Not sure when it happened exactly, but I stopped thinking of tequila as just something you shoot with salt and lime. Same goes for mezcal—I thought it was just smoky tequila, didn’t even realize how different it could be.
But once I got into cocktails? Whole new world. Tequila and mezcal both can be fresh, citrusy, smooth, smoky, bright… depends how you mix it.
I started playing around with a few recipes (some wins, some… not), and these are the ones that stuck. Some are classic, some weirdly underrated, but all of ’em are way more interesting than a basic bar pour.
1. Margarita – Not the Frozen Slushy Kind
I used to think margaritas were neon green and came out of a machine. But a real margarita? Super simple and way better. Just tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
STOP BUYING GREENS: This Machine Grows $1000s Worth Automatically
✓ Set It & Forget It: Fully Automated Growing
✓ From Seed to Harvest in Days - No Experience Needed
✓ Grow Premium Microgreens Worth $50/lb Year-Round
Note: This is an affiliate link and we may earn a small commission if you purchase at no additional cost. This helps keep our website free to use.
Shake it with ice, salt the rim if you want. That’s it. Crisp, tangy, and it doesn’t taste like sugar syrup.
2. Tequila Sunrise – Looks Fancy, Isn’t
I made this one mostly ‘cause it looked cool in a photo—and yeah, it’s a stunner. You pour tequila and orange juice over ice, then float grenadine on top. It slowly sinks and gives that sunrise effect.
Taste-wise it’s sweet, citrusy, and super easy to sip. Doesn’t even taste like there’s alcohol in it at first… which is sneaky.
3. Paloma – My Unexpected Go-To
I slept on this one for way too long. It’s like a grapefruit soda with a kick, but way better than that sounds. Tequila, fresh grapefruit or juice, lime, and a little fizzy soda or club.
Sweet, sour, bubbly—perfect for hot days but honestly good any time. It’s what I make when I don’t feel like overthinking it.
4. Tequila Mojito – Mint + Tequila = Weird but It Works
Okay, I thought this was gonna be weird. Mint and tequila? But turns out it’s kinda genius. You muddle mint and lime like a regular mojito, but swap in tequila instead of rum.
Gives it a totally different vibe—more herbal, kinda earthier. Super refreshing and really good with tacos, just saying.
5. Tequila Sour – Kinda Fancy, But Easy
So I didn’t think of tequila as a “sour” base but honestly… it works really well. You just shake up tequila, lemon juice, a bit of simple syrup, and (optional but cool) egg white.
Comes out smooth and a little frothy, with a punchy citrus vibe. If you want tequila but not the usual “beach drink” feel, this is it.
6. Oaxaca Old Fashioned – Mezcal with Big Main Character Energy
This is one of those drinks that made me stop mid-sip and go “wait, what is that?” It’s smoky, a little sweet, strong—but not harsh. Uses mezcal, a splash of agave syrup, and bitters.
It’s not complicated but feels super intentional. Best for slow sipping, maybe when you’re winding down or want to feel mysterious.
7. Tequila Smash – Doesn’t Try Too Hard
You just muddle some fruit and herbs (like lime and mint or basil), throw in tequila, shake with ice, and pour. It’s flexible—you can switch up the fruit depending what’s in your fridge—and it always tastes fresh.
Great backyard drink. Also looks like you put more effort than you actually did.
8. Tequila Caipirinha – Not Traditional, Still Delicious
So this one’s a twist on the Brazilian caipirinha (which uses cachaça), but tequila holds up surprisingly well. Just muddle lime and sugar, add tequila, and shake with ice. It’s tangy, slightly sweet, and super crushable.
I’ve made it for friends who “don’t like tequila” and they were all converted.
Tequila & Mezcal Deserve More Than Just a Salt Rim
If you’re still thinking of tequila as that thing you regret from spring break… these drinks might change your mind. Same for mezcal—it’s not just “smoky tequila,” it’s its own thing with a lotta personality.
I messed up a few of these the first time around (too much lime, forgot to shake, you name it), but once you start playing around, it’s kinda addicting.
Tequila’s not just for shots, and mezcal definitely isn’t just for sipping neat. These cocktails? Proof.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.