What to Mix with Tequila (14 Good Tequila Mixers)

Let’s dive into the exciting world of good tequila mixers, shall we? Whether you’re planning a party or simply looking to shake up your next DIY cocktail creation at home, we’ve got you covered. Today we’re serving up a delightful line-up of 14 tequila mixes that are guaranteed to hit the spot every time. So, let’s raise our glasses and explore the marvellous world of irresistible tequila creations. ¡Salud! 

What is tequila?

Tequila is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico. It is typically clear but can also be aged in oak barrels to produce a golden or amber colour. The beverage is known for its unique flavour, which is a combination of sweet, earthy, and spicy notes. 

Tequila is typically enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it can also be used in a variety of cocktails. Which brings us back to the original question – what do you drink tequila with? 

Did you know? There are five different types of tequila This includes blanco (silver), joven (gold), reposado (aged), añejo (extra-aged), and extra añejo (ultra-aged). Blanco tequila is the youngest type of tequila, and it is typically bottled immediately after distillation. Extra añejo tequila is aged the longest, for a minimum of three years and up to several decades.  

1. Margarita (orange liqueur and lime)

As we all know the OG good mix for tequila is orange liqueur and lime juice, which gives you a gorgeous Lime Margarita. You can also push out the boat and use a premium Cognac-based liqueur like Grand Marnier to make a Grand Margarita – ideal if you want to make a bit of a splash without having to learn too many new cocktail-making tricks.  

Learn more >> Grand Marnier vs Cointreau: Everything You Need to Know  

2. Tequila Spritzer (soda water)

One of the best tequila mixers for folks who enjoy a low-calorie cocktail is soda water. The great thing about a Tequila Spritzer is that you can dress it up in any way you want. You can, for instance, add a splash of tangy citrus juice or a touch of aromatic mint to customise your spritzer. Or, to enhance its visual appeal, garnish it with a vibrant lime wedge or a sprig of fresh rosemary. Options abound, so get creative! 

Read next >> 20 Delicious Low-Carb Keto Cocktail Recipes 

3. Bloody Maria (tomato juice)

What do you drink tequila with if you’re in the mood for something savoury? Tomato juice of course! The Bloody Maria is a Spanish-inspired riff on the iconic Bloody Mary, and has the same deeply savoury flavor profile, with an extra bit of swagger thanks to the addition of tequila. Serve this at your next brunch for something a little different. 

Brunch beauties >> The 11 Best Brunch Cocktails for Easy Entertaining

4. Paloma (grapefruit juice)

If you’re looking for a low-cal drink with a nice bit of kick, the best drink to mix tequila with is grapefruit juice. This combination gives you a peppy Paloma, which we love to serve with Mexican eats like ceviche and chile rellenos for a Mexican -themed party.  

Party time! >> How to Throw the Best Mexican-Themed Party, Ever

5. Tequila Sunrise (orange juice and grenadine)

Arguably the best drinks to mix with tequila if you love a nicely layered cocktail, orange juice and grenadine will give you a classic Tequila Sunrise.  These ingredients layer prettily on top of one another in a tall glass with ice, which makes it a very photogenic cocktail, that’s also super tasty. A win-win! 

6. Pineapple Margarita (pineapple juice)

The best mix for tequila when you’re craving something tropical has got to be pineapple juice. Typically made with a top-shelf blanco tequila like Espolòn Tequila Blanco, this delectable pineapple juice cocktail is like a little holiday in a glass. To make one, add 45ml tequila, 60ml pineapple juice, 20ml orange liqueur, and 20ml lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a salt-rimmed Margarita glass, top it with fresh ice, and serve. 

7. Tequila Screwdriver (orange juice)

If you are wondering what juice to mix with tequila, you cannot go wrong with orange juice. We’ve already clued you in on the wonders of the Tequila Sunrise, but if you’re not feeling the grenadine, you can simply mix the other two ingredients to enjoy a Tequila Screwdriver. So simple, and yet wonderfully refreshing.  

More orange inspo >> 22 Zesty Orange Juice Cocktails for Every Occasion & Season  

8. Vera Blanco (aloe vera liqueur and cucumber juice)

Good drinks to mix with tequila that lie a little off the beaten track include aloe vera liqueur and cucumber juice, which altogether yields a delightful drink called a Vera Blanco. Add 60ml tequila, 15ml aloe vera liqueur, 15ml honey syrup, 15ml cucumber juice, and 20ml fresh lime juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until frosty, strain into a serving glass, garnish with a mint sprig if preferred, and serve. 

9. Agave Margarita (agave nectar)

A good mixer with tequila, if you want to lean into the agave character of the spirit, is (surprise, surprise!) agave nectar. Add 60ml tequila reposado, 45ml fresh lime juice, 15ml agave nectar, and 15ml orange liqueur to a cocktail shaker with a handful of ice cubes. Shake until cold, strain the Margarita in a glass with a salted rim, fill with fresh ice, and serve.  

