What to Mix with Tequila: Easy Ideas for Delicious Drinks

What to mix with tequila? Big question, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Tequila’s a shapeshifter. It can lean bright and zesty or smooth and smoky, depending on what you pair it with. That’s why choosing the right mixer matters. It’s not just about throwing juice in a glass; it’s about building a sipper that slaps.

The style of tequila you’re working with makes a difference, too. Blanco is fresh and fiery: think crisp limes, juicy grapefruit, or even sparkling soda. Reposado, on the other hand, brings a little warmth and depth, making it perfect to pair with ingredients like cola, ginger beer, or spicy syrups. If you’re playing with a bottle like Espolòn or Montelobos, you’re already on the right track. These are the kind of bottles that show up for easy tequila cocktails and bolder builds alike.

So, if you’ve been wondering what goes well with tequila, you’re in the right place. Here’s a lineup of tequila mixers that hit all the right notes: easy to make, fun to experiment with, and seriously good. ¡Salud! 

What is tequila?

Tequila is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico. It is typically clear but can also be aged in oak barrels to produce a golden or amber color. The beverage is known for its unique flavor, which is a combination of sweet, earthy, and spicy notes. 

Tequila is typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it can also be used in a variety of cocktails. Which brings us back to the original question — what do you drink tequila with? 

Did you know? There are five different types of tequila: blanco (silver), joven (gold), reposado (aged), añejo (extra-aged), and extra añejo (ultra-aged). Blanco tequila is the youngest type of tequila, and it is typically bottled immediately after distillation. Extra añejo tequila is aged the longest, for a minimum of three years and up to several decades.  

1. Margarita (orange liqueur and lime)

As we all know the OG good mix for tequila is orange liqueur and lime juice, which gives you a gorgeous Lime Margarita. You can also push out the boat and use a premium Cognac-based liqueur like Grand Marnier to make a Grand Margarita – ideal if you want to make a bit of a splash without having to learn too many new cocktail-making tricks.  

Learn more: Grand Marnier vs Cointreau: Everything You Need to Know

2. Tequila Spritzer (club soda)

One of the best tequila mixers for folks who enjoy a low-calorie cocktail is club soda. The great thing about a Tequila Spritzer is that you can dress it up in any way you want. You can, for instance, add a splash of tangy citrus juice or a touch of aromatic mint to customize your spritzer. Or, to enhance its visual appeal, garnish it with a vibrant lime wedge or a sprig of fresh rosemary. Options abound, so get creative with your tequila and soda clinker! 

Read next: 20 Delicious Low-Carb Keto Cocktail Recipes

3. Bloody Maria (tomato juice)

What do you drink tequila with if you’re in the mood for something savory? Tomato juice of course! The Bloody Maria is a Spanish-inspired riff on the iconic Bloody Mary, and has the same deeply savory flavor profile with an extra bit of swagger, thanks to the addition of tequila. Serve this at your next brunch for something a little different. 

Brunch beauties: The 12 Best Brunch Cocktails for Easy Entertaining

4. Paloma (grapefruit juice)

If you’re looking for a low-cal drink with a nice bit of kick, the best drink to mix tequila with is grapefruit juice. This combination gives you a peppy Paloma, which we love to serve with Mexican eats like ceviche and chile rellenos for a Mexican-themed party.

Party time! How to Throw the Best Mexican-Themed Party, Ever

5. Tequila Sunrise (orange juice and grenadine)

A Tequila Sunrise, arguably one of the best drinks to try if you love a layered cocktail, pairs orange juice and grenadine with tequila to create a drink that’s a colorful showstopper. Layered in a tall glass over ice, these bright ingredients come together to make a photogenic cocktail that’s also super tasty. A win-win! 

Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails You Must Try

6. Pineapple Margarita (pineapple juice)

The best mix for tequila when you’re craving something tropical has got to be tequila and pineapple juice. Typically made with a top-shelf blanco tequila like Espolòn Tequila Blanco, this delectable pineapple juice cocktail is like a little holiday in a glass. To make a Pineapple Margarita, add 1.5 oz tequila, 2 oz pineapple juice, 0.75 oz orange liqueur, and 0.75 oz lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a salt-rimmed Margarita glass, top it with fresh ice, and serve. 

