4 Tequila Cocktails That are Better Than a Margarita

Given past experiences (1 tequila, 2 tequila, 3 tequila, FLOOR!), you might hate admitting that tequila goes down smoothly and has a magic ability to pair perfectly with other spirits and food. But those are facts. Tequila is famous for its “exclusive” relationship with salt and lime but it has the potential for so much more. And while you may have tried a classic margarita on a night out, tequila is a great base for other sophisticated cocktails.

In honor of National Tequila Day, our mixologist Declan C. Khan from Flair Tech Bar Services hand-picked a few of his favourite recipes that are not only pretty to look at, but even better to sip on. Cheers!

1. Citrus Mojitarita

A sharp version to a citrus-type mojito, the Mojitarita fuses a perfect margarita and a crisp mojito’s profiles all in one refreshing cocktail. Here, fresh mint and lots of lime blend with silver tequila instead of rum. 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 7 mint leaves
• 1 orange slice
• 2 lime wedges
• 1 part Jose Cuervo Silver 1800
• 1 part Grand Marnier
• 3/4 ounce pineapple juice
• 3/4 ounce orange juice
• 3/4 ounce lemon and lime mix
• Lemon lime soda

Directions

1. Run a fresh lemon or lime wedge around the outside of the glass until it is covered with juice. Holding your glass upside down, dip the wet rim into the sugar. Press it down gently and twist until it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess sugar over a sink and allow to dry.
2. In a separate glass, muddle mint, orange and lime, releasing all its flavours and aromas. The longer you muddle, the more  flavour you’ll get.
3. Add ice and the remaining ingredients. 
4. Vigorously shake and pour into a stemless bulb. 
5. Top with lemon-lime soda and garnish with a mint sprig, orange twist and lime twist.

2. Southern Tequila 

• 

Inspired both by the traditional Tequila Sunrise and the Alabama Slammer this tequila twist uniquely balances sweet, strong and tangy taste profiles.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 ounces Jose Cuervo Gold 1800
• 3/4 ounce Southern Comfort
• 1 dash lemon and lime mix
• 1 dash Grenadine
• 2 ounces fresh orange juice

Directions

1. Gather all ingredients in a glass.
2. Shake and strain over ice in a Mason-type jar. 
3. Garnish with a long orange twist.

3. Expresso Mexicano 

• 

The creamy combination of coffee, hazelnut and almond half & half along with the dominance of gold tequila will soothe any palate making a perfect after dinner or wake me up cocktail. 

Ingredients

• 1/2 ounce sweetened black coffee
• 1 part Jose Cuervo Gold 1800
• 1 part Kahlua Hazelnut
• 1 part almond half & half

Directions

1. Rim glass and swirl inside with chocolate syrup. 
2. Combine ingredients with ice, shake and double strain into a chilled coupe. 
3. Garnish with a whipped cream dot and a fresh mint sprig, clapped.

4. Tequila Torch

Inspired by the famous “Tequila Torch”, this version will also transport its drinker to a tropical island, providing refreshment in every sip along with an explosion of agave, cinnamon and almond notes. 

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces Jose Cuervo Gold 1800
• 1/2 ounce Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey
• 1/2 ounce Disaronno Amaretto
• 1/4 ounce lemon and lime mix
• 3/4 ounce pineapple juice

Directions

1. Rim the glass with Cajun spice. 
2. Combine all ingredients with ice; shake and strain into chilled stemmed glass of choice. 
3. Garnish with a long burnt pineapple rind.