Got a bottle of tequila? Don’t just think about margaritas; you can do so much more! We’ve found the best combinations for exciting drinks; many only need 2 ingredients. We’ve got juices, sodas (coke, tonic, lemonade…), syrups, and other good stuff.
We’ve combined recommendations from top tequila brands like Olmeca Altos, Patron, and 1800 with the wisdom of our DrinksWorld bartenders to create a definitive list of the best tequila mixers.
Scroll down to find out what you should avoid mixing with tequila.
What is good to mix with tequila?
Whether you have Silver, Gold, Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo, we list the best combinations to drink tequila with below.
Soda water
Soda water is the best mixer for tequila because it enhances the spirit’s natural flavors without adding sweetness. To get your Tequila Soda, mix 1 part liquor to 2 parts soda water, add ice, and garnish with a lime wedge. A simple and easy 2-ingredient low-carb cocktail!
Soda Water is also popular in Mojito and Gin Fizz.
Cola
Ideal for a “Batanga.” Cola is a top choice as soda to mix as its sweetness complements tequila’s boldness. Mix 1 part tequila with 2 parts cola over ice and a touch of lime juice.
Cola also stars in the classic Cuba Libre.
Lemonade
Lemonade is a good mix for a refreshing Tequila Lemonade. The sweetness and tartness of lemonade blend well with the spirit. Combine 1 part tequila with 2 parts lemonade over ice, stir, and serve.
Lemonade is also a key mixer with Vodka Lemonade.
Sprite
Mixing with Sprite or similar lemon-lime sodas is also a good choice. The lemon-lime taste and sweetness of Sprite perfectly complement the spirit’s flavors. Check the Tequila Slammer to get an idea of the proportions. Also, combining lemon-lime sodas with tequila is particularly useful when you’re craving a margarita but don’t have all the required ingredients on hand.
More Cocktails with Sprite.
Orange juice (& Grenadine)
Key for a Tequila Sunrise cocktail. Mix 2 parts tequila with 4 parts orange juice, add ice, then slowly pour grenadine for a sunrise effect.
Just orange juice also shines in a Tequila Screwdriver or with vodka.
Triple Sec
Triple sec adds a citrusy sweetness, perfect for a Classic Margarita. Mix 2 parts tequila with 1 part triple sec, 1/2 part lime juice, and a splash of simple syrup, shake with ice and serve in a chilled glass.
Get the full Margarita Recipe here.
Tonic water
Perfect for adding a slightly bitter and fizzy touch. For a Tequila and Tonic, mix 1 part tequila with 2/3 parts tonic water, add ice and garnish with a lime wedge for a refreshing twist.
Tonic water is also a staple in Gin and Tonics.
Tomato juice
Ideal for a savory Bloody Maria. Mix 1 part tequila with 2-3 parts tomato juice, add citrus juice, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, then serve with a celery stalk.
Tomato juice is crucial in the classic Bloody Mary with vodka.
Grapefruit juice (or Grapefruit soda)
Grapefruit juice is the key to a Paloma cocktail. Combine 1 part tequila with 2 parts of grapefruit soda, add a splash of lime juice, and serve over ice with a salt rim.
Grapefruit juice also stars in the Greyhound cocktail with vodka.
Aloe vera
Aloe Vera offers a unique, smooth taste, creating a refreshing, health-oriented cocktail. For this ‘Vera Blanco’ cocktail, mix 2 oz tequila, 0.5 oz aloe vera liqueur, 0.5 oz honey syrup, 0.5 oz cucumber juice, and 0.75 oz fresh lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Aloe vera juice is known for its health benefits and is gaining popularity in various cocktail recipes for a fresh twist.
Coconut water
Mixing coconut water and a lime splash gives you a tropical, refreshing drink. For this ‘Blanco Coco’ cocktail, mix tequila with coconut water in a 2:3 ratio, add lime juice, ice, and enjoy.
Pineapple juice
Pineapple Juice adds a sweet and tart tropical twist, perfect for a Pineapple Tequila cocktail. Mix 1 part tequila with 2 parts pineapple juice, serve over ice. Pineapple matches the best with reposado due to its tropical sweetness and acidity, which balance the oak and vanilla notes.
Essential in other tropical drinks like the Piña Colada.
Watermelon
Fresh watermelon juice brings a sweet and refreshing summer flavor to tequila cocktails. Blend fresh watermelon with tequila and serve chilled. A favorite in summer cocktails for its hydrating qualities.
Lemon
Lemon juice adds a sharp, tangy contrast, great for a Tequila Sour. Mix 1 part tequila with 1/2 part lemon juice and a dash of simple syrup, and serve over ice. A staple in our sour cocktails. Top this off with club soda and get a Tequila Collins (aka Juan Collins or José Collins).
