The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails
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Reposado tequila cocktails are making a big splash, and we’re here to give you all the juicy details so you can make this trend your own. We’re sharing our favorite cocktails with reposado tequila and some tasty insider insights into this captivating spirit and how to incorporate it into your DIY mixology line-up at home.
What exactly is reposado tequila?
Reposado tequila is a distinguished variant of tequila that holds a unique place in the world of spirits. Tequila, which originated in Mexico, dates back to the Aztecs, who first fermented the agave plant’s sap. The Spanish introduced distillation in the 16th century, refining the process.
Reposado means ‘rested’ in Spanish, indicating that this tequila is aged in oak barrels for a period of two to twelve months. This aging process imparts a smooth, rich flavor profile, balancing the raw agave’s boldness with mellow notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices.
The subtle complexity and golden hue of reposado tequila distinguish it from its unaged counterpart, blanco, and its longer-aged sibling, añejo. Versatile and refined, reposado tequila adds depth to cocktails, offering a sophisticated sipping experience that reflects its storied heritage and meticulous production process.
Learn more: A Beginner’s Guide to the Different Types of Tequila
Popular reposado tequila cocktails
1. Reposado Old Fashioned
We love this spin on the dapper Old Fashioned. To make a Reposado Old Fashioned, add 2 oz reposado tequila, 0.25 oz simple syrup, and a dash of bitters to a rocks glass over ice. Stir it with a cocktail spoon and express the essential oil of a strip of orange zest over the top before dropping it in the drink. Utter perfection!
Make it with: Espolón Reposado Tequila
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2. Blood Orange Margarita
With all the bittersweet flavors you could want, the delightfully juicy Blood Orange Margarita is the perfect aperitif and an instant crowd-pleaser. Simple tequila reposado cocktails pair well with spicy eats like chile relleno or fresh dishes like ceviche.
Make it with: Campari
3. Spicy Margarita
Are you a daring heat seeker? Add a little sizzle to your drizzle with our gorgeous Spicy Margarita. It’s everything you know and love in a Margarita, with a touch of spice to serve up an extra smidge of ¡Arre!
Make it with: Grand Marnier
Get inspired: Your Guide to the Best Tequila for Margaritas
4. Rosita
The Rosita is a beautiful blend of reposado tequila, Campari, sweet and dry vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters, and it’s just as bold in taste as it sounds. It first appeared in the 1970s and then saw a revival in the mid-2000s. It’s a one-of-a-kind Negroni that’s packed with everything from earthy, spicy, and wooded notes to fruity, floral, and citrus flavors.
Make it with: Cinzano Vermouth Bianco
5. Paloma
The traditional Paloma cocktail is a citrus-forward drink that combines the vibrant flavors of tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a touch of salt. Typically made with blanco or reposado tequila, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of tantalizing tartness and subtle sweetness. Reposado mixed drinks do not come easier than this!
Also see: 10 Playful Paloma Variations for Picture-Perfect Sipping
6. Tequila Sour
We love tangy cocktails, and the Tequila Sour more than delivers. This classic cocktail strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour with a delicious tequila kick. Made with just a few simple ingredients, including tequila, fresh lime, simple syrup, and egg white, it’s a great drink for just about any occasion.
For a vegan-friendly version, use 1.5 tablespoons of aquafaba instead of the egg white.
Make it with: Home-made simple syrup
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7. Matador
The time-honored Matador cocktail always leaves a lasting impression. Expertly crafted with reposado tequila, orange liqueur and dry vermouth, this cocktail features incredible depth and character—a classy clinker to the core.
Make it with: Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth
Also see: 10 Best Tequila and Aperol Cocktails to Sip at Sunset
8. Cantarito
Arguably one of the best drinks to make with reposado tequila is you love all things zesty, the Cantarito is a complete treat from start to finish. Mixed with fresh orange-, lime-, and lemon juice and topped with grapefruit soda, this Mexican drink is a slightly sweeter relative of the Paloma and the perfect choice for a balmy summer’s day.
Looking for a lighter summer sip? Simply replace 1 oz tequila with more grapefruit soda.
9. Mexican Manhattan
A classic Manhattan is a mellow spirit-forward cocktail made with spicy rye whiskey or bourbon and the bitter notes of sweet vermouth. The Mexican Manhattan is a riff on this theme that comes to the party by replacing bourbon with the unique caramel flavors of reposado tequila, which blends perfectly with sweet vermouth and orange bitters.
Make it with: Cinzano Rosso
Read next: 13 Best Mexican Cocktails to Make at Home
10. Mexican Coffee Cocktail
Ready to spice up your after-dinner coffees with a surprising twist? Try our Mexican Coffee Cocktail recipe that combines rich coffee with smooth tequila. In the summer, you can also pour it over ice for a delicious, iced coffee with a kick.
More java inspiration: 7 Best Coffee Tequila Cocktails to Try in 2024
Tips for mixing reposado tequila
Best practices for mixing reposado tequila in cocktails
- Respect the flavor profile: Reposado tequila has a nuanced flavor with hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Choose ingredients that complement these notes without overpowering them.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed citrus juices, herbs, and high-quality mixers elevate the overall cocktail experience. The best reposado cocktails are made this way.
- Balance is key: Strive for a harmonious balance between the tequila’s complexity and the other cocktail components. Avoid overly sweet mixers that can mask its unique characteristics.
- Chill properly: Chill your cocktail by shaking or stirring it with ice, to enhance the refreshing qualities of the drink.
Pairing suggestions with different ingredients to enhance the flavor
- Citrus fruits: Lime, lemon, and orange juices brighten the natural sweetness and oak notes of reposado tequila. Classic cocktails like the Margarita and Paloma benefit from these zesty additions.
- Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and cilantro, as well as spices like cinnamon and chilli, create an intriguing contrast and complexity.
- Sweeteners: Agave syrup and honey complement the caramel notes in reposado tequila, providing a natural and cohesive sweetness.
- Bitters and liqueurs: Adding a few dashes of bitters or liqueurs, like Grand Marnier, Ancho Reyes, or Frangelico can enhance the depth and richness of the cocktail.
Exciting, right? We can’t wait to see which reposado tequila cocktails you make first, so remember to tag us when you share the pics of your drinks to socials! Check back soon for even more inspiration on making expertly crafted cocktails at home.