (three-part with strainer) will do just fine. You’ll also need a measuring jigger, a bar spoon for stirring, a cocktail strainer and a muddler for crushing herbs and citrus.
Make sure you’ve got simple syrup, fresh lime juice and good-quality tequila in your bar. These three elements make up the base of many of our old faithful tequila cocktails. Fresh squeezed citrus juice is the largest difference maker in your drinks so try to always use fresh lime and lemon rather than bottled juice. 27 Keep triple sec or Cointreau available if you want to make margaritas, and start experimenting with jalapeños, cilantro, or agave nectar to widen your flavor options.
Mastering the Classic Margarita
Though the margarita isn’t (quite) as original in its structure with respect to tequila, mastering it is the gateway for a beginner home mixologist. The traditional margarita has only three ingredients, at a balanced ratio: tequila, triple sec and fresh lime juice.
Add 2 ounces of tequila to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Stir in 1 ounce triple sec and 1 ounce fresh lime juice. Shake hard for approximately 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker frosts. Pour the mixture into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice. The salt-of-the-rim also accents the lime and provides a pleasant, cooling contrast to the cocktail.
To put a salt rim on the glass, wet the rim with a piece of lime, then dip it into salt crystals on a small plate. There are many ways to customize this classic, from choosing different tequila styles or adding fruit juices, or herbs. A strawberry margarita sends in the sweetness by way of fresh strawberry puree; a jalapeño margarita adds heat and complexity.
Exploring Paloma and Other Favorites
The paloma is one of the most refreshing tequila drinks to make at home. Made with grapefruit, this bright-tasting cocktail has an edge of sweentness. Add 2 ounces of blanco tequila, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and ½ ounce simple syrup to your shaker with ice. Add a splash of grapefruit juice — about 3 ounces — and shake it up. Strain over ice into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
The tequila sunrise is pretty to look at, with layers of red and orange. Serve by layering tequila, orange juice, and grenadine in a glass. Begin with 2 ounces of tequila in an ice-filled highball glass, pour the chilled fresh orange juice over it and then slowly add one-half ounce of grenadine so that it sinks to the bottom for a sunrise effect.
And for the daredevils out there, there’s the tequila smash. This one muddles away fresh strawberries with tequila, lime juice and simple syrup. Muddle a few fresh strawberries in your shaker; add ice, 2 ounces tequila, ¾ ounce lime juice and ½ ounce simple syrup. Shake and stream into a glass. This drink is a great example of how fresh fruit makes your home bar concoctions really sing.
Perfecting Your Technique
The quality of the drinks has everything to do with technique. Pour over ice to fill remaining space of the glass. Old ice can taste stale and watery, watering down your cocktails. This is best to use for shaking drinks that involve citrus juice, cream or egg whites. A margarita without ice served up. (Photo: Adam Friedlander) Stir drinks that are made mostly of spirits, like this second version of a margarita.
Temperature is crucial in making cocktails. A beverage that is well-chilled tastes smoother and more refreshing. Now shake for around 15 seconds or until the outside of your shaker is frosted. This is done to prevent inadequate mixing and dilution. When straining, use a Hawthorne (or similar) strainer or fine-mesh strainer to capture any ice and bits.
Hosting Your Home Tasting Experience
When you have graduated from the world of simple tequila drinks,
Pair to Tequila food and Occasions
Tequila cocktails have undoubtedly made their mark at parties, lowkey get-togethers and fancy restaurants. Whether you plan on hosting friends for a dinner party, or just going out with a couple buddies, knowing how to pair your tequilas and margaritas with food is equally as important as pairing them with the right occasion. The perfect match enhances the flavors of both the drink and the food, making moments shared with you and your guests ones to remember.
Tequila is such a versatile spirit that is well suited to be enjoyed in several different settings. Whether you like light and bright or rich and complex, there’s a tequila cocktail for every meal from dawn to dusk. Mastering these pairings will make you a better host and teach you how to enjoy tequila in novel ways.
What Are the Different Types of Tequila and What Do They Taste Like?