Other favorites with lemon are Whiskey Sour, Lemon Drop Martini, and the Tom Collins.
Prickly pear syrup
Prickly pear syrup brings a unique, sweet, and slightly tart flavor, perfect for a Prickly Pear Margarita. Mix 3 parts tequila, 2 parts prickly pear syrup, 2 parts lime juice, add a dash of triple sec, and serve over ice for a vibrant, fruity cocktail.
Ginger ale/Ginger beer
Ginger ale or Ginger beer adds a spicy, sweet fizz, making it ideal for a Mexican Mule. Combine 1 part tequila with 2 parts ginger beer, add lime juice, and serve over ice for a refreshing and zesty drink.
Vermouth
Vermouth creates a sophisticated blend suitable for Tequila Manhattan. Mix 1 part tequila with 1/2 part sweet vermouth, add a dash of Angostura bitters, and serve chilled, garnished with a cherry for a classic with a twist.
Espresso
Espresso mixes with tequila for a bold, energizing Tequila Espresso Martini. Combine 2 parts tequila with 1 part espresso, add a touch of coffee liqueur and a dash of simple syrup, and serve for a rich, coffee-flavored cocktail.
Apple juice
Apple juice adds a sweet, fruity twist, ideal for a Tequila Apple Fizz. Mix tequila with apple juice, add a splash of lemon juice, and serve over ice for a refreshing, apple-infused drink.
Beer (Light Lager)
Beer, particularly light lagers, can be combined for a Beergarita. In this drink, tequila is mixed with beer and a splash of lime juice and served over ice for a unique, bubbly cocktail perfect for casual gatherings.
Crème de Cassis
Mix tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger beer to make an El Diablo. Pour this mix over ice for a drink with a spicy, berry taste. It’s perfect for anyone who likes their cocktails with a mix of sweet and tart flavors.
Mango
To make a Tequila Mangonada, mix mango with tequila and add lime juice and chili powder for a spicy-sweet taste. Another option is the Mango Tequila Sunrise. Mix 1 part liquor with 2 parts mango nectar, add a splash of grenadine, and serve over ice for a colorful, sweet cocktail.
What NOT to Mix With Tequila
Mixing drinks can be an art, but knowing what not to mix with tequila is important to avoid spoiling your cocktail.
Avoid mixing creamy liquors like Bailey’s Irish Cream, as they can curdle. Mint and overly sweet mixers such as fruit purees and pre-made cocktail mixes can also overpower the spirit’s unique flavor. It’s better to stick with lighter options like soda or lime juice.
When these ingredients are used carefully, we should note that they can add a refreshing touch to a tequila-based cocktail. But this requires a delicate balance so the flavors complement rather than compete.
How Do Mexicans Drink Tequila?
In Mexico, tequila is traditionally enjoyed in a simple, pure form. Here’s how:
- Neat: This means it is without mixers or ice. Sipping is the best way to drink as it allows you to fully appreciate the flavors and quality of the spirit.
- Slow Sipping: Mexicans usually savor the liquor slowly. They enjoy it in a way that’s similar to sipping a fine whiskey or scotch.
- With Sangrita: Sometimes, tequila is accompanied by a small glass of sangrita, a traditional Mexican chaser made from tomato juice, orange juice, lime juice, and spices. It’s sipped alternately with the tequila.
While popular in movies and bars globally, licking salt off your hand and biting a lime after a shot is less common in traditional Mexican consumption.
Classic Tequila Cocktails
We feature a bunch of mezcal and tequila cocktails on DrinksWorld. A grasp from our collections:
- 50 Tequila Drinks—Easy Tequila Cocktail Recipes to Mix at Home
- 20 Summer Tequila Cocktails—Easy Recipes to Try
- Mezcal Cocktails and Recipes to Make at Home
Shop Our Favorite Tequila Brands to mix
- Patrón
- Don Julio
- Jose Cuervo
- Herradura
- Espolòn
FAQs
What is the healthiest mixer for tequila?
The healthiest mixer for tequila is soda water or club soda, as it is calorie-free and carb-free and adds carbonation without any sugar or artificial ingredients. Unsweetened iced herbal tea is also a healthy option; it adds interesting flavors without extra calories and is also carb-free.
What’s the easiest mixer for tequila?
Soda water or club soda is the most straightforward tequila mixer; all you need to do is combine them for a simple and refreshing drink.
What makes tequila easier to drink?
Using a chaser like sangrita or a simple mixer such as soda water can balance the strong flavors, making it easier to drink. Furthermore, higher quality tequila, especially those labeled “100% Agave,” tends to be smoother and less harsh.
What to mix with tequila gold?
Mix Triple Sec with lime or agave syrup for an excellent margarita. Tequila Gold adds a warm caramel note.
