Tropical tequila cocktails that will have you thirsty for another

Certain spirits can bring a particular vibe. While bourbon might be part of American history and gin might conjure the British garden, tequila seems to offer a sip to escape. The blue agave plant flavors more than the liquor in the bottle. In a way, it distills a touch of that Mexican culture in every drink. With these tropical tequila cocktails, each beverage offers a little flavor escape.

Although many people might think of a margarita or a tequila sunrise, the Mexican spirit offers a lot of versatility. From a blanco to an aged anejo, each brand weaves in their own flavors. Those hints of vanilla or a bright citrus lend themselves to creative cocktail offerings.

Which tropical tequila cocktails quench your thirst?

Limonada

As the name suggests, this tequila cocktail is lemon forward. The combination of lemon juice and hibiscus tea blends the bright and the herbal. When paired with the crisp Tequila Don Julio Blanco, the result is delightful refreshment. On a hot day, it definitely goes down easy.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. Tequila Don Julio Blanco
• 1.5 oz. Lemon Juice
• 1 oz. Simple Syrup
• 2 oz water
• Hibiscus iced tea

Method:

• In a mixing tin combine ingredients (except hibiscus tea), add ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled Collins/Highball glass. Top with hibiscus iced tea. Garnish with a lemon wheel. Enjoy!

Tequila Mai Tai

Often a popular choice for that vacation vibe, this version of a Mai Tai uses tequila. The aged reposado brings a touch of nuance to the beachy cocktail. And, remember to use that fresh lime juice to help bring a little extra brightness to the glass.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz Lobos 1707 Reposado Tequila
• 1 oz Lobos 1707 Joven Tequila
• 0.5 oz dry Curacao
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz orgeat syrup

Method:

• Shake and strain over fresh pebble ice in a Collins glass. Garnish with an Angostura bitters floater, mint sprig and a dried lime wheel.
  
  The Summer Sol

Making use of seasonal ingredients is always a good option for a cocktail. In The Summer Sol from Casa Del Sol, the simplicity of this cocktail makes it a great choice. The juicy blueberries take center stage. With a touch of mint for a garnish, it invites you to take another sip.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz. Lemon
• 2 oz. Casa Del Sol
• 1 oz. Water
• 6 blueberries, muddled
• 1/2 oz. agave
• Mint – garnish

Method:

• Muddle blueberries with agave. Add ice. Add lemon. Add water. Add tequila. Add agave. Shake, shake shake. Pour over ice and garnish with mint. Drink. Repeat.

JAJA Mango Shandy

Many people love shandy as a sessionable beer that quenches the thirst on a hot day. This cocktail amps up the beverage with an extra pour of the JAJA Blanco. Adding in the mango, it feels like the best beach cocktail that you could want to sip your cares away.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz. JAJA Blanco
• 1 ½ oz. mango juice
• Mexican lager, to top

Method:

• Combine all ingredients in a rocks glass with ice and a Tajín rim. Garnish with a slice of mango.

Cincoro Blanco Agua Fresca de Sandia

An Agua Fresca has always been a popular Mexican beverage. While many versions are meant to offer a flavorful hydration option, this cocktail ups the ante a little. For the next backyard barbecue, this tequila cocktail is a must try.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Cincoro Blanco
• 2 oz Fresh Watermelon Juice
• .5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• .25 oz 1:1 Simple Syrup*

Method:

• Combine all ingredients. Shake & strain.
• Garnish: Lime or watermelon wedge. Kosher salt rim.

Howdy Honey

Honeydew melon is not a common cocktail ingredient, but it might be one that should be used more often. This cocktail from El Bandido Yankee highlights the flavor while enticing with a vibrant green hue.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila
• 2 oz honeydew juice/syrup
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 2 oz club soda

Method:

• Combine all ingredients into a shaker and shake. Pour into champagne coup and garnish with a honeydew slice

Hibiscus Limeade

When many people think of tequila, Jose Cuervo instantly comes to mind. While the brand’s margaritas might be legendary, this tea forward cocktail has a leisurely day in the sun vibe. And, if you garnish it with a flower, you might be dreaming of that perfect vacation spot.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila Plata
• 1 tbsp. Dried hibiscus flowers or 1 hibiscus tea bag
• 2 tbsp. Sugar
• 1 oz. fresh lime juice
• Lime wheel

Method:

• Steep hibiscus tea in 4 oz. boiling water. Strain out loose flowers or remove the bag. While warm, sir in 2 tbsp. of sugar until dissolved. Set aside to cool.
• Add ice to a cocktail shaker, then add tequila, lime juice, and sweetened hibiscus tea. Shake until frosty. Fill a Collins glass with ice, and strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Do you know of some tasty tropical tequila cocktails? What is your favorite tequila cocktail?