Before we get into the specifics about pairings, let’s talk first about the different types of tequila you’ll find on shelves. Each style adds its own flavors and characteristics to your beverages.
Blanco or Silver Tequila is distilled and bottled right after distillation with no aging. These beverages provide a clean, fresh taste with notes of agave. They work beautifully in light cocktails that highlight their pure, clean flavor. Blanco tequila drinks are great for when you want to get a good sense of the spirit’s true character, without being influenced by barrel aging.
Reposado Tequila is aged in oak for two to twelve months. This aging imparts a golden hue to the spirit and contributes wood, vanilla and caramel notes. Reposado provides an equilibrium that lies somewhere in between blanco’s sharp bite and the smoothness of aged tequilas. These tequila drinks make great balanced cocktails that will play nice with both the spirit and whatever snacks you’re feasting on.
Añejo Tequila (which translates to “aged tequila”) is aged in oak a minimum of one year, creating rich amber hues and complex flavors. You can taste the notes of oak, chocolate and spices in these high-end versions. Añejo tequila cocktails shine when presented in a straightforward fashion that allows the spirit’s complex nature to take center stage.
Best Tequila Cocktails for Casual Parties
The original margarita is a perennially popular tequila cocktail for one simple reason. Its blend of tequila, lime juice and triple sec also is compatible with just about anything casual you want to eat. This drink matches well with Mexican starters, appetizers, fresh fish and light grilled foods. The acidity and citrus are working with rich foods while playing well with the lighter ones.”
Palomas provide a more refreshing alternative to margaritas. Oh and these are made with tequila and grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice, they’re naturally sweet and tangy. They complement spicy, ceviche and citrus dishes particularly well. Its bitter notes are a lovely counterbalance to heat and richness.
Tequila sunrises are for the sweet tooth. The tequila and orange juice are a natural fit together, and then the bright red grenadine is of course perfectly delightful as well; ) Once everything settles out in the glass you end up with this beautiful sunrise effect. It makes an especially striking addition to breakfast or brunch fare as the red color against eggs, pastries or light desserts looks fabulous!
Elevated Tequila Drinks for Fine Dining
If you are planning a more formal event, premium tequila cocktails require careful attention and thoughtful pairing techniques.
When sipped neat (or on the rocks), añejo tequila plays well with bold, complex dishes. Try pouring the good stuff with mole, duck confit or aged cheeses. Meanwhile, the spirit’s depth balances these bold flavors instead of overburdening the palate. When it comes to these top-of the-line tequila drinks, this is less about the mixology and more about sipping on the spirit itself.
Tequila old fashioneds, featuring reposado tequila, agave nectar and bitters, lend an air of sophistication to those who gravitate to classic cocktails with a tequila variation. They’re all great with grilled steaks, rich sauce and aged charcuterie. Wood notes from the aged tequila complement smoky and savory notes in your food.
Tequila negronis replace the gin with tequila, giving a new, but still classic-cocktail-tasting result.“This is refreshing and has a lovely herbaceousness to it.” (March 2020) Recipe: Tequila Negroni theyotequila.com/cocktails and instagram. The best tequila cocktails are great with Italian food, bitter greens and anything with herbs going on.
Seasonal Events & Your Choice of Tequila Drink
Varying seasons call for different tequila drink selections that pair well with both the temperature and what’s in season.
Spring: Light Conservas & Fresh Cool, refreshing and light is key. Drinks made with blanco tequila and fresh herbs like cilantro, mint or basil are wonderful for pairing with spring vegetables, fresh seafoods and light proteins. Think watermelon margaritas or cucumber tequila drinks that feature seasonal produce and keep guests cool to the max.
Fall get-togethers are a great time for tequila beverages with autumn flavors. Festive fall drinks like pumpkin cocktails, cinnamon-y margaritas and apple tequila concoctions pair perfectly with your harvestier foods and warming spices. The latter also makes especially good sense with aged tequila — reposado, in our case — whose more rounded edges echo the season’s cosiness.
