If you are wondering what to mix with tequila, the answer can be almost anything. Tequila is a distinctive and versatile spirit that can be transformed into a variety of delightful cocktails beyond just margaritas (though we’d never exclude them). Pairing tequila with the right mixers and ingredients can elevate your drinking experience, whether you prefer the smoothness of a well-aged añejo or the vibrancy of a blanco. Getting creative with a tequila supply or replacing other drinks like vodka or rum that are called for in other cocktail recipes with tequila makes for a new and fun way to experience the beverage. However, there is nothing wrong with keeping your drink classic and simple, as long as you use the right ingredients.

Try out one of these cocktails at a get-together with friends. There’s a tequila cocktail to suit every palate and occasion, whether you enjoy it sweet, sour or with a hint of bitterness. Here are some great options for what to mix with tequila.

Classic Margarita

The quintessential tequila cocktail, the Margarita, is a timeless favorite that deserves a spot on any list of what to mix with tequila. Here is how to make this classic drink.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. fresh lime juice
0.75 oz. triple sec or orange liqueur
Salt (optional, for rimming)
Lime wedge (for garnish)

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge. Adjust the sweetness by altering the amount of triple sec.

Paloma

This refreshing cocktail highlights the crispness of tequila with a citrusy twist.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
Grapefruit soda (such as Jarritos or Squirt)
Grapefruit wedge (for garnish)

Build in a highball glass filled with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, top with grapefruit soda and stir gently. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

Tequila Sunrise

Tequila Sunrise is visually captivating and delicious known for its stunning gradient colors.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
4 oz. orange juice
0.5 oz. grenadine
Orange slice and cherry (for garnish)

Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in tequila and orange juice. Slowly add grenadine, which will sink to the bottom, creating the sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

Tequila Mojito

Try this tequila twist on the classic Mojito that brings a zesty, minty kick.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
0.75 oz. fresh lime juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup
4-6 fresh mint leaves
Soda water

Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass. Fill the glass with ice, pour in tequila and top with soda water. Stir gently and garnish with a mint sprig.

Tequila Old Fashioned

The Tequila Old Fashioned is a sophisticated choice for those who enjoy richer, smokier flavors.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
0.25 oz. agave syrup (or simple syrup)
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange or grapefruit peel (for garnish)

Combine tequila, syrup and bitters in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Express the citrus peel over the drink and garnish.

Tequila Sour

A Tequila Sour brings a balance of sweet, sour and the warmth of tequila.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
0.75 oz. fresh lemon juice
0.5 oz. simple syrup
Egg white (optional)
Lemon twist or cherry (for garnish)

Combine tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white (if using) in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously to emulsify. Add ice and shake again. Strain into a chilled glass and garnish with a lemon twist or a cherry.

Tequila Negroni

This tequila twist on the classic Negroni adds depth and complexity to this beloved cocktail.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
1 oz. tequila
1 oz. Campari
1 oz. sweet vermouth
Orange twist (for garnish)
Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange twist.

Spicy Tequila Pineapple Punch

This cocktail combines the sweetness of pineapple with a kick of spice for a tropical treat.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
3 oz. pineapple juice
0.5 oz. fresh lime juice
2-3 slices of jalapeño (adjust to taste)
Pineapple wedge (for garnish)

Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker. Add tequila, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Shake with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Tequila Basil Smash

Check out this refreshing and herbaceous cocktail that highlights the earthy notes of basil.

Here are the necessary ingredients:
2 oz. tequila
1 oz. fresh lemon juice
0.75 oz. simple syrup
4-5 fresh basil leaves
Basil sprig (for garnish)

Muddle basil leaves with lemon juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Add tequila and ice, then shake vigorously. Strain into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a basil sprig.