Bright sun and long days call for a cold cocktail to beat the heat. With its vibrant and versatile nature, tequila stands out as the perfect summer drink ingredient. Beyond the well-known Tequila Sunrise, many taste summer tequila-based cocktails are ready to explore.
So, in this article, we’re showcasing summer cocktails with tequila. They’re easy to make, full of fruity flavors, and super refreshing. They stand tall next to other summer fun favorites like Mojitos and Palomas. We’ll also discuss Margarita ingredients and show how easy changes can turn the classic drink into many exciting variations.
Some classic tequila cocktails, such as the Tequila Old Fashioned, the Mexican Coffee, and the El Diablo, didn’t make our list. Those drinks often have a richer or spicier taste, which suits other times and seasons of the year better.
So, try a new cocktail next time you relax by the pool or have a summer barbecue. You might find a new favorite way to enjoy the sun.
20 Best Tequila Summer cocktails and drinks
Even if you’re new to making drinks, you can easily create a batch of tequila summer cocktails at home for a fantastic party. Check out our 20 best recipes to get going:
Classic Margarita
This classic shines in the summer. Lime juice, triple sec, and a hint of salt create a refreshing punch. Perfect for sun-soaked gatherings or lazy afternoons.
Tequila Sunrise
This drink dazzles like a summer morning. Bright orange juice and vibrant grenadine layers make it a visual treat. It is a sweet and colorful start to any warm day.
Paloma Cocktail
This bubbly blend offers a summer refreshment. Grapefruit soda and lime mix for a zesty kick. It’s the go-to for beach picnics or cooling down under the sun.
Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita
This drink masterfully balances cool and spicy. Crisp cucumber slices meet the fiery kick of jalapeño, making it a refreshing sensation for those sweltering days.
Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
Tropical pineapple meets a spicy jalapeño twist. This combination creates a zesty, fruity delight that electrifies the taste buds.
Ranch Water
This drink keeps things simple. Sparkling water and a splash of lime make for a refreshing and cool drink.
Mexican Mule
This cocktail adds a bold spin. Ginger beer and lime come together, making your taste buds tingle.
Siesta Cocktail
It’s a perfect mix for any mood. Grapefruit, lime, and a hint of Campari create a tangy and fresh drink.
Long Island Iced Tea
This cocktail mixes several spirits with cola and a touch of lemon. It gives you a smooth drink with a strong kick, perfect for fun summer get-togethers.
Cantarito
It’s a refreshing choice for hot days. This cocktail blends lime and grapefruit juices with soda, offering a zesty burst perfect for summer sipping.
Tommy’s Margarita
Simplicity shines in this drink. It features agave nectar instead of the usual triple sec, bringing out a natural sweetness ideal for warm weather.
Coronarita (also known as Beerita or Mexican Bulldog)
It’s a fun fusion for summer parties. This playful mix combines a margarita with an upside-down beer, delivering a kick and a frothy finish.
Tequila Fizz
Bubbly and bright. Lime juice and club soda make this cocktail dance on the palate, while grenadine adds a hint of sweetness, making it a summer favorite.
Agavoni (Tequila Negroni)
This bold cocktail takes tequila and mixes it with classic Negroni ingredients. The result? A smooth, hearty drink perfect for warm summer nights.
Prickly Pear Margarita
Bright and tangy prickly pear syrup meets tequila in this vibrant drink. It’s a colorful, tasty choice for any summer gathering.
Passion Fruit Margarita
The tropical flavor of passion fruit shines when mixed with tequila. This drink promises a sweet, refreshing taste that makes hot days feel cooler.
Tequila Caipirinha
Tequila meets the zesty flavors of Brazil’s famous Caipirinha. It’s a unique mix that’s both refreshing and full of character, ideal for sipping under the sun.
Sandia Smash
Fresh watermelon blends with mint and lime, offering a juicy and refreshing sip that’s hard to resist.
Tequila Cooler
Sparkling club soda meets a splash of lime in this drink. It’s a simple, bubbly delight that ensures you stay refreshed.