Winter celebrations showcase richer tequila drinks. Winter is a season of strong and malty, nearly syrupy flavors. Aged tequilas are the main event, frequently served neat or in straightforward combinations that emphasize their depth. Cinnamon red chilli tequila cocktails with chili, roasts or chocolate winter dishes and roast meat.JPanel trademark classification: Wines & Spirits / Alcoholic Beverages.
Occasion-Based Tequila Drink Recommendations
| Occasion | Best Tequila Drinks | Ideal Food Pairings |
|---|---|---|
| Casual Poolside Party | Paloma, Margarita | Nachos, Tacos, Grilled Shrimp |
| Formal Dinner | Tequila Sunrise, Añejo on Rocks | Steak, Grilled Chicken, BBQ |
| Beach Party | Frozen Margarita, Paloma | Seafood, Fish Tacos, Guacamole |
| Night Party / Club | Tequila Shots, Margarita | Spicy Wings, Finger Foods |
There are also varieties of tequila that each have unique flavors and personality. While searching for the best tequila drinks, knowing the following types will enable you pick a perfect one depending on your situation. Whether you’re shaking up cocktails at home or out ordering drinks, it makes all the difference if you understand what sets one tequila apart from another.
The Main Categories of Tequila
There are many different types of tequila and they are typically classified based on how long the product has been aged, and what went into making it. The main difference begins with the agave plant for production. Blue agave tequila is the most widely available and frequently consumed type which can be purchased in your local liquor store or pub from nearly anywhere in the world. It must be at least 51% blue agave, and the rest can be made up of other sugars.
As you research the best tequila drinks, you’ll find four primary types of agave determine flavor profiles and appropriate serving styles. Each type of potato has different qualities that work best in certain recipes or for specific occasions. Studying these categories will help change the way you think about this Mexican classic — and level up your cocktail game.
Blanco Tequila: The Fresh, Bright Option Though they’re sometimes blended or aged (more on that below), blanco tequilas are typically the fresh, bright base of any good margarita.
Blanco tequila, also known as silver tequila, is either unaged or aged for up to two months. It is the truest expression of the plant’s most raw, natural flavors. You’ll taste a crisp, clean flavor with hints of pepper and citrus when you try blanco tequila. Since it’s not aged, this type of tequila will never lose its fresh essence of the agave plant and won’t gain any color or flavors as it ages in a barrel.
The best tequila cocktails made with blanco, bartenders say, are margaritas, palomas and a fresh daiquiri-style cocktail. The powerful taste is ideal for mixing with citrus juices and fresh ingredients. If you like to drink your tequila neat or over ice, blanco is going to be a pure, honest representation. Its clean flavor profile makes it perfect in a cocktail when you want the other ingredients to play around with next to the tequila, instead of hiding behind its aged barrel notes.
Reposado Tequila: Right In The Middle/yin And Yang.
Reposado translates to rested in Spanish, and this tequila ages for two months to a year in oak barrels. During the aging process, the spirit acquires a smoother demeanor with balance of fresh and aged between the aged blanco and other varieties. You will taste hints of vanilla and caramel with a little spice and oak to the back end, making this prime ($35.98) example great for enjoying neat or on ice without diluting too somewhat-sticky sweetness dressed all over the agave base.
In the practise of making best tequila drinks with reposado, you get a broader berth for creative cocktails. This kind is great in earthier margaritas, tequila sunrises and palomas. It’s also not uncommon for people to drink reposado on the rocks with a lime wedge, a straightforward and tasty option. The moderate aging leaves it with sufficient character to stand on its own while leaving enough of the agave flavor that it can work in mixed drinks. Reposado is also an excellent stepping stone between casual imbibing and sipping tequila, neat.
Añejo Tequila: The Deep and Complex Choice
Añejo tequila is aged for one to three years in oak barrels, which impart deep amber hues and rich, complex flavors. This extended aging contributes notes of chocolate, vanilla, caramel and spice. Great añejo tequila drinks reset the bar for a whole new style of smooth and flavorful mouthfeel versus its younger cousins.
As for the best tequila drinks for añejo, sipping it neat or with a few large ice cubes seems to be the way most people opt to drink it. The multilayered flavors are worthy of your attention and appreciation. Some bartenders will incorporate añejo into a premium margarita or closer tequila cocktail where the spirit’s quality is up front. But blending pricey añejo tequila into a frozen or syrupy concoction is squandering its character and cost. Use this category for times that you want to appreciate the spirit’s more subtle flavors and its construction.
