10 Reposado Tequila Cocktails You Need to Try

June 23, 2024 by

Reposado tequila cocktails are making a big splash, and we’re here to give you all the juicy details so you can make this trend your own. We’re sharing our favourite cocktails with reposado tequila and some tasty insider insights into this captivating spirit and how to incorporate it into your DIY mixology line-up at home.

What exactly is reposado tequila?

Reposado tequila is a distinguished variant of tequila that holds a unique place in the world of spirits. Tequila, which originated in Mexico, dates back to the Aztecs, who first fermented the agave plant’s sap. The Spanish introduced distillation in the 16th century, refining the process.

Reposado means ‘rested’ in Spanish, indicating that this tequila is aged in oak barrels for a period of two to twelve months. This ageing process imparts a smooth, rich flavour profile, balancing the raw agave’s boldness with mellow notes of vanilla, caramel, and spices.

The subtle complexity and golden hue of reposado tequila distinguish it from its unaged counterpart, blanco, and its longer-aged sibling, añejo. Versatile and refined, reposado tequila adds depth to cocktails, offering a sophisticated sipping experience that reflects its storied heritage and meticulous production process.

Learn more: A Beginner’s Guide to the Different Types of Tequila

Popular reposado tequila cocktails

1. Reposado Old Fashioned

We love this spin on the dapper Old Fashioned. To make a Reposado Old Fashioned, add 60 ml reposado tequila, 10 ml sugar syrup, and a dash of bitters to a rocks glass over ice. Give it a stir with a cocktail spoon and express the essential oil of a strip of orange zest over the top before dropping it in the drink. Utter perfection!

Make it with: Espolón Reposado Tequila

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2. Blood Orange Margarita

With all the bittersweet flavors you could want, the delightfully juicy Blood Orange Margarita is the perfect aperitif and an instant crowd-pleaser. Simple tequila reposado cocktails pair well with spicy eats like chile relleno or fresh dishes like ceviche.

Make it with: Campari

3. Spicy Margarita

Are you a daring heat seeker? Add a little sizzle to your drizzle with our gorgeous Spicy Margarita. It’s everything you know and love in a Margarita, with a touch of spice to serve up an extra smidge of ¡Arre!

Make it with: Grand Marnier

Get inspired: Your Guide to the Best Tequila for Margaritas

4. Rosita

The Rosita is a beautiful blend of reposado tequila, Campari, sweet and dry vermouth, and a few dashes of bitters, and it’s just as bold in taste as it sounds. It first appeared in the 1970s and then saw a revival in the mid-2000s. It’s a one-of-a-kind Negroni that’s packed with everything from earthy, spicy, and wooded notes to fruity, floral, and citrus flavours.

Make it with: Cinzano Vermouth Bianco

5. Paloma

The traditional Paloma cocktail is a citrus-forward drink that combines the vibrant flavours of tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a touch of salt. Typically made with blanco or reposado tequila, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of tantalising tartness and subtle sweetness. Reposado mixed drinks do not come easier than this!

Also see: 10 Playful Paloma Variations for Picture-Perfect Sipping

6. Tequila Sour

We love tangy cocktails, and the Tequila Sour more than delivers. This classic cocktail strikes the perfect balance between sweet and sour with a delicious tequila kick. Made with just a few simple ingredients, including tequila, fresh lime, sugar syrup, and egg white, it’s a great drink for just about any occasion.

For a vegan-friendly version, use 1.5 tablespoons of aquafaba instead of the egg white.

Make it with: Home-made sugar syrup

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7. Matador

The time-honoured Matador cocktail always leaves a lasting impression. Expertly crafted with reposado tequila, orange liqueur and sweet vermouth, this cocktail features incredible depth and character—a classy clinker to the core.

Make it with: Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth

8. Cantarito

Arguably one of the best drinks to make with reposado tequila is you love all things zesty, the Cantarito is a complete treat from start to finish. Mixed with fresh orange-, lime-, and lemon juice and topped with grapefruit soda, this Mexican drink is a slightly sweeter relative of the Paloma and the perfect choice for a balmy summer’s day.

Want a lighter summer sip? Replace 30 ml tequila with more grapefruit soda.

9. Mexican Manhattan

A classic Manhattan is a mellow spirit-forward cocktail made with spicy rye whiskey or bourbon and the bitter notes of sweet vermouth. The Mexican Manhattan is a riff on this theme that comes to the party by replacing bourbon with the unique caramel flavours of reposado tequila, which blends perfectly with sweet vermouth and orange bitters.

Make it with: Cinzano Rosso

10. Mexican Coffee Cocktail

Ready to spice up your after-dinner coffees with a surprising twist? Try our Mexican Coffee Cocktail recipe that combines rich coffee with smooth tequila. In the summer, you can also pour it over ice for a delicious, iced coffee with a kick.

More java inspiration: 7 Best Coffee Tequila Cocktails to Try in 2024

Tips for mixing reposado tequila

Best practices for mixing reposado tequila in cocktails

Respect the flavour profile: Reposado tequila has a nuanced flavour with hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak. Choose ingredients that complement these notes without overpowering them.

Use fresh ingredients: Freshly squeezed citrus juices, herbs, and high-quality mixers elevate the overall cocktail experience. The best reposado cocktails are made this way.

Balance is key: Strive for a harmonious balance between the tequila’s complexity and the other cocktail components. Avoid overly sweet mixers that can mask their unique characteristics.
Chill properly: Chill your cocktail by shaking or stirring it with ice, to enhance the refreshing qualities of the drink.

Pairing suggestions with different ingredients to enhance the flavour

Citrus fruits: Lime, lemon, and orange juices brighten the natural sweetness and oak notes of reposado tequila. Classic cocktails like the Margarita and Paloma benefit from these zesty additions.

Herbs and spices: Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and coriander, as well as spices like cinnamon and chilli, create an intriguing contrast and complexity.
Sweeteners: Agave syrup and honey complement the caramel notes in reposado tequila, providing a natural and cohesive sweetness.
Bitters and liqueurs: Adding a few dashes of bitters or liqueurs, like Grand Marnier, Ancho Reyes, or Frangelico can enhance the depth and richness of the cocktail.

Top tips from Tris

Tristram Fini, our friend from the Campari Academy UK, has shared some valuable insights for those who want to know more about choosing the right kind of tequila:

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.

Exciting, right? We can’t wait to see which reposado tequila cocktails you make first, so remember to tag us when you share the pics of your drinks to socials! Check back soon for even more inspiration on making expertly crafted cocktails at home.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Reposado tequila stands out from other types of tequila due to its ageing process. Reposado tequila, unlike blanco tequila, undergoes ageing in oak barrels for two to twelve months after distillation This ageing period allows the tequila to develop a smooth, rich flavour profile with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, as well as a golden hue.

Yes, you can substitute reposado tequila in cocktails that typically use blanco tequila but be mindful of the flavour differences. Reposado tequila's smooth, oak-influenced profile can add depth and complexity to cocktails. For example, using reposado in a Margarita or Paloma will result in a richer, more nuanced drink compared to the brighter, more straightforward flavours of blanco tequila. It's an excellent choice for cocktails where you want to highlight the tequila's character, but it may not be suitable for drinks where a clean, crisp agave flavour is preferred. Experimentation is key to finding the right balance for your taste preferences.