Coconut Margarita
Creamy coconut pairs beautifully with a hint of citrus, making for a tropical beverage that transports you to a beachside paradise.
Mango Margarita
Luscious mango puree and a touch of lime combine, producing a sweet and tangy drink – perfect for those craving a fruity indulgence.
Strawberry Tequila Sunrise
You can swap out the usual with vibrant strawberry puree. The result is a layered, sunrise-effect drink that tantalizes the eyes and taste buds.
Tequila Popsicles
Frozen treats pack a punch with various fruit juices or purees. They’re the perfect way to beat the heat while enjoying a flavorful, icy delight.
Frozen Margarita
This classic blend of tequila and lime freezes into a smooth icy texture, delivering a cold kick perfect for hot days.
Watermelon Margarita
Ripe watermelon and tangy tequila mix, offering a sweet and vibrant drink that feels like summer in a glass.
Top Tequila brands for summer tequila cocktails
Certain tequila brands are often favored for summer cocktails due to their flavor profiles and mixability. While you can use any good-quality tequila in a summer drink, some brands especially shine in refreshing and fruity mixes. Here are some tequila brands that we often use in our summer cocktail recipes:
- Patrón Silver: This premium Blanco boasts a smooth, slightly citrusy taste. Use it in classic Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises.
- Casamigos Blanco: George Clooney co-founded this brand, known for its crisp, clean flavor. It shines in Palomas or fresh fruit-infused punches.
- Espolòn Blanco: Tropical fruit and vanilla hints characterize this spirit, making Pineapple Jalapeño Margaritas or Tequila Fizzes taste fantastic.
- Herradura Silver: This spirit offers a sweet and slightly spicy taste, ideal for a Spicy Mango Margarita or a Passion Fruit Punch.
- Don Julio Blanco: With a clean and dry finish, this high-quality spirit works wonders in drinks like Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas or Gimlets.
- Altos Plata: Made from 100% blue agave, its fresh and slightly sweet flavor serves as an ideal base for a Watermelon Cooler or a Daisy.
- Milagro Silver: This brand’s bright and crisp flavor suits citrusy drinks perfectly, be it a Classic Margarita or a Sour.
Summer tequila pitcher drinks
When considering cocktails for pitchers, choose those that are easy to batch, don’t require individual preparation, and remain consistent in flavor as they sit.
Tequila punches naturally suit batching and group servings, so they’re perfect for pitchers. They mix tequila with various fruit juices, sodas, and other ingredients to create a refreshing and tasty drink ideal for summer parties or gatherings. Some popular tequila punch variations we like to make include:
- Tequila Sangria Punch: Classic sangria meets tequila in this drink. Mix the spirit, red wine, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, and fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and berries. Sometimes, people add soda or ginger ale for some bubbles.
- Mexican Bulldog Punch: Think of it as a big Coronarita. Mix tequila, limeade or lime juice, beer (usually light or Mexican), and a hint of triple sec or Cointreau.
- Tequila Fruit Punch: Mix tequila and fruit juices like pineapple, orange, and cranberry. Add fresh fruits and a bit of soda for more taste and fizz.
- Spicy Tequila Punch: This one’s for the brave! Mix tequila, pineapple, lime, and a little agave nectar and jalapeño slices. It’s a sweet and spicy treat.
- Sunset Tequila Punch: This punch stands out with its color. Make it with tequila, orange juice, grenadine, and club soda.
- Agave Lime Punch: Keep things light with tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and club soda. Add some mint leaves if you want a fresh smell.
Tequila Mixers (Ready-to-Drink)
Tequila mixers, known as “ready-to-drink” (RTD) beverages, mix tequila with different flavors and mixers in one pre-made drink. These drinks make it easy because you don’t have to mix your cocktails. Here’s more about them:
Jose Cuervo makes a popular range called Authentic Margaritas, which includes tasty flavors like classic lime and strawberry lime. They also have the Golden Margarita that adds a touch of Grand Marnier. Cutwater Spirits crafts ready-to-drink cocktails like the Tequila Margarita and Tequila Paloma, both known for their refreshing taste.