The Premium Extra Añejo Tequila Experience
Regarding best tequila drinks with Extra Añejo, simply sipping on its own is the winner. Transfer it into a snifter glass and enjoy all the flavors in their unadulterated form, no water or any other mixers. Some people like to add an ice cube or a splash of water to help open up the aromas and flavors. So this top-tier tequila is best to sip alone, or use as an after-dinner drink when you’re hosting someone special.
How to Serve Each Type Right
Doing tequila the right way enhances your experience and brings out the best in each type. Temperature, glassware and accompaniments all affect the flavor of the spirit. By understanding these serving styles, you can understand why certain tequila drinks work better in some ways more than others.
Blanco and reposado tequilas sparkle in fruity, cold cocktails with fresh citrus and stuff. These newer styles thrive in cooler temperatures that enhance their zippy, fresh qualities. Serve them up in margarita glasses, highballs or rocks depending on the drink. Whenever you’re preparing top-notch tequila drinks from such categories, try to chill the glassware first to keep that cocktail icy longer.
Aged tequilas such as añejo and extra añejo are not meant to be knocked back, but rather savored for their complexity. Room temperature or even a little chilled is right for these higher quality specimens. Also consider using appropriately shaped spirits glasses or snifters that focus aromas nearer to your nose. Those drinking glasses are “food funnels” more effective at putting flavors in your palate than average drink ware.
Temperature Considerations
And temperature plays a huge role in how tequila tastes and your experience with the liquor. Younger tequilas in mixed drinks also do well served cold — between about 32 and 40 degrees. That soft coldness also takes the bite out of any overbearing flavours, making mixed drinks a lot more refreshing. As with any of the best tequila drinks, if you are shaking or stirring the drink in a bar (or making one at home), always begin by putting your glassware in the freezer or filling it with ice water to chill.
The perfect temperature Ideal sipping temperatures for premium aged tequilas are room temperature or just a bit lower, 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature ranges provide a window for the complex flavors and ar
Tequila Drink Recipes to Serve All Season and Year Long
Tequila spirits provide flexibility at any time you want to enjoy a drink that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether you are planning to host a summer get together, celebrating an evening home during the winter months, or simply trying to find instructions on making the best tequila drinks for your personal next party, learning about variety that is present in this alcoholic drink will allow you to pick out just the right type! From the beloved old-school margarita to crazy-cool concoctions from new-wave mixologists, tequila is constantly blowing our minds with refreshing flavors.
The versatility of tequila drinks is what makes them so special. You can make drinks fit for anything from any season of the year, to a specific weather or occasion by changing ingredients and serving them in different ways. Spring demands light, acidic flavors and there’s no need to hold back with seasonings in autumn. When you know how to layer flavors and pick out complimentary ingredients, it changes average tequila into showstopper best tequila drinks that are impressive for guests and your tastebuds.
Spring and Summer Refreshers
With warm weather comes the to need for tequila drinks that are refreshing and invigorating. The original margarita is still a go-to because its combination of tequila, lime juice and triple sec marries so seamlessly. And it’s the fresh lime juice that makes all the difference — bottled lime juice will let you down when it comes to brightness of flavor. Add a rim of salt to your glass and you have a drink with flavor on every level.
If you want something light and refreshing, these Palomas are an amazing summer option. This is the poor man’s margarita, an unappreciated adult beverage in which tequila meets grapefruit juice with a little lime and soda water thrown in for some tangy / sweet refreshment. The grapefruit brings an elegant bitterness that is excellent as a food partner. Enjoy it over ice in a tall glass for maximum refreshment on a hot afternoon.
For a twist, consider tequila with fresh watermelon juice, lime and mint. This riff celebrates summer produce while keeping things interesting with seasonal variation. The sweet and natural taste of watermelon pairs well with the warmth of tequila, make these perfect options for best tequila pool drinks.
