While tequila straight up is enjoyable, few can resist a delicious tequila cocktail, especially when you mix your ingredients with some of the best tequila on the shelf. 

What Is Tequila Made From?

Mexicans began producing tequila in the 1600s, using the Weber blue agave plant that grows in the region. Spikes on the plant grow up from the core of the plant, called the pina. To make the spirit, the spikes are removed, and the pina is cooked, then mashed. Natural yeast ferments its sugars which then turn into alcohol. Once that happens, it can be bottled immediately as blanco tequila. This is considered the best tequila to use when making Margaritas.

Tequila that is aged in oak barrels for at least 60 days is labeled “Reposado,” meaning “restful” in Spanish. Tequila takes on an amber hue and becomes smoother when aged for more than a year in oak barrels. This kind of tequila is called “Añejo,” or “old,” and is best savored sipped on its own without any mixes or added ingredients.

What Are Some of the Best Tequila Brands?

Depending on your palate, you likely have a personal preference when it comes to tequila brands. Here are a few of ours:

Don Julio 1942 Añejo Tequila

With notes of oak, pepper, and cinnamon, Don Julio 1942 AñejoTequila is aged for no less than two and half years.

Roca Patrón Silver

Patrón is a popular favorite among tequila lovers. Enjoy it neat or in one of your favorite tequila cocktails.

Don Julio Reposado Tequila

Aged in oak, Don Julio Reposado Tequila offers rich flavors of chocolate malt, tropical fruit, and spices. 

Our 5 Favorite Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Combine your favorite tequila with fruit juices, ice, salt, and garnishes, and you’ve got heaven in a glass. Here are five of our favorite tequila recipes that are super simple to make, delicious to drink, and sure to impress your guests:

The Magnificent Margarita

Perfect for summertime, the magnificent Margarita is a classic tequila cocktail. 

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 ounces tequila
  • 1-ounce triple sec
  • 3/4-ounce lime juice
  • Lime wedge
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

Moisten the rim of your glass and roll it in salt. Chill the glass by putting crushed ice in it while you prepare your cocktail. Combine the tequila, triple sec, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously until cold. Strain the cocktail into your glass and garnish with the lime wedge.

The Tart Tequila Sunrise

As pretty as it is tasty, the tart Tequila Sunrise is easy to make.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 4 ounces orange juice
  • 1/2-ounce grenadine
  • Orange slice
  • Maraschino cherry

Instructions:

Fill a highball glass with ice, followed by the orange juice and tequila. Stir, then slowly add the grenadine, pouring it around the insides of the glass. Allow it to sink to the bottom. Garnish with the orange slice and cherry.

The Popular Paloma

If you’re a citrus fan, you’re going to fall in love with the popular Paloma.

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 ounces tequila
  • 1 ounce grapefruit juice
  • 1/2-ounce lime juice
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • Lime wedge

Instructions:

Moisten the rim of a tumbler and roll it in salt, then fill the glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice to an ice-filled cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain the drink into the glass and top off with grapefruit juice. Garnish with the lime wedge.

The Tasty Tequila Old Fashioned

A delicious alternative to its whiskey counterpart, the tasty Tequila Old Fashioned plays off the smoothness of Reposado or Añejo Tequila.

Ingredients:

  • 2 ounces Reposado or Añejo Tequila
  • 1/4-ounce simple syrup
  • 2 dashes angostura bitters
  • Orange peel

Instructions:

Pour simple syrup into a tumbler, add bitters, and fill the glass with ice. Pour in tequila and stir gently. Twist the orange peel over the drink before adding it as a garnish.

The Bold Bloody Maria

Spicy and zesty, the bold Bloody Maria is Bloody Mary’s hot cousin.

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 ounces tequila
  • 4 ounces tomato juice
  • Celery stick
  • Green olives
  • Lime wedge
  • Tabasco or hot sauce

Instructions:

Fill a shaker with ice and add tequila, tomato juice, and a few dashes of Tabasco or hot sauce. Shake until cold, then strain into an ice-filled glass. Stir with the celery stick and let it remain in the glass. Add olives and lime wedge.