Tequila cocktails have emerged as the quintessential summer beverages, largely thanks to its starring role in America’s beloved warm-weather drink, the Margarita. However, there is much more to tequila than its association with this classic cocktail. The versatility of this agave spirit extends far beyond expectations, making it an ideal choice for year-round mixed drinks. Whether you prefer indulging in a rich and comforting concoction or savoring a boozy and warming beverage, these rich with depth tequila cocktails are perfect for enjoying during the cool weather. Discover the best tequila recipes to elevate your autumn beverage experience.
1. Oaxaca Old Fashioned
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned, an agave-based cocktail, emerged in 2007 and played a pivotal role in popularizing mezcal in the US. This innovative twist on the classic Old Fashioned fuses three agave elements. It harmoniously combines mezcal, a smoky agave spirit with a touch of oak aging from Oaxaca, Mexico, reposado tequila for a velvety texture, and agave syrup to mellow out the smoky notes. The Oaxaca Old Fashioned stands as a trailblazing creation that opened doors to a plethora of mezcal-inspired concoctions.
Experience the decadence of the Mexican Coffee, a robust coffee cocktail that rivals the traditional after-dinner digestif. Infused with earthy tequila, rich coffee liqueur, and topped with airy whipped cream, it exudes an indulgent flavor profile. This delightful warm cocktail serves as an exciting alternative to its Irish counterpart, making it the perfect choice to savor on chilly evenings.
Shaken’s founder, Lily Basinet, crafted the Manhattan Blanco, drawing inspiration from the classic Manhattan cocktail known for its rich and complex flavors, making it an ideal choice for colder seasons. The name aptly represents its lighter adaptation using blanco tequila. This exquisite libation combines equal parts of tequila, mezcal, Cointreau, and Dolinblanc vermouth, resulting in a potent concoction that envelops your palate with a smoothness reminiscent of the original Manhattan, leaving a velvety sensation with every sip.
Rosita in Spanish translates to Little rose, which pays homage to the drink’s vibrant ruby red color. This twist on the classic Negroni, featuring Campari as its base, offers a spirited cocktail experience. The Rosita combines reposado tequila with Campari, a balanced blend of dry and sweet vermouth, and a few dashes of aromatic bitters. This concoction presents a captivating departure from the usual citrus and tropical flavors found in most tequila cocktail recipes, offering instead a complex and intriguing alternative.
The El Diablo is a classic tequila cocktail that emerged in the mid-1900s. This exquisite concoction combines reposado tequila, crème de cassis, lime juice, and ginger beer. Originally known as the Mexican El Diablo, the recipe gained fame when it appeared in Trader Vic’s Book of Food and Drink in 1946, with the credit going to Vic himself. As time went on, the name was simplified to El Diablo. This delightful libation achieves a perfect equilibrium between the robustness of tequila, the zestiness of citrus, the sweetness of crème de cassis, and the spiciness of ginger. Savor the harmonious combination of flavors in the El Diablo.
The Death Flip first appeared in Melbourne in 2010, its ingredients shrouded in mystery. Many brave souls rose to the challenge and were pleasantly surprised by the extraordinary combination. It quickly grew in popularity, captivating everyone with its enigmatic blend. If the ingredients – tequila, yellow Chartreuse, Jägermeister, and a whole egg – had been revealed from the start, it’s unlikely that the Death Flip would have gained such a dedicated following. Even today, it stands alone as a Flip to achieve the modern classic status.
A contemporary variation of the 21st Century cocktail, the Golden Phone infuses blanco tequila, Lillet blanc, and crème de cacao, enhanced by half an ounce of yellow Chartreuse. This one-of-a-kind drink impeccably highlights the remarkable harmony between herbal and sweet flavors.
The Mexcian Boulevardier adds a tequila twist to a timeless favorite. By replacing the traditional bourbon with the barrel-aged añejo tequila, this variation, also known as a Tequila Negroni, presents a rich and boldly spirited option for tequila enthusiasts. It offers a refreshing departure from the usual tropical or citrus-heavy tequila concoctions.
The Codependent cocktail adds a creative spin to the traditional Carajillo drink. Combining Licor 43, espresso, reposado tequila, and coffee liqueur, this enticing libation offers a delightful twist. Perfect for indulging after a delicious meal, The Codependent provides a refreshing and unique alternative to the more typical Espresso Martini.
Crafted with añejo tequila, the Añejo Old Fashioned showcases a tequila variety that undergoes a minimum one-year aging process. This particular tequila, aged in ex-whiskey barrels, shares delightful similarities with whiskey, making it a perfect choice for an Old Fashioned riff. Combined with bitters and agave nectar, it offers a familiar and enjoyable flavor experience.
The Devil’s Margarita puts a spin on the classic Margarita by introducing a delightful addition of red wine. This unique concoction blends blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup, complemented by a topping of medium-bodied red wine. This heavenly drink bears resemblance to another cold weather classic, the New York Sour, which features a red wine float atop a Whiskey Sour.
The Oaxacan Tail is a delightful brunch cocktail inspired by Mexican flavors. Crafted using two distinct agave-based spirits, mezcal and tequila, along with botanical Faroamaro, cold-brew coffee, and a generous sprinkle of mole bitters, this caffeinated concoction offers a complex and indulgent taste experience. For those seeking an extra touch of richness, a splash of cream can perfectly complement the drink’s strong and flavorful profile.
Indulge in the delightful Pre Siesta cocktail, a mesmerizing salmon-pink libation that captures the perfect harmony of flavors. This exquisite drink harmoniously combines earthy tequila, zesty orange liqueur, bittersweet Aperol, and aromatic bitters, resulting in a captivating blend.
Experience the Latin Trifecta, an exquisite fusion of flavors from three Romance-language-speaking nations. Immerse yourself in the compelling combination of earthy Mexican blanco tequila, herbal Italian Cynar, and Spanish dry Oloroso sherry, artfully blended with a touch of orange bitters. Indulge in the delightful balance of savory and bittersweet notes within this remarkably harmonious cocktail.