5 Best Cocktails with Rum and Tequila

Rum and tequila cocktails? Yes, cocktail besties, it is 100% a thing, and this unlikely combo opens a world of unique drinks and flavorful possibilities. With their distinct profiles, these two popular spirits set the scene for extraordinary drinks that offer both tropical warmth and agave freshness.  

In this article, we delve into the basics of rum and tequila, showcase some must-try cocktails, and provide insider tips on perfecting your mixes. Get ready to impress your friends with these gorgeous recipes and learn how to balance flavors, choose the right ingredients, and garnish like a pro. Cheers to delightful tequila and rum drinks! 

Rum and tequila basics

In the 17th century, the Caribbean gave birth to the distillation of rum from sugarcane or molasses. It is known for its sweet, rich flavor profile, which ranges from light and fruity to dark and spiced. The blue agave plant, with roots in Mexico dating back to the Aztecs, is the source of tequila. Its flavor is distinctively earthy and often peppery.  

When combined in cocktails, rum’s sweetness balances tequila’s boldness, paving the way for a harmonious partnership that adds depth and complexity to mixed drinks. This unique pairing brings together tropical warmth and agave freshness, perfect for innovative and delightful cocktail experiences. 

The 5 best rum and tequila cocktails 

1. Long Island Iced Tea

Cocktail trends come and go, but the Long Island Iced Tea recipe has endured the test of time. In fact, it’s been a big part of global drink culture for decades. This white rum and tequila cocktail is strong, tasty, and best enjoyed as a slow sipper.  

Make it with: Wray & Nephew Overproof White Rum (opens in new window)    

Also see: Summer Drinks with Rum Perfect for a BBQ 

2. Mai Tai Margaritas

We love a Mai Tai, and adore a Margarita, so this crossover was inevitable. A mash-up worth shaking, this cocktail fuses tequila and spiced rum with pineapple, lime, and almond for a tropical spin on two classics.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco (opens in new window) 

• 0.75 oz Fresh lime juice

• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier (opens in new window) 

• 0.5 oz Agave nectar

• 2 drops Almond extract

• 1.5 oz Pineapple juice

• 1 oz Spiced rum (float)

• Ice

• Garnish: Lime wedge and pineapple spear, salt rim

Method

1. Rim a glass with salt and fill with fresh ice

2. Add tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave nectar, almond extract, and pineapple juice to a shaker with ice

3. Shake until frosty

4. Fine strain into the prepared glass

5. Float spiced rum on top

6. Garnish with lime wedge and pineapple spear

Read next: Spiced Rum Cocktails: Classic and Creative Recipes You’ll Love 

3. Coconut Paloma

The Paloma already has a respectable list of spin-offs, and this version is another keeper! 

Ingredients

• 1 oz Coconut rum

• 1.5 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco (opens in new window) 

• 3 oz Fresh grapefruit juice

• Ice

• Garnish: Grapefruit slice and mint sprig

Method

1. Add coconut rum, tequila, and grapefruit juice to a shaker with ice

2. Shake until chilled

3. Strain into a serving glass over fresh ice

4. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a mint sprig

Feeling fancy? Rim your serving glasses with shredded coconut.  

Find out more: What to Mix with Rum: The Ultimate List of 2-Ingredient Rum Drinks 

4. Tequila Pineapple Punch 

A sparkling Rum Punch twist with breezy tropical vibes. This seaside sipper gets a pineapple twist, blending reposado tequila, coconut rum, and citrus, topped with sparkling water for a breezy finish.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Espolòn Tequila Reposado (opens in new window)

• 1 oz Coconut rum

• 1.5 oz Pineapple juice

• 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice

• 3 oz Sparkling water

• Ice

• Garnish: Lemon wedge

Method

1. Add tequila, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice

2. Shake well and fine-strain into a serving glass over fresh ice

3. Top with sparkling water

4. Garnish with a lemon wedge

Tropical treats: Pineapple and Tequila Cocktails: A Taste of Paradise 

5. Tokyo Tea

A vibrant green cousin of the Long Island Iced Tea, this cocktail mixes five liquors with melon liqueur for a sweet, citrusy highball that packs a punch.

