14 Best Drinks to Mix with Tequila in 2023

Let’s dive into the exciting world of good tequila mixers, shall we? Whether you’re planning a party or simply looking to shake up your next DIY cocktail creation at home, we’ve got you covered. Today we’re serving up a delightful line-up of 14 tequila mixes that are guaranteed to hit the spot every time. So, let’s raise our glasses and explore the marvelous world of irresistible tequila creations. ¡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. 

According to the Tequila Regulatory Council, there are five different types of tequila. This includes 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.  

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? Here you go! 

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 Cadillac 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! 

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. 

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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)

Arguably the best drinks to mix with tequila if you love a layered cocktail, orange juice, and grenadine will give you a classic Tequila Sunrise. These ingredients layer prettily on top of one another in a tall glass with ice, which makes it a very photogenic cocktail, that’s also super tasty. A win-win! 

6. Pineapple Margarita (pineapple juice)

The best mix for tequila when you’re craving something tropical has got to be 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. 

7. Tequila Screwdriver (orange juice)

If you are wondering what juice to mix with tequila, you cannot 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)

Good drinks to mix with tequila that lie a little off the beaten track include aloe vera liqueur and cucumber juice, which altogether yield a delightful drink called a 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 good 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)

Arguably the best mixer with tequila, if you love a classic Martini, vermouth is a captivating ingredient 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)

If you love a good beer cocktail, you’ve got to try the easy-peasy Corrido Prohibido. After all, what tastes good with tequila if not an icy-cold beer? This simple, refreshing drink comes together quickly—it’s as easy as pouring your favourite Mexican beer into a glass with a shot of tequila. 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