Best tequilas for a Tequila Soda
A truly sensational Tequila Soda recipe starts with a solid base, and that means choosing the right tequila. Here’s what we recommend:
Espolòn Blanco. This is the go-to. Clean, crisp, and packed with bright agave notes, Espolòn Blanco is made for sunny-day sipping. It blends effortlessly with soda and lime to give you a standout Espolòn Tequila cocktail with zero fuss.
Espolòn Reposado. A bit of barrel aging gives this one a touch of vanilla and spice. It’s a warmer take that still plays well in a highball, especially if you’re pairing it with food like grilled meats or smoky veggies.
Montelobos Mezcal. Want something with a little edge? Go for a mezcal soda using Montelobos. It brings a gorgeous earthy character to the mix, which can turn a basic tequila soda into a bold and memorable cocktail.
Also see: 10 Super Simple Tequila Drinks You Can Make at Home
Tips for customizing your Tequila Soda
This tequila highball is a dream for anyone who likes to play around. It’s already one of the best low calorie tequila cocktails, so it can only get better when you add your own twist. The base is flexible, so have fun with it. You don’t need to get fancy, just follow your palate and see where it takes you.
Try these upgrades:
- Grapefruit or orange wedges. Grapefruit brings a tart, slightly bitter edge that deepens the drink’s complexity. Orange adds a softer, sweeter note that makes it feel a little brighter and juicier. If you love those vibes, check out the Paloma for a grapefruit-forward sip, or the Tequila Sunrise for a fruitier finish.
- Chili salt or Tajín rim. A rim upgrade brings in extra flavor before you’ve even taken a sip. Chilli salt blends powdered chili with salt for a bold, spicy edge, and you can dial it up using cayenne, ancho, or chipotle. Tajín, on the other hand, combines chili with lime and salt, offering a tangy, citrusy contrast that plays really well with lime-forward tequila drinks.
- Lime swap-outs. Go for cucumber slices or herbs like mint and basil. These freshen things up and work well with summer dishes or veggie snacks.
- Flavored club soda. Coconut, citrus, or even a dash of tonic adds an interesting flavor without weighing the drink down.
Learn more: 14 Best Tequila Mixers (What to Mix with Tequila)
Is a Tequila Soda a good cocktail option?
If your goal is to keep things simple, light, and easy to manage, the tequila soda lime combo is a total win. It’s made with ingredients you can count on one hand, and you control the pour. No syrups. No mixers. No confusion.
It’s naturally low in sugar and calories, which makes it easy to track if you’re paying attention to what you’re sipping. And unlike some cocktails that sneak in extras, this one keeps it clean. Whether you go classic or mix it up with a mezcal soda, the tequila and soda water pairing delivers something you can enjoy any day of the week.
Read next: 8 Must-Try Añejo Tequila Cocktails
More tequila cocktail inspiration
If this recipe hits all the right notes, here are a few other articles you should read to get your creative juices flowing behind the cocktail shaker at home:
The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails
5 Best Cocktails with Rum and Tequila
20 Tequila Cocktails to Sip This Summer
10 Tequila and Pineapple Cocktails for a Taste of Paradise
10 Tequila and Aperol Cocktails to Sip at Sunset
10 Fun Paloma Variations for Picture-Perfect Sipping
The Tequila Soda hits the sweet spot between no-effort and high-impact. With just a few ingredients, it gives you room to play or keep things crisp and classic. It’s all about quality, and that’s why we reach for Espolòn tequila every time. Whip one up, try a few tweaks, and share your version online. In the meantime, sign up for our newsletter to stay in the Mix.