Let's talk tequila. Spring break is right around the corner, and it's never too early to start prepping. Whatever your destination is this year, you'll definitely want to have a clear idea of what you will be sipping on while lounging on the beach. When it comes to drinking safely, especially with tequila, you want to make sure you actually know what's going into those classic tequila cocktails with an umbrella on top.
Don't sweat it, regardless of whether you choose to take tequila shots with a shot of sangrita on the side, with a lime wedge and salt, or as a mixed cocktail, here are a few classic tequila cocktails you should know about.
1. Margarita
You can't go wrong with a classic margarita. There are hundreds of different ways to make a margarita but the classic drink consists of tequila, triple sec, lime juice, sugar, and ice. Usually, the rim is covered in salt and a slice of lime is added for garnishing.
#SpoonTip: To make a frozen margarita, fill the blender with ice and crush it. You might also want to add more lime juice and tequila to enhance the flavors.
2. Tequila Sunrise
A must-have classic tequila cocktail for a day of drinking on the beach, a tequila sunrise follows the 6-3-1 rule, which makes it easy to remember: 6 parts orange juice, 3 parts tequila, and 1 part Grenadine syrup. The sweetness of the orange juice and Grenadine syrup masks the harshness of the tequila. Garnish your tequila sunrise with an orange wedge and cocktail cherries.
3. Paloma
The Paloma: 3 parts grapefruit soda (or grapefruit juice and club soda) and 1 part tequila, plus a grapefruit wedge and ice. The Paloma is a favorite classic tequila cocktail, as it is very refreshing and simple to make.
4. Tequini
It's a classic martini with a twist—a tequila base instead of gin. If you're into dry cocktails, this one's for you. Tequila (blanco or silver) is the base of this drink, combined with dry vermouth, angostura bitters (cocktail flavorings), and garnished with an olive or a twisted lemon peel.
5. Long Island Iced Tea
Caution: order at your own risk. This one's a killer. The Long Island iced tea is one of the strongest drinks you'll find on a drink menu. Choice of liquor? Everything. This drink has vodka, tequila, light rum, triple sec, and gin. It's mixed with cola, simple syrup, and lemon juice. It is then garnished with lemon slices.
6. Acapulco
The acapulco, named after the city of Acapulco on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is fruity and refreshing. This drink is made up of tequila, white rum, pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, and is served on the rocks (over ice).
7. Tequila Sangria
A tequila sangria has everything that goes into a classic sangria, plus silver tequila and agave syrup. Slice up some of your favorite fruits (lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries), a few mint leaves, then pour in lime juice, lemon-lime soda, white wine, silver tequila, and agave syrup for sweetness.
8. Tequila Sour
Perfect for a night out, this simple cocktail is composed of tequila, lemon juice, and sugar. Although similar to a margarita, a tequila sour is simply served over ice and garnished with a lemon or orange peel and a Maraschino cherry.
9. Mexican Mule
A traditional Moscow Mule (vodka, spiced ginger beer, and lime juice) gets a Mexican flare by replacing vodka with tequila, and there are a few jalapeño slices in there too. To make a Mexican mule, take tequila blanco, cointreau (triple sec), lime juice, ginger beer, plus lime wedges and jalapeño slices for garnishing.
10. Bloody Maria
You know those Bloody Mary cocktails that make their way around the table during Sunday brunch? Let's take it up a notch by adding tequila and turning them into a Bloody Maria. To make a Bloody Maria, add tequila, lime juice, tomato juice, and hot sauce, as well as pepper, and olive juice in a cocktail shaker. Pour the mix over ice and garnish with olives, cucumbers, or a celery stalk.
Next time you run into a cocktail menu, you'll know all of the tricks and gigs there are to know. And, believe me, you must at least try