Learn more: 10 Super Simple Tequila Drinks You Can Make at Home

7. Tequila Screwdriver (orange juice)

Wondering what juice to mix with tequila? You can’t go wrong with orange juice. We’ve already clued you in on the wonders of the Tequila Sunrise, but if you’re not feeling the grenadine, you can simply mix the other two ingredients to enjoy a Tequila Screwdriver. So simple and yet wonderfully refreshing.  

More orange inspo: 22 Zesty Orange Juice Cocktails for Every Occasion & Season  

8. Vera Blanco (aloe vera liqueur and cucumber juice)

If you’re looking for tequila mixers that are a bit off the beaten path, try aloe vera liqueur and cucumber juice. They combine to create a refreshing cocktail called the Vera Blanco. Add 2 oz tequila, 0.5 oz aloe vera liqueur, 0.5 oz honey syrup, 0.5 oz cucumber juice, and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a serving glass, garnish with a mint sprig if preferred, and serve. 

9. Agave Margarita (agave nectar)

A good mixer with tequila if you want to lean into the agave character of the spirit is (surprise, surprise!) agave nectar. Add 2 oz tequila reposado, 1.5 oz fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz agave nectar, and 0.5 oz orange liqueur to a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Shake until cold, strain the Margarita in a glass with a salted rim, fill with fresh ice, and serve.  

More Margaritas this way: What is the Best Margarita Recipe? 10 Ways to Make a Margarita 

10. Blanco Coco (coconut water)

Tequila mixes well with all sorts of tropical flavors, which also makes it a sensational pairing for coconut water. This Blanco Coco tequila cocktail recipe combines 1.5 oz blanco tequila with 1 oz coconut water and a dash of fresh lime juice to produce a quick, simple, and refreshing tequila cocktail. Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain the contents into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a lime wheel.   

11. Mexican Martini (vermouth)

If you love a classic Martini, vermouth is a captivating tequila mixer (arguably one of the best) that sets the stage for all sorts of saucy shenanigans. The Mexican Martini takes the base of the classic Margarita and mixes it with the tang of a Dirty Martini. This drink has got a magical sweet-savory thing going on, with a salty hint of olive juice toning down the sweetness of the lime and orange liqueur, all complemented by the crisp spice of Cinzano Vermouth Bianco. 

12. Corrido Prohibido (beer)

Love a good beer cocktail? Then you’ve got to try the Corrido Prohibido. This refreshing drink comes together quickly — it’s as simple as pouring your favourite Mexican beer into a glass with a shot of tequila. It’s easy, crisp, and proof that when it comes to what tastes good with tequila, beer deserves a spot at the top. We love serving it as an aperitif at an al fresco cook-out on a hot summer day. 

13. Batanga (cola)

Get ready to embrace the beauty of simplicity with the Batanga — a drink that’s as gorgeous as it is foolproof. This fun-loving drink is a simple crowd-pleaser if ever there was one. Combine 2 oz tequila, 0.75 oz lime juice, and 6 oz cola over ice in a highball glass with a salted rim. As easy to sip as it is to pour! 

14. Watermelon Tequila Cocktail (watermelon)

Roll into summer the right way with our simply delicious Watermelon Tequila cocktail. All you need is juice from a ripe watermelon, a fantastic tequila, a little simple syrup, and a good squeeze of lime juice for a sublimely refreshing drink to enjoy with friends at your next BBQ. 

More watermelon wonders: 11 Watermelon Cocktail Recipes to Impress a Crowd

Choosing the right tequila for your mixer

Not all tequilas play the same, and knowing what kind you’ve got helps you pick the best mixer for the job. Think of it like pairing sneakers with an outfit. You can wear anything, but some combos just hit harder.

Blanco is the fresh-faced one. It’s unaged, punchy, and full of that signature agave snap. Citrus and soda are its natural sidekicks, which is why it shines in a Margarita, Paloma, or a fizzy Tequila Spritzer. If you’re pouring something like Espolòn Blanco, you’re already halfway to greatness.

