Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the agave Tequilana plant, commonly referred to as blue weber or azul, and primarily grown in the Mexican state of Jalisco. It is a versatile and complex spirit that can be enjoyed straight or mixed into a variety of cocktails. Tequila has become increasingly popular in recent years, and its versatility in cocktails has made it a favourite among bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Just like wine, there are many different types of Agave based spirits, and Tequila is one of them. Find out more about how diverse the Tequila and the agave category is here.
In this article, we will explore some of the most popular tequila cocktails and their origins.
Table of Contents
Classic Margarita
The Margarita is arguably the most popular tequila cocktail and has become a staple in bars around the world. The origins of the Margarita are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the 1930s or 1940s. There are many variations of the Margarita, but the classic recipe consists of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, shaken with ice and served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Tommy’s Margarita
The Tommy’s is purest and most elegant of Margaritas, with only 3 ingredients, Tequila, freshly squeezed lime and a dash of agave nectar shaken with ice and poured over ice in a classic tumbler. The inventor of the cocktail is Julio Bermejo. Bermejo created the simplified version of a Margarita in the 1990s while working at his parent’s restaurant named Tommy’s.
Paloma
The Paloma is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that has gained popularity in recent years. It is believed to have originated in the Jalisco region of Mexico and is typically made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. The Paloma is often served on the rocks and garnished with a wedge of lime.
Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise is a classic cocktail that gained popularity in the 1970s. The origins of the Tequila Sunrise are uncertain, but it is believed to have been created in California. The classic recipe consists of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, served in a tall glass over ice and garnished with a cherry and orange slice.
Margarita variations
There are many variations of the Margarita, each with its own unique twist on the classic recipe. One popular variation is the Frozen Margarita, which is made with blended ice and often flavoured with fruit. Another popular variation is the Spicy Margarita, which adds jalapeño or other spicy ingredients to the classic recipe.
Tequila Manhattan
The Tequila Manhattan is a twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail that replaces whiskey with tequila. It is typically made with tequila, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and is often garnished with a cherry.
Tequila Old Fashioned
The Tequila Old Fashioned is another twist on a classic cocktail that replaces whiskey with tequila. It is typically made with tequila, agave nectar, bitters, and a twist of orange peel.
Tequila Sour
The Tequila Sour is a refreshing and tart cocktail that is similar to a classic Whiskey Sour. It is typically made with tequila, lemon juice, and simple syrup, and is often garnished with a cherry and orange slice.
Tequila Negroni
The Tequila Negroni is a twist on the classic Negroni cocktail that replaces gin with tequila. It is typically made with tequila, sweet vermouth, and Campari, and is often garnished with an orange twist.
Tequila Martini
The Tequila Martini is a twist on the classic Martini that replaces gin or vodka with tequila. It is typically made with tequila, dry vermouth, and a twist of lime or lemon.
Tequila Collins
The Tequila Collins is a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail that is similar to a classic Tom Collins. It is typically made with tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup, and soda water, and is often garnished with a cherry and lemon slice.
So, whose shout is it?
Tequila is a versatile and complex spirit that can be enjoyed straight or mixed into a variety of cocktails. The Margarita is the most popular tequila cocktail, but there are so many other variations for you to try. See you at the bar.