Our Best 20 Tequila Cocktail Recipes for Agave-Soaked Margarita Happiness

Whether it's Cinco de Mayo or a regular Friday night, here are 20 drinks to make the most of tequila

By SAVEUR Editors | Published May 1, 2018 6:00 PM

Drinks

A spicy ginger kick and the subtle, unmistakably grassy sweetness of kale elevates this vegetal variation on the margarita, from the New York City bar The Wayland. Get the recipe for The Garden Variety Margarita. Matt Taylor-Gross

Made from the blue agave plant, tequila is a spirit with cult following. As any self-respecting tequila drinker knows, the best margarita recipes start with good tequila. With so many versatile styles of of the spirit, from añejo to reposado to blanco, you can find it both in the best summer cocktail recipes as well as the best fall weather cocktails. And with Cinco de Mayo approaching, nothing beats a good tequila cocktail to pair with your Cinco de Mayo recipes. From margaritas to palomas, here are the best tequila recipes to sip on (or get sloshed on).

Tomato and Orange Sangrita

This flavor-packed sipper is served alongside a neat glass of tequila at La Tequila in Guadalajara, Mexico. Do as many Mexicans do: A sip of tequila, a sip of sangrita—repeat, for the best experience. Ge the recipe for Tomato and Orange Sangrita »

Classic Margarita

This recipe proves that simple can be delicious. We recommend using Herradura Silver Tequila. Get the recipe for a Classic Margarita »

Frozen Margarita

Chile-Pomegranate Paloma

Cilantro, Chile, and Pineapple Sangrita

Moradita

A jalapeño-infused, blood-colored tequila and beet cocktail, the Moradita (“Little Death”), is a fresh, nearly healthy-tasting drink with some real body and a balancing hint of elegant richness. Get the recipe for Moradita »

The Soul Train

Tequila and cardamom is an unexpected combination, but it works beautifully with the help of lime and grapefruit juice. Get the recipe for The Soul Train »

Bala de Canon

Tequila, agave nectar, and cantaloupe purée get shaken up in this summery cocktail from Houston’s The Pastry War. Get the recipe for Bala de Canon »

Tequila Old Fashioned

Aged reposado tequila adds smooth vanilla notes to a light, citrusy twist on a classic old fashioned from Pittsburgh restaurant Verde Mexican Kitchen & Cantina. Get the recipe for Tequila Old Fashioned »

Calavera Catrina

This tequila and cantaloupe cocktail from Edinburgh’s The Lucky Liquor Co. is refreshing and fruity, making it the perfect summer drink. Get the recipe for Calavera Catrina »

Margarita Al Jazeera

Jerusalem’s most vibrant watering hole is Yudale, where the bar offers sui generis drinks that include this delicious, tequila-based creation infused with rose petals and cumin. The name is an homage to the many journalists who tramp through town. Get the recipe for Margarita Al Jazeera »

Romero and Julieta

Danny Sanchez of Rancho Pescadero in Mexico gave us the recipe for this vibrant, summery cocktail in honor of our 21st birthday. He starts with a tea made from dried hibiscus, then adds tequila, a rosemary-infused simple syrup, and lime juice. Get the recipe for Romero and Julieta »

Boston Tea Party

This refreshing, fragrant drink is served at The Marliave restaurant in Boston. It mixes grassy tequila with spicy ginger beer and a syrup infused with bergamot-flavored Earl Grey tea. Get the recipe for Boston Tea Party »

The Malibu

Watermelon-Basil Cocktail

Tinegroni

A snack-sized negroni with a savory agave twist from bartender Tristan Willey of Long Island Bar. Get the recipe for Tinegroni »

Le Mexique

This tequila cocktail gets spicy sweetness from ginger liqueur and fruit-forward body from mango purée. Get the recipe for Le Mexique »

Grilled Pineapple Margarita

Lavender Paloma

Smoked Lemon-Lime-Ade

This lemonade is rendered smoky-sweet with the juice of grilled lemons and limes and toasted simple syrup, which has a mild caramel flavor that does a lot to complement the grilled fruit. Get the recipe for Smoked Lemon-Lime-Ade »