Reposado has been aged in oak, picking up warm vanilla and spice notes along the way. It’s smooth but still has backbone, making it ideal for mixers with a little more edge. Think cola in a Batanga, ginger beer in a Bloody Maria remix, or even agave syrup in an Agave Margarita.

Añejo steps into sipper territory, but that doesn’t mean it can’t set the scene for a shindig. Save it for cocktails where you want depth and drama. A Tequila Screwdriver hits different when you use a small splash of añejo for a subtle woody twist. Just don’t drown it; this one deserves to stand out.

Cristalino is a filtered añejo that looks like blanco but sips like something fancy. It’s smooth and silky, perfect for cocktails where you want that extra polish without the color. Try it with coconut water in a Blanco Coco-style drink for a clean, luxe vibe.

Mezcal brings the earthy vibes. If you’re mixing with Montelobos, lean into bold flavors that won’t shy away from its earthy intensity. Watermelon, pineapple, and even tomato juice stand up beautifully to its wild side.

Expert tips from Tris

Tristram Fini, our friend from the Campari Academy UK, has shared some interesting insights on tequila, how to mix it to perfection, and which foods to pair it with:    

Popular tequila mixers and why they work

When it comes to mixing tequila, some combinations are just crowd-pleasers. One of the most popular choices has to be the Paloma. Everyone seems to love it! It’s a simple mix of grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.  

In addition to that, you’ll often find people opting for club soda or tequila and tonic water. Tequila and tonic have really taken off in Australia over the last few years. People love it because it’s light and easy to drink. Tequila and club soda are also a great alternative for anyone looking to skip the bitterness of tonic’s quinine or cut down on sugar.  

These mixes are popular because they highlight the vibrant flavors of tequila while keeping things refreshing and uncomplicated.   

Unique tequila mixers to try

When you think of tequila mixers, a couple of lesser-known options really stand out. One surprising one is Coca-Cola, especially the Mexican version. There’s a bar called La Capilla in Tequila town that serves a drink called the Batanga, which is basically a twist on a Paloma.  

The bartender famously stirs it with a knife, and instead of grapefruit juice, uses that delicious Mexican Coca-Cola. The difference here is that Mexican Coke is sweetened with cane sugar, which gives it a richer taste compared to the versions we often see elsewhere. When you squeeze some lime into it, the balance is just perfect!  

Another unique mixer to consider is ginger beer. It’s a key ingredient in a classic drink called El Diablo, which combines tequila, lime, and ginger beer, topped off with a splash of blackberry liqueur. It’s delicious and offers a lovely kick.  

Common mistakes to avoid when making tequila cocktails

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using poor-quality tequila. If you start with bad tequila, it doesn’t matter how good your other ingredients are; the drink just won’t turn out well. It’s like trying to make a great dish with subpar ingredients — it just doesn’t work!  

Finding affordable options can be tough. But investing in a decent bottle of tequila will really pay off in your cocktails. Good tequila can elevate your drinks, making them taste fantastic!  

Tips for pairing tequila cocktails with food

If food and drinks have grown together regionally, they will automatically pair well. With tequila, you can explore options like aguachile, which is a ceviche-style dish. You can also consider different styles of tacos, such as al pastor or tacos de birria, which are vibrant regional dishes coming from Oaxaca and Puebla specifically.  

Tequila usually has an element of acidity, freshness, and potentially spice. Nicely cured seafood and grilled prawns work great, but steer clear of dishes that are too dairy-heavy. Those don’t really pair naturally with tequila. Focus on vibrant, fresh flavors that aren’t too subtle.  

Interestingly, tequila and margaritas pair wonderfully with oysters. Oysters are fatty and briny, giving them a salty characteristic. Margaritas pair well with that saltiness because salt and tequila are always going to work well together.  

There you have it: 14 simple yet amazing tequila cocktail ideas that are as easy to pour as they are to enjoy, as well as some insider tips to put it over the top. Visit the Espolòn and Montelobos websites to stock up on top-tier tequila, and remember to sign up for our newsletter to stay in the mix.