Fall and Winter Warm Options
The cooler months demand tequila drinks that offer warmth and nourishment. Tequila hot toddies are made with aged tequila, hot water, honey and cinnamon – and include a dash of lemon. This comforting balm is great after outdoor activities or in the evenings when it’s cold. Those spices are such a great compliment to the complex character of tequila.
Spiced Tequila Cocktails That Taste Like Fall Cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg take the edge off tequila in this autumnal cocktail. These warming elements mix well with agave tones of tequila. Enjoy these beverages warm or over ice, however you prefer and whatever the weather.
Mexican hot chocolate boosted with tequila makes for a luxurious winter fête. The meld of chocolate, chili powder and tequila provides depth and elegance. This cocktail is an excellent option for holiday gatherings that call for a little something special and warming.
Celebration-Specific Tequila Creations
Some celebrations require their own signature drinks. For birthday parties, fun, colorful choices include tequila punch bowls and fresh fruit with sparkling water (and several juice options). Guests can customize their drinks, all while celebrating the party’s festive vibe.
Elegant tequila cocktails are popular, especially at wedding receptions. Cucumber and jalapeño margaritas bring class with a twist. The cucumber lends freshness while jalapeño provides the necessary heat to pique your palate. These best tequila drinks are gorgeous to look at and a pleasure to drink.
Early bachelor and bachelorette parties rise to take on strong tequila shots and mixed drinks. There are tequila slammers, layered shots and strong cocktails to ensure energy remains high. Shots get the love, but quality mixed drinks demonstrate tequila’s versatility more effectively.
Casual-tequila cocktails that are not going to steal the show at a dinner party but might otherwise brighten it. It is as if serving your guests a plain tequila soda with fresh lime and herbs were about letting them calm down with a drink and eat some food.
Key Tricks for the Best Tequila Drinks
Preparation is what distinguishes good drinks from the best tequila drinks. ALWAYS USE FRESH CITRUS JUICE This is the most important ingredient when it comes to ceviche, so do not screw this up. I recommend buying a good juicer if you don’t already have one and doing the actual squeezing right before hand.
Temperature matters significantly. Chill your glasses before pouring. You don’t want to use cheap, quick-melting ice that waters down your drink. Bar-quality ice tools allow for the right proportions and a consistent quality.
Choose the right tequilas for each type of preparation. Blanco tequila is best for margaritas and bright, fresh drinks. Sipping and complex cocktails call for a reposado or añejo tequila. This decision will directly determine whether you make the best tequila drink at home really.
Conclusion
Best Tequila Cocktails: The Complete Guide
Tequila belongs in your home bar and at your next party. Whether you prefer tried and true classics like the Margarita, or are a fan of newer concoctions that include tequila, there is a tequila drink just for you. Tequila cocktails are such a thing of beauty because they’re versatile like that — and work for casual weeknights, fancy pants dinners or just about any celebration at the office.
Now you know how each type of tequila changes what you’re drinking. Blanco tequila boasts crisp, fresh flavors perfect for adding a dash of light citrus to any mixed drink; Reposado is aged anywhere from two months up to a year in oak barrels and offers up bold Mexican flavors and Añejo spends 3-4 years in extra-aged French white Oak barrels developing well-rounded notes that are complex but never overpowering. Understanding these distinctions helps you select the best bottle when it’s time for a pour.
Tequila drinks are easier to make at home than you might think. You don’t need a lot of ingredients and equipment to produce professional-quality cocktails for your friends and family. Serve your Signature Personalized Knob Creek Whiskey in this beautiful glass bottle and wood gift box.
Tequila and food pairings really can make your whole experience better. Tequila drinks pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes, from seafood and Mexican food to grilled meats and fresh salsas. There are a million ways to serve tequila drinks, and every season or occasion provides an opportunity for specific versions—easy-drinking and light styles to serve at summer events; spiced-up varieties for cool-weather months.
| Drink Type | Best Season | Key Ingredient | Serving Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Margarita | Spring/Summer | Fresh Lime Juice | Over Ice with Salt Rim |
| Paloma | Spring/Summer | Grapefruit Soda | Over Ice with Salt Rim |
