17 tequila cocktails

Looking for an affordable and eco-friendly way to keep your drinks cool? Check out the best reusable ice cubes and how to use them.

What is tequila?

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the cooked and fermented juice of blue agave. Most tequilas fall into three categories.

Blanco tequila is unaged and bottled within two months, and is typically used in cocktails. It usually has strong agave and earthy flavours.
Reposado tequilas have been aged in wooden casks for at least two months – which mellows the spirit and imparts oaky notes. Try them in cocktails like margaritas, or drink them neat.
Añejo tequilas are barrel-aged for at least one year and are typically very smooth to drink, with spice, vanilla and caramel notes – they’re perfect for sipping.

17 tequila cocktail recipes

Easy margaritas

Shake up this classic tequila cocktail then check out our refreshing twists for summer.

Margarita in a glass with copper cocktail shaker and a plate of limes behind

Paloma cocktail

For a softer and breezier alternative to a margarita, try this this tequila-based cocktail starring refreshing grapefruit.

Two peach-coloured cocktails in short glasses with salted rims and a wedge of grapefruit

Blueberry margarita

Blueberries take centre stage in this unique twist on a classic margarita, mixed with lime, tequila and triple sec.

A short glass filled with a bright red cocktail with a slice of lime and salted rim

Spicy margarita

Raise a glass to summer with this easy tequila cocktail with added chilli warmth – try swapping tequila for mezcal for a smokier flavour.

Margarita in a glass with salt-coated rim

Tequila sunrise

Add a dose of fun and kitsch to your next party with a classic tequila sunrise.

Blood orange margaritas

Here, the classic cocktail gets a beautiful ruby red hue thanks to vibrant blood orange. Add a large pinch of hot chilli powder to really make it sing.

Frozen margarita

This simple frozen margarita with blanco tequila only needs four ingredients, making it a brilliant no-fuss cocktail to enjoy this summer.

Pomegranate molasses is pomegranate juice that's been reduced to concentrate its flavour and create a kind of syrup. Here, it's matched with tequila, triple sec and fresh lime to make a refreshingly sweet-sour cocktail

A silver tray of orange cocktails on an orange background

Frozen peach margaritas

Nothing quite says summer like a frozen margarita and we've given it a fruity twist with this recipe for frozen peach margaritas. They're easy to make and perfect for a boozy dessert.

Strawberry margarita slushies

Stay cool this summer with these refreshing strawberry margarita slushies. These fruity drinks are super quick and easy to make, a perfect crowd-pleaser.

Strawberry Margarita Slushie Recipe | Strawberry Granita Recipe

Ginger margarita

Try this twist on a classic margarita with a ginger punch. The recipe comes from Spice Market, a South-east Asian restaurant in the W Hotel.

Cosmo margarita

Cosmopolitan meets margarita in this fragrant and sophisticated cocktail, made with hibiscus tea, tequila and triple sec.

Burmese margarita

This zingy cocktail is a fun riff on the classic. To make the jaggery syrup, mix one part jaggery with one part water in a pan, bring to the boil, then cool.

Lagerita cocktail

This lagerita takes the tequila from a classic margarita and adds beer. Make this quick and easy cocktail recipe for a simple drink this summer.

Watermelon cooler

This watermelon and tequila cocktail from Thomasina Miers is really refreshing for a hot summer day, and proves that tequila isn't all about slammers. Try serving it at your next BBQ.