Ingredients

• 0.5 oz Bulldog Gin (opens in new window)

• 0.5 oz Melon liqueur

• 0.5 oz Appleton Estate Rum (opens in new window)

• 0.5 oz Espolòn Tequila Blanco

• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier

• 0.5 oz SKYY Vodka (opens in new window)

• 1 oz Sweet-and-sour mix

• Splash of club soda

• Ice

• Garnish: Lemon wheel and maraschino cherry

Method

1. Fill a highball glass with ice

2. Add gin, melon liqueur, rum, tequila, orange liqueur, vodka, and sweet-and-sour mix

3. Stir to combine

4. Top with a splash of club soda

5. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a maraschino cherry

¡Ariba! Easy Tequila Summer Cocktails for Beginners 

Top tips for mixing rum and tequila in cocktails

Creating delicious rum and tequila cocktails is all about using the right ingredients, balancing flavors, and adding the perfect garnish. Here are some handy tips and tricks to help you craft the best cocktails: 

Choosing the right ingredients

• White rum: (opens in new window) Choose white rum for light cocktails. Its clean, crisp flavor, with subtle notes of sweetness and a hint of citrus, pairs well with citrus and tropical fruits. 

• Golden rum (opens in new window): When you want a richer, more complex flavor, opt for golden rum. It has subtle caramel and vanilla notes from aging, along with hints of toffee and spices, making it ideal for adding depth. 

• Aged rum (opens in new window): Use premium, aged rum for depth and smoothness. Its flavor profile includes rich notes of caramel, vanilla, and sometimes chocolate or dried fruits, adding complexity to your drinks. 

• Blanco tequila (opens in new window): Ideal for cocktails where you want to showcase a fresh and vibrant agave flavor. Its bright, peppery notes and hints of citrus and herbs make it a versatile choice. 

• Reposado tequila (opens in new window): For a well-rounded, balanced flavor with a hint of oak, choose reposado tequila. Aged for at least two months, it offers smooth flavors with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of spice. 

• Añejo tequila (opens in new window): Añejo tequila has a rich, deep flavor, perfect for adding complexity to a mixed drink. Aged for at least one year, it boasts flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate, with a smooth, lingering finish. 

• Mixers and complementary ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality mixers like fresh citrus juices and homemade syrups. Experiment with complementary ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and spicy elements to enhance the overall flavor profile. 

Another next-level combo: Best Tequila and Aperol Cocktails to Sip at Sunset (opens in new window) 

Balancing flavors and sweetness

• Balance the sweetness of rum with the earthy notes of tequila. Rum often has a natural sweetness due to its sugarcane origins, while tequila brings earthy, sometimes peppery flavors from the agave plant. By carefully adjusting the ratio, you can create a harmonious blend that highlights the best qualities of each liquor. 

• Use fresh lime or lemon juice to add acidity and brightness. Citrus juices like lime or lemon provide a tangy acidity that cuts through the richness of rum and tequila, adding brightness to your cocktail. This acidity helps to balance the flavors, ensuring neither spirit overwhelms the other. 

• To achieve your desired sweetness, use agave or simple syrup. Syrups are essential for balancing the tartness of citrus and the boldness of the liquor. Agave syrup complements tequila’s natural flavors, while simple syrup offers a neutral sweetness that pairs well with both rum and tequila. Adjust the amount to suit your taste and achieve the perfect level of sweetness. 

• Add bitters to enhance complexity and depth. Bitters are concentrated flavor extracts that can add layers of complexity to your cocktail. A few dashes of aromatic or citrus bitters can enhance the overall flavor profile, adding depth and balance to the mix of rum and tequila. They work particularly well to counterbalance the sweetness and bring all the elements together. 

Garnishing tips

• Use fresh fruit slices, like lime or orange, for a vibrant touch. 

• Add mint sprigs or basil leaves for a fresh, aromatic element. 

• Rim glasses with salt, sugar, or spice blends to complement the cocktail’s flavors. 

• Consider edible flowers or a twist of citrus peel for an elegant finish. 

Tasty sips: What to Mix with Tequila: Easy Ideas for Delicious Drinks  

To learn more about using high-quality spirits in your DIY cocktails, visit Espolòn (opens in new window) for tequila inspiration and Appleton Estate (opens in new window) and Wray and Nephew (opens in new window) for premium rum insights. And remember to sign up for our newsletter to get more juicy drinks ideas delivered to your inbox!