Traditional Tequila Cocktails You Should Know

What makes a tequila cocktail “traditional”?

There are many tequila cocktail recipes, but only a handful can be considered “traditional.” We’re talking iconic shakes, pours, or mixes that transcend eras and cultural borders. The cocktails that have stood the test of time and helped define the cocktail landscape. From bars in Mexico to America and eventually the world, traditional tequila cocktails have become firm favourites on cocktail menus everywhere.  

Classic tequila drinks are built on simplicity and rely on clear flavours rather than elaborate techniques and elusive ingredients. It is their simple balance of sweet and sour flavour that works so well and continues to influence cocktail bars and culture. Their staying power just goes to show that some traditions are timeless. 

The Margarita: the cornerstone

Few classic tequila drinks can rival the popularity of the Margarita. Its cultural impact is undeniable, but the exact origin remains a hotly debated topic. One of the most enduring legends traces the drink to 1938, when Mexican restaurateur Carlos “Danny” Herrera is said to have created it for showgirl Marjorie King. Marjorie only drank tequila because of allergies but didn’t enjoy drinking straight shots. Herrera came to the rescue with a shaken cocktail of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur meant for slow sipping. Sound familiar? 

Other stories credit Texas socialite Margaret Sames. Margaret reportedly mixed an early version at a house party in Mexico, while some claim the drink was crafted for actress Rita Hayworth during her travels. Like many great cocktail myths, the truth is lost in the shaker of time. One thing that is certain is Margarita’s status as the definitive tequila classic.  

At its core, the Margarita is elegant and simple—tequila, citrus, and orange liqueur with an optional salt rim. The trick is to get the perfect balance, and when you do, the Margarita is bright, crisp, and a masterclass in sweet and sour synergy. 

Mix it up: 10 Super Simple Tequila Drinks You Can Make at Home 

The Paloma: Mexico’s everyday favourite

The Margarita might be the international darling, but it’s the Paloma that is recognised as Mexico’s national cocktail. This bittersweet tequila cocktail recipe combines the fresh lime, zest grapefruit soda and bold tequila. It’s seasoned with a pinch of salt, and the result is a simple, punchy cocktail that’s effortlessly drinkable.  

The cocktail broke into the Mexican mainstream in the 1950s when grapefruit soda was first introduced to the country. Legend has it that the Paloma was invented by highly acclaimed bartender Don Javier Delgado Corona of La Capilla in Tequila, Mexico. Since then, the Paloma has been a perennial favourite. It’s prized for its thirst-quenching bitterness and easygoing character.   

Can’t find grapefruit soda for your home bar? No problem. Simply mix fresh grapefruit juice with soda water to create your perfect Paloma. 

Tequila Sunrise: the cultural icon

The Tequila Sunrise shot to fame during the American cocktail revival of the 1970s. Cool colours and funky vibes were the order of the day, and the vivid orange and red gradient cocktail led from the front. Cocktail drinkers fell in love with the visual appeal and this iconic drink made tequila the spirit of choice for many.  

It was created by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice at the Trident bar in California and was rumoured to be a favourite of the Rolling Stones. While it may look playful, a great Tequila Sunrise requires restraint and skill. If you add too much grenadine, the cocktail will become too sweet, masking the layers of flavour. When balanced properly, the Tequila Sunrise will deliver mucho orange juice flavour while allowing tequila’s character to be upfront instead of drowned in sugar. 

Get festive: 15 Sensational Tequila Cocktails to Sip This Summer 

Spirit-forward tequila classics

For whiskey and bourbon lovers, tequila offers new territory to explore. Its adaptability shines in classic cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Negroni. It offers spice, warmth, and barrel-aged character with a tequila twist. The naturally sweet flavours of blue agave in reposado and añejo tequilas add earthy complexity to any spirit-forward cocktail builds.  

In a Tequila Old Fashioned, the overall cocktail structure of spirit, bitterness and subtle sweetness remains the same, but the flavour steers towards spicy agave notes with rich oak character. A reposado build will lean into a vanilla, caramel and oak profile, while añejo will favour complex flavours like coffee, toffee and chocolate. Tequila provides a tasty base for many iconic cocktails, so get creative and create something delicious. 

Why these drinks shaped modern bar culture

Classic tequila cocktails played a huge role in boosting the spirit into mainstream consciousness. Today, no serious cocktail menu feels complete without a Margarita, and drinkers are moving away from the idea that tequila only comes in shot glasses. As craft cocktail culture continues to evolve, bartenders repeatedly return to these classics for inspiration and ideas. 

With more world-class tequilas available than ever before, the category has become a playground for modern creativity. Contemporary tequila and mezcal cocktails have exploded, reinforcing the versatility of Mexican spirits. From easy and refreshing highball serves to classic tequila drinks reima