22 of Our Tastiest Tequila Cocktails

Yellow-Watermelon Margarita
Noe Dewitt

Tequila is a quintessential ingredient in a number of delicious cocktails. The distilled spirit comes from the agave plant, and it's a must-have ingredient in so many different types of drinks. From classic tequila-infused creations, such the ever-popular margarita, to more unique iterations, our tequila cocktail recipes are sure to please.

For the margarita fans among us, you'll be pleased to know that we have plenty of options to choose from in the slides ahead. While the classic rendition is always great, try something new in the form of the Yellow Watermelon Margarita that's pictured here. This seasonal drink is a brighter, fruitier version of the tried-and-true recipe, and it'll make you reconsider everything you know about the cocktail. Another unique option is our Smoky Serrano-Mint Margarita which is packed with surprising flavors. Charred serrano chile is muddled with sugar and freshly picked mint for an unexpected but entirely refreshing sip. Another cooling option? Our Frozen Margarita, which is the perfect thing to cool off with by the pool. With just six ingredients and one step, the recipe is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

But it' important to remember that margaritas aren't the only tequila-filled cocktails out there. If you're a martini fan, then you'll love our Silver-Tequila Martini. It's made with dry vermouth, grapefruit, fresh pink grapefruit juice, and silver tequila for a delicious drink. For a sweeter option, try our Strawberry, Basil, and Honey Punch—serving 12, the recipe makes enough for a crowd. Fresh strawberries, basil leaves, lime juice, and honey come together with silver tequila for a boozy beverage everyone is sure to love.

From multi-step concoctions to options that are simple and new to you, explore our tastiest tequila recipes to find the perfect drink to add to your next happy hour.

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Ruby-Red Tequila Cocktails

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John Kernick

Despite its name, this simple three-ingredient cocktail is more pink than red. It pairs tequila with grapefruit and lime juice.

02 of 21

Tequila and Tonic

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Don't let gin have all the fun! Tequila can play nicely with tonic, too, as evidenced in this delicious drink.

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Bloody Orange Maria

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Chris Court

Upend your brunch routine with this riff on the classic Bloody Mary. It swaps out vodka for tequila and adds some fresh blood-orange juice to the mix.

04 of 21

Marfa Ranch Water

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Matthew Williams

Let tequila shine by pairing it with just two ingredients—sparkling water and limes. An Aleppo pepper-spiced rim keeps things interesting.

05 of 21

Mango-Mint Margaritas

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linda xaio

Purée mangoes with tequila, lime juice, and sugar the night before you plan to mix up these margaritas, and all that will be left to do is add the mint and club soda.

06 of 21

Guava Fresca with Mint and Ginger

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Homemade ginger-mint syrup is the piece de resistance in this sparkling guava cocktail. While it's delicious as is, it's even better with a shot of tequila.

07 of 21

Spicy Papaya Sunrise

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Sunny days get sunnier when you're sipping this tropical take on the classic Tequila Sunrise. Red jalapeño gives it a fiery edge.

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Strawberry, Basil, and Honey Punch

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Randy Harris

We can't decide what we like more about this summery punch: the whole bottle of tequila called for in the ingredient list or the combination of sweet strawberries and earthy basil.

09 of 21

Spiced Pineapple Cocktail

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Anders Schønnemann

Chili powder, sugar, and salt make an incredible spicy-sweet rim for this blended tequila cocktail.

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Silver-Tequila Martini

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Kate Mathis

Unlike any martini we've ever had before, this recipe combines tequila with dry vermouth, fresh grapefruit juice, and grapefruit bitters. A silver flake-sugar rim makes a festive final flourish.

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White Sangria with Tequila

white sangria
Bryan Gardner

Honeydew, English cucumber, lime, and mint leaves come together in this refreshing sangria that's made from tequila, elderflower liqueur, and white wine.

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Tequila Sunrise

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A tropical classic, this drink is just the thing to enjoy while sitting on your patio or by the pool. All it calls for is orange juice, tequila, lime, simple syrup, and grenadine.

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Paloma Cooler

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MIKKEL VANG

A drunken lime—a cored out lime filled with a shot of tequila—floats like an island in this cooling drink.

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Smoky Serrano-Mint Margarita

serrano mint margaritas
Lennart Weibull

Smoky sweet flavors combine to create this delicious update on a classic tequila cocktail. This recipe makes enough for two, and only takes 15 minutes to make.

15 of 21

Tequila-Cranberry Cooler

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Romulo Yanes

The hectic holidays become a little more bearable with this festive tequila cocktail, and this cranberry cooler is just the sip to make.

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The Taurus

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The essential oil from a strip of orange zest gives this tequila cocktail a wonderful perfume. Finish with a lime wedge.

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Frozen Margaritas

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Johnny Miller

A blender is the only tool needed to create these icy treats.

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Long Island Iced Tea

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Mike Krautter

This drink uses a half ounce of tequila, along with rum, gin, vodka, and triple sec, for a cocktail that is as tasty as it is strong.

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Texas Margarita

margarita lime orange
Martyna Szczesna

What makes a margarita Texan? We thought it was the size, but apparently, it's the addition of fresh orange juice.

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Elderflower Tequila Sipper

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Raymond Hom

Elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain, adds a crisp, floral note to this elegant cocktail.

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Citrus-Tequila Cocktail

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Vibrant, bright-hued orange and lemon juices sit atop grenadine, tequila, and ice for a sweet drink.

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