While I was casually browsing Forbes looking for my future husband (kidding kidding… but not really) [ha!] I came across this article 9 Easy Tequila Cocktail Recipes For Summer. I am a vodka drinker through and through (I even named my dog after my favorite vodka brand), but I have been having urges to branch out lately. My sister is a tequila drinker [I definitely prefer tequila], so I thought, why not? I enjoy a good marg, maybe I should get on that tequila train! Problem is – I know nothing outside of margaritas and shots…
Now, at first I had every intention of making the drinks on this list, but let’s be honest, that would’ve been comical and I would probably hate every one of them because I am a horrible bartender. Worse off, I would end up on the floor because I have a tendency to do a heavy pour. SO, instead, I decided to just order them all out and see what’s up.
Here’s what ended up being my top five after I frustrated every bartender asking to make these:
#5 The Coco Añejo
2 oz añejo
1 oz pineapple juice
¾ oz coconut milk
¾ oz simple syrup
Splash of lime juice
2-3 slices of serrano pepper
This was an automatic no. I hate pineapple and coconut milk so it didn’t really stand a chance for me, personally. I gave it a shot [no pun intended], and it was one of the few on this list I could actually order at a bar. Well… it was just as milky and pineapple-y as I imagined and it did not get finished.
#4 El Coco Carlos
2 oz reposado tequila
1 oz coconut water
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz agave syrup
I usually don’t drink reposado tequila… I’ve always heard the clearer the better, right? [really? I’ve only heard of liquor before beer…?] Well, I gave it a try because of the coconut water. Why not hydrate while you dehydrate?? I’ll be honest – switch out the reposado for blanco and it’s gold.
#3 El Diablo
1.25 oz reposado tequila
0.75 oz crème de cassis
Lime juice
Ginger beer
Another reposado cocktail, but I saw ginger beer [yuck], which I love, so I thought I’d give it a try. I’m not sure what crème de cassis is – and was nervous it would be milky like the coco añejo… but it wasn’t! It tasted like berries, and I normally don’t like sweet – but this was a keeper.
#2 Ojo Azul
2 oz blanco tequila
2 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave syrup
½ oz blue curaçao
Let’s be honest… this is basically a skinny margarita [yummm]. However, it caused a lot of controversy amongst my friends. Who can taste curaçao anyway? Apparently, I’m the only one who thinks that… but blue is my fave color so that is a win for me.
#1 Paloma
1.5 oz blanco tequila
1 oz grapefruit juice
½ oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave nectar or simple syrup
3 oz club soda
This has always been my go-to tequila drink when I’m not feeling a margarita so it had a slight advantage over the others going into this. It’s a cute and simple cocktail that isn’t as sweet as a margarita, which helps with the hangover, and tastes delish [a little too sour for me]. If you haven’t tried this one – please do ASAP!
Barring the hangover, I’d say this was a very successful undertaking. I have a few new drink orders in my repertoire and can’t wait to try more. To be honest, I think I’m tequila-ed out after this little experiment… but still want to know – any other tequila cocktails I should try? [skinny, jalapeño margarita with a salted rim for me, thanks]
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