More Margaritas this way >> What is the Best Margarita Recipe? 10 Ways to Make a Margarita

10. Blanco Coco (coconut water)

Tequila mixes good with all sorts of tropical flavours, which also makes it a sensational pairing for coconut water. This Blanco Coco tequila cocktail recipe combines 45ml blanco tequila with 30ml coconut water and a dash of fresh lime juice to produce a quick, simple, and refreshing tequila cocktail. Simply add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain the contents into a rocks glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a lime wheel.   

11. Mexican Martini (vermouth)

Arguably the best mixer with tequila, if you love a classic Martini, vermouth is a captivating ingredient that sets the stage for all sorts of saucy shenanigans.  The Mexican Martini takes the base of the classic Margarita and mixes it with the tang of a Dirty Martini. This drink has got a magical sweet-savoury thing going on, with a salty hint of olive juice toning down the sweetness of the lime and orange liqueur—all complemented by the crisp spice of Cinzano Vermouth Bianco. 

12. Corrido Prohibido (beer)

If you love a good beer cocktail, you’ve got to try the easy-peasy Corrido Prohibido. After all, what tastes good with tequila if not an icy-cold beer? This simple, refreshing drink comes together quickly—it’s as easy as pouring your favourite Mexican beer into a glass with a shot of tequila. We love serving it as an aperitif at an al fresco cook-out on a hot summer day.  

13. Batanga (cola)

Get ready to embrace the beauty of simplicity with the Batanga — a drink that’s as gorgeous as it is foolproof. This fun-loving drink is a simple crowd-pleaser if ever there was one. Combine 60ml tequila, 20ml lime juice, and 150ml cola over ice in a highball glass with a salted rim. As easy to sip as it is to pour! 

14. Watermelon Tequila Cocktail (watermelon)

Roll into summer the right way with our simply delicious Watermelon Tequila cocktail. All you need is juice from a ripe watermelon, a fantastic tequila, a little simple syrup, and a good squeeze of lime juice for a sublimely refreshing drink to enjoy with friends at your next garden party.  

More watermelon wonders >> 11 Watermelon Cocktail Recipes to Impress a Crowd

Expert tips from Tris

Tristram Fini, our friend from the Campari Academy UK, has shared some interesting insights on tequila, how to mix it to perfection, and which foods to pair it with:   

Popular tequila mixers and why they work

When it comes to mixing tequila, some combinations are just crowd-pleasers. One of the most popular choices has to be the Paloma. Everyone seems to love it! It’s a simple mix of grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. 

In addition to that, you’ll often find people opting for soda water or tonic water. Tequila and tonic have really taken off in Australia over the last few years. People love it because it’s light and easy to drink. Tequila and soda are also a great alternative for anyone looking to skip the bitterness of quinine in tonic or cut down on sugar. 

These mixes are popular because they highlight the vibrant flavours of tequila while keeping things refreshing and uncomplicated.  

Unique tequila mixers to try

When you think of tequila mixers, a couple of lesser-known options really stand out. One surprising one is Coca-Cola, especially the Mexican version. There’s a bar called La Capilla in Tequila town that serves a drink called the Batanga, which is basically a twist on a Paloma. 

The bartender famously stirs it with a knife, and instead of grapefruit juice, uses that delicious Mexican Coca-Cola. The difference here is that Mexican Coke is sweetened with cane sugar, which gives it a richer taste compared to the versions we often see in the UK. When you squeeze some lime into it, the balance is just perfect! 

Another unique mixer to consider is ginger beer. It’s a key ingredient in a classic drink called El Diablo, which combines tequila, lime, and ginger beer, topped off with a splash of blackberry liqueur. It’s delicious and offers a lovely kick. 

Common mistakes to avoid when making tequila cocktails

One of the biggest mistakes people make is using poor-quality tequila. If you start with bad tequila, it doesn’t matter how good your other ingredients are; the drink just won’t turn out well. It’s like trying to make a great dish with subpar ingredients—it just doesn’t work! 

Finding affordable options can be tough. But investing in a decent bottle of tequila will really pay off in your cocktails. Good tequila can elevate your drinks, making them taste fantastic! 

Tips for pairing tequila cocktails with food

If food and drinks have grown together regionally, they will automatically pair well. With tequila, you can explore options like aguachile, which is a ceviche-style dish. You can also consider different styles of tacos, such as al pastor or tacos de birria, which are vibrant regional dishes coming from Oaxaca and Puebla specifically. 

Tequila usually has an element of acidity, freshness, and potentially spice. Nicely cured seafood and grilled prawns work great, but steer clear of dishes that are too dairy-heavy. Those don’t really pair naturally with tequila. Focus  on vibrant, fresh flavours that aren’t too subtle. 

Interestingly, tequila and margaritas pair wonderfully with oysters. Oysters are fatty and briny, giving them a salty characteristic. Margaritas pair well with that saltiness because salt and tequila are always going to work well together.