Tequila Soda

PREP TIME 2 min

Cocktail Type

Spritz

Great for

Summer

Difficulty

Easy

Glass of Tequila Soda with ice cubes and a lime wheel garnish, set on a sunlit kitchen counter with soft-focus greenery in the background.

A tequila soda is as simple as it gets: good tequila, club soda, and a hint of lime if you’re into it. That’s the whole deal, and it’s exactly why this drink has earned its spot as a go-to for home bartenders, party hosts, and anyone looking for a simple sip that feels clean and crisp. 

It’s low in calories, has zero added sugar, and only takes a minute or two to whip up. And while it might seem bare bones on the surface, there’s real power in simplicity, especially when you’re working with quality ingredients. If you’re wondering how to make tequila soda that actually tastes great, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s break it down. 

QUICK TIPS

01
-

When in doubt, choose blanco tequila. It’s fresh, unaged and lets the agave flavor shine.

02
-

Swap the lime juice for orange juice for a sweeter finish. 

03
-

Avoid extra añejo or heavily aged tequilas in this drink—they’re better for slow sipping.

INGREDIENTS

MAKE FOR

1 Person

2 Oz

60 Ml

2 Parts

0.5 Oz

15 Ml

0.5 Parts

Lime juice
4 Oz

120 Ml

4 Parts

Club soda
Lime wheel to garnish
Ice

INSTRUCTIONS

01
1.

Fill a highball glass with ice

02
2.

Pour in the tequila and lime juice

03
3.

Top with the club soda, and stir well

04
4.

Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge

05
5.

Serve

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.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Start with a good blanco like Espolòn Blanco. It’s crisp, clean, and agave-forward; everything you want in a tequila that’s going to mix with soda and lime. If you like something smokier, try Montelobos Mezcal for a more complex spin on the drink.

Yes, it’s one of the most stripped-back cocktails you can make. No added sugars or heavy mixers here. You get tequila, soda water, and maybe a squeeze of lime. That’s why it’s a favorite among those who want low calorie tequila cocktails that still feel like a treat.

While they look similar, there’s a twist. The Ranch Water recipe calls for mineral water like Topo Chico and often more lime juice. It has a slightly more tart and fizzy profile. A Tequila Soda cocktail tends to let the tequila shine a bit more.

Definitely. Coconut, citrus, or berry-flavored club soda are great options. They add depth without throwing off the balance. Just go easy, especially if you’re using mezcal, since its earthy notes already bring bold flavor to the mix.

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