It’s tequila’s time to shine, and not just in a margarita but in these 3 unique tequila cocktails!
International Tequila Day, celebrated every year on July 24th, is the perfect excuse to explore bold, creative, and lesser-known ways to enjoy this iconic Mexican spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or still recovering from your college tequila trauma, today’s cocktail scene proves there’s a whole new world of agave magic waiting to be stirred, shaken, and sipped.
From smoky reposados to clean, crisp blancos, tequila has incredible range, and the right mix of ingredients can bring out its complex, earthy charm in exciting ways. These three inventive and unique tequila cocktails are easy to make, impossible to forget, and built for Indian summer evenings with friends, food, and good vibes.
Picante Paloma
Put a spicy spin on a Mexican favourite with this bold, zesty take on the Paloma. The heat from fresh red chilli is balanced by bright citrus and a bubbly finish, making this cocktail perfect for sultry evenings and summer socials.
Ingredients
- 60 ml El Padrino Tequila Blanco
- 60 ml fresh grapefruit juice
- 15 ml lime juice
- 10 ml agave syrup
- 1 slice of fresh red chilli (deseeded for less heat)
- Soda water, to top
- Ice
- Tajín or salt, for rimming the glass
- Grapefruit or lime wedge, for garnish
How to Make It
- Rim a highball glass with Tajín or salt and fill with ice.
- Muddle the red chilli slice gently in a shaker.
- Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Shake with ice until well-chilled.
- Strain into the prepared glass and top with soda water.
- Garnish with a wedge of grapefruit or lime.
Why You’ll Love It
This cocktail hits all the right notes—tart, refreshing, and just spicy enough to wake up your palate. It’s tequila’s answer to a spicy gin & tonic, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Pro Tip: Use pink grapefruit juice for a slightly sweeter profile and gorgeous colour.
Also Read: Decoding Different Styles Of Martini
Cold Brew Tequini
Bold, dark, and just a little dangerous—this tequila twist on the espresso martini is built for late nights and sophisticated sipping. The combination of smooth reposado tequila and cold brew delivers an energising, indulgent drink.
Ingredients
- 45 ml El Cristiano 1761 Clase Reposado Tequila
- 30 ml cold brew coffee (unsweetened)
- 20 ml coffee liqueur
- 2 dashes orange bitters
- Ice
- Coffee beans, for garnish
How to Make It
- Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy and cold.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass.
- Garnish with three coffee beans on top.
Why You’ll Love It
This cocktail is rich and layered, with the tequila’s vanilla and spice notes playing beautifully against the bold coffee flavour. It’s smooth, slightly bitter, and totally elegant.
Pro Tip: Swap orange bitters for chocolate bitters for a dessert-friendly variation.
Also Read: Best Tequilas For Beginners
Bubbly Tamarind Highball
Inspired by Indian street-side flavours, this fizzy highball combines sweet tamarind with ginger ale and aged tequila for a refreshingly tangy cocktail that’s bold, bubbly, and bursting with personality.
Ingredients
- 50 ml 1800 Cristalino Tequila
- 25 ml tamarind syrup (store-bought or homemade)
- 15 ml lemon juice
- Ginger ale, to top
- Black salt (kala namak), for rimming
- Ice
- Dried orange slice or lemon wheel, for garnish
How to Make It
- Rim a tall glass with black salt and fill with ice.
- Add tequila, tamarind syrup, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly and strain into the glass.
- Top with ginger ale and stir gently.
- Garnish with a dried orange slice or lemon wheel.
Why You’ll Love It
Tamarind adds a uniquely tangy, slightly sweet edge to this drink, while the ginger ale brings sparkle and bite. It’s a flavour bomb that’s both familiar and unexpected—great for adventurous palates.
Pro Tip: Add a pinch of chilli powder to the rim for extra heat and desi drama.
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