1800 Tequila offers a line named The Ultimate Margarita, made with real blue agave tequila, and it comes in flavors like peach and classic lime. Cayman Jack creates premium cocktails, and their Cayman Jack Margarita and Cayman Jack Paloma stand out because they use real lime juice and blue agave nectar. Lastly, Rancho La Gloria makes Margarita mixers from blue agave wine, giving a unique Margarita experience.
These brands make it easy for us and anyone to enjoy tequila-based drinks without the fuss of mixing.
Other Summer drinks
If a summer tequila has won you over, explore our selection of other delightful cocktail recipes for your next drink:
- Summer Rum drinks mix bright, tropical tastes, perfect for sunny beach days or relaxed backyard gatherings. We love sipping on classics like the Mojito, the fruity Piña Colada, and the zesty Daiquiri.
- Summer Whiskey drinks have a smooth, rich taste, great for warm evenings. They mix the deep flavors of whiskey with lighter summer touches. Our go-to choices include the Whiskey Sour and the cool Mint Julep.
- Summer Vodka drinks are known for their clear, sharp flavor, these are flexible and refreshing. You can mix them with different fruits and herbs for a fresh twist. We often enjoy the Moscow Mule and the Bloody Mary.
More Cocktails Recipes
Looking for more cocktails outside of these summer drinks with tequila? Here are some more of our favorite cocktails:
Top Cocktails and Recipes List – From Good to Great, from Common to Popular – Our favorites.
30 Easy Cocktails with Simple Recipes to Make at Home – Effortless and quick.
40 Easy Mixed Drinks To Make at Home – Easy mixed recipes.
30 Classic Cocktails to make in 2024 – Classics and Timeless recipes.
Simple Summer Tequila Cocktails: Tommy’s Margarita (and 19 more)
Ingredients
- 2 oz Tequila Reposado or Silver
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- Ice cubes
- Lime wheel or wedge - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Measuring Jigger
- Strainer
- Old Fashioned Glass
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes to chill.
- Combine Ingredients: In the cocktail shaker, combine ½ oz agave nectar, 1 oz fresh lime juice, and 2 oz Tequila Reposado or Silver.
- Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and put the lid on tightly.
- Shake: Shake the mixture vigorously until the exterior of the shaker feels cold.
- Replace Ice: Replace the ice from your Old Fashioned glass with fresh ice.
- Strain: Strain the shaken mixture into your glass.
- Garnish: Add a lime wheel or wedge on the rim of the glass for garnish.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Tequila: I sometimes use mezcal for a smokier flavor profile if I run out of Tequila. It's different but equally delicious. For those avoiding alcohol, a non-alcoholic tequila alternative can work, too, although it will lack the complexity of traditional Tequila.
- Agave Nectar: When I don't have agave nectar, honey is a good substitute. It adds a different kind of sweetness and body to the drink. Remember, it's a bit sweeter than agave, so you should use less.
Making a Pitcher of Tommy's Margarita:
- Scale: To make a pitcher serving 8 people, you'll need 16 oz of Tequila, 8 oz of lime juice, and 4 oz of agave nectar.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients. Stir thoroughly until the agave nectar is fully dissolved.
- Serve: Serve over ice in individual Old Fashioned glasses, garnished with a lime wheel or wedge, and enjoy right away.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Tequila Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute available in the market, or if you're feeling creative, a dash of apple cider vinegar mixed with water can mimic the bite of alcohol.
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute and follow the original steps for a refreshing drink everyone can enjoy.
Making it Vegan:
- Agave Nectar: Luckily, Tommy's Margarita is already vegan! Agave nectar is a plant-based sweetener, making this drink suitable for vegans. Be careful when choosing a substitute for agave nectar; honey, for instance, is not vegan. Opt for maple syrup or simple syrup as vegan-friendly alternatives.
