If you love tequila as much as we do, you’re about to get really excited about our Cantaritos cocktail recipe! Mixed with fresh orange, lime, and lemon juice and topped with grapefruit soda, this Mexican drink is a slightly sweeter relative of the Paloma. While it’s traditionally served in a clay cup, a highball glass will do the trick if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
QUICK TIPS
INSTRUCTIONS
01
1.
Rim your Cantarito clay cup or highball glass with salt, then fill it with ice
02
2.
Add the tequila, orange, lime and grapefruit juice
03
3.
Stir to combine
04
4.
Top with grapefruit soda and garnish with a wedge of lime
How to serve: Cantarito clay cups
So why is a Mexican Cantarito served in a clay cup tequila drink? Easy. Clay keeps your drink colder for longer, which comes in handy when the weather’s hot and you’re mixing up drinks for a crowd.
Mexican summers regularly soar above 90°F, so it makes sense that locals have perfected the art of keeping cocktails cool. If you’re planning a fiesta, soak your clay mugs in cold water for about 10 minutes before serving; it helps chill the drink naturally.
TOP TIP! These cups aren’t just for Cantaritos. Use them for any of your favourite summer drinks to add charm and keep things cool.
Read next: 20 Sensational Tequila Cocktails to Sip This Summer
History of the Cantarito
Ask around, and most bartenders will tell you the tequila Cantarito was born in Jalisco, Mexico, one of the five key tequila-producing regions in the country. No surprise then that this zesty drink became a local legend.
In fact, it’s said to have been sipped from roadside stands before the Paloma even became a thing. The drink gets its name from the small earthenware jugs, also called cantaritos, used to serve it. They’re practical, charming, and instantly recognisable.
Keen to take your Mexican-themed menu up a notch? Head over to The Mixer’s guide to pairing spicy food with cocktails for more fiesta-friendly inspo.
Learn more: 10 Tequila and Aperol Cocktails to Sip at Sunset: Perfect Pairings
What’s the best tequila for Cantaritos?
If you’re a fan of the Margarita or Paloma, chances are you’ll love the Cantarito drink recipe just as much. But just like those classics, the tequila you use matters.
We recommend Espolòn Tequila Reposado. It’s aged in American oak barrels for two months, giving it a smooth, spicy character with roasted agave notes that really shine through in this drink. It’s rich enough to hold its own alongside all that citrus, but not so overpowering that it takes over.
We like to call it the unofficial MVP of Mexican-style cocktails, and yes, that includes the Cantarito.
Also see: The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails You Must Try
How to make a Cantaritos cocktail at home
So, how to make Cantaritos at home? The great news is that it’s easy, approachable, and totally crowd-friendly. The full Cantarito drink recipe is available further up this page, but here’s what to expect:
You’ll mix freshly squeezed lime, lemon, and orange juice with tequila and a pinch of salt. Top it up with grapefruit soda, serve it over ice, and garnish with a wedge of citrus. If you’ve got clay cups, great! If not, a highball glass will absolutely do.
Whether you’re prepping one for yourself or batching a pitcher for friends, the how to make Cantaritos at home process is quick, fun, and wildly rewarding.
Zesty besties! 22 Orange Juice Cocktails for Every Occasion & Gathering
What is a Cantaritos cocktail?
The Cantarito is a traditional Mexican cocktail known for its bold citrus flavors and clay-cup presentation. It’s a mix of tequila, lime, lemon, and orange juice, finished with bubbly grapefruit soda.
It’s especially popular in towns across Jalisco, where roadside vendors serve them in small clay mugs that keep the drink cool and enhance the overall experience.
In the world of Mexican tequila cocktails, it’s one of the lesser-known heroes, a brilliant alternative to the Margarita or Paloma when you want something equally vibrant, with a slightly sweeter, more complex profile.
Why it’s perfect for summer or entertaining
The Cantarito is practically built for sunshine. With its bright citrus base, mellow kick of tequila, and fizzy grapefruit finish, it’s light enough to sip all afternoon but flavorful enough to hold its own. It’s easy to make, easy to scale, and an instant conversation starter, especially when served in a traditional clay cup. The look, the scent, the first sip, it all adds to the kind of laid-back, joyful vibe that summer get-togethers are made of.
This drink also happens to play incredibly well with food. Try it alongside tacos al pastor, grilled corn with lime and chilli, cheesy quesadillas, smoky salsa, or a platter of charred prawns. Anything punchy, citrusy, or fire-kissed will pair beautifully. For snacks, you can’t go wrong with guac and chips, spicy peanuts, or even citrus-marinated olives.
If you’re hosting, lean into the theme: set the table with terracotta bowls, hand-cut citrus wedges, and a speaker bumping classic cumbia or mariachi. Batch the citrus and tequila ahead of time, pop it in a jug, and let guests top up with grapefruit soda as they please. No pressure, no measuring, just good drinks, good company, and a few salty snacks within reach.
More articles to check out
If the Cataritos cocktail recipe is giving you all the vibes, check out these articles to get the inside scoop:
13 Mexican Cocktails to Make at Home
The Ultimate Guide to Gifts for Tequila Lovers: Unique & Thoughtful Ideas
What Is Cristalino Tequila? Why Espolòn Is the Perfect Choice for Holidays
Let us know if you try this juicy Mexican classic at home, and check back soon for more Mexican tequila cocktails that bring the flavor without the fuss.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Paloma is made with tequila, grapefruit soda and lime. The addition of orange juice makes the Cantarito a sweeter version of the Paloma.
A traditional Cantaritos cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, a pinch of salt, and grapefruit soda. It’s usually served over ice with a citrus wedge garnish — and, if you’re lucky, in a chilled clay cup.
Of course. While the clay cup tequila drink setup helps keep it colder for longer, a regular highball glass or tumbler works just as well. It’s the citrus, tequila, and soda combo that makes this drink a winner.
We love Espolòn Tequila Reposado for this recipe. It’s smooth, slightly spicy, and aged just enough to bring character without overpowering the citrus. It’s our go-to for tequila cocktails — and it shines in a Cantarito.
