Wondering what to mix with tequila to level up your cocktail game? I’ve got you covered!
You’ll find the best add-ins, from lime juice to vermouth, soda, or agave syrup.
Top Mixers for Tequila
You don’t have to be a pro to make a quality tequila cocktail. All you need is the proper mixer for the job.
Create a fresh and light concoction with club soda. Make tequila bold with creme de cassis. Or take the easy route with lemonade.
Curious novice or cocktail connoisseur, these tequila mixers will help you craft the ultimate libation.
1. Club Soda
You can’t have a well-stocked bar without club soda! It’s one of the most versatile cocktail mixers around.
Top off tequila with it for a thirst-quenching beverage. The bubbles make it delightfully fizzy and refreshing.
It’s a great sipper for something low-cal that’s not fruity. If you want to spruce it up, add a squeeze of citrus fruit.
2. Ginger Ale
Many people are familiar with ginger beer and tequila in a Mexican mule. But if it’s too strong or spicy, try ginger ale.
It’s a toned-down version that’s still plenty sweet, spiced, and effervescent. The ginger pairs well with the oaky notes of a reposado.
For a milder version, you can use Blanco tequila.
3. Pineapple Juice
Bring the islands to your humble abode with pineapple juice and tequila. These two are a quick cocktail fix.
But don’t underestimate the flavor.
The sweet tanginess of the juice is a complementary mixer. Especially if you want something drinkable that’s not too fruity.
Bonus points if you serve it with a pineapple wedge and tiki umbrella.
4. Agave Syrup
Producers make agave syrup from a variety of agave species. One is blue agave (Agave tequiliana), where tequila comes from.
So, it only seems natural to mix the two!
Add it to tequila for a contemporary take on an Old Fashioned. Just be careful- it’s sweeter than sugar.
5. Orange Juice and Grenadine (Tequila Sunrise)
Nothing screams vacation like a tequila sunrise!
The layering of the drink looks like a sunset in paradise. If you’ve ever had one before, you know what I mean.
If not, grab that orange juice and grenadine and fix one up. Citrusy and sweet, it’s a radiating beverage that tastes like juice.
A word of caution- this drink sneaks up on you.
6. Triple Sec and Lime (Margarita)
When the warm weather hits, you can catch me celebrating with a margarita. It’s the quintessential tequila cocktail.
But don’t you dare reach for the cloyingly sweet store-bought mix!
Tequila deserves only the best, freshest ingredients. Instead, make it from scratch with triple sec and lime juice.
7. Grapefruit Soda (Paloma)
Want something a little fruity, fizzy, and fun? Reach for grapefruit soda.
It has the essence of citrus and the sweetness of soda. Combine it with tequila and tada! You have a Paloma.
This cocktail is a refreshing libation on a hot day. Plus, it’s easy.
8. Tomato Juice (Bloody Maria)
If you love a Bloody Mary, you have got to try a Bloody Maria. It’s very similar except there’s no vodka.
Instead, tequila and tomato juice are the backbone of this drink.
You can pull out all the stops with the fancy frilly toppings. Or keep things mellow and only add ice.
9. Creme de Cassis and Ginger (El Diablo)
For something a little different, try El Diablo. This cocktail is not nearly as scary as it sounds. But it IS dark… and sinfully delicious.
The creme de cassis and ginger beer turn tequila into a bold drink. It’s sweet, zippy, and complex. And yet, well-balanced.
If you prefer ginger ale, that works too. Want a dazzling presentation? Float the creme de cassis on top!
10. Beer (Corona Sunrise)
Kick back and relax with a Corona sunrise. It has everything in a tequila sunrise with one addition- beer!
Corona is the Mexican beer of choice. Thanks to the crisp body and clear glass, it creates a striking drink.
Of course, you could keep it simple with just beer and tequila. Add a lime wedge and enjoy.
11. Vermouth
For a stiff drink, add vermouth. From about 15% to 18% ABV, this fortified wine has a kick.
It’s very aromatic and full of notes of herbs and spices. Combined with tequila, it’s a starting point for many different drinks.
A Spanish Harlem, tequila martini, or Mexican-style Manhattan- to name a few.
12. Flavored Soda
For a super quick cocktail, add flavored soda. Pour the tequila into a glass, then top it off with any type you like.
Lemon, lime, orange, coconut, you choose.
Jarritos Mexican soda offers lots of fun flavors, too. Hibiscus, guava, pineapple, mango, fruit punch- so many to try!
13. Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Club Soda (Tequila Collins)
For a refreshing riff on the classic Tom Collins, try tequila Collins.
This cocktail ditches the gin for blanco tequila. Then mix it with lemon juice, simple syrup, and club soda.
It’s a refreshing libation to wet your whistle. Also, it’s a fantastic alternative for those who aren’t big on the botanicals in gin.
14. Coca-Cola
Do you like mixing Coca-Cola with whiskey or rum? Then, try it as a mixer for aged tequila!
The caramel and vanilla notes complement the earthy, fruity sweetness of the hard liquor.
And the cola has so much flavor that you don’t need to add another mixer. Although, a twist of lime is a delicious enhancer.
For a sweeter version, use Mexican Coca-Cola.
15. Lemonade
For a leisurely afternoon sipper, top off tequila with lemonade. Sweet, tart, crisp, and smooth, it’s the ultimate refreshment for a lazy afternoon.
But why keep it all to yourself?
Fix it in a pitcher for a big-batch cocktail. Then, when the neighbors stop by, you can offer them a glass.
16. Sour Mix (Tequila Sour)
Are you a fan of whiskey sours? Use tequila for a fun twist!
You get the tart and citrusy flavor you love from the mix. Plus, you get the bold kick of this hard liquor.
It’s a vibrant concoction you don’t want to miss.
17. Tonic Water
Tonic water is bitter, botanical, and sweet, making it a fine mixer for tequila.
It has an effervescent mouthfeel like other carbonated beverages. And you don’t need to add much else to your drink.
Just add a twist of citrus fruit, and it’s time to drink.
18. Ginger Beer and Lime (Mexican Mule)
There are many ways to doctor up a Moscow mule. And the Mexican version is one of my favorites.
The ginger beer tickles your taste buds with its strong punch. Lime juice is vital for imparting a bright flavor.
And the tequila? It holds its own while adding more depth and flavor.
19. Lime Juice
Quality tequila needs no sugary mixer to mask the smooth taste. Instead, enhance the flavor profile with lime juice.
Just a twist is all you need. It’s enough to give it a bright, zippy punch without distracting from the tequila.
If you want something with a bit more oomph, it’s a fantastic starting point, too.
20. Bloody Mary Mix
Every brunch-goer is very familiar with the Bloody Mary. It’s the hair of the dog you need after a night of too much imbibing.
But did you know you can also use it with tequila? Swap it out for vodka, and you have one killer Bloody Maria.
Clear tequila is the closest replacement.
Although, I prefer an aged type like reposado. The smooth, oaky, more full-bodied notes won’t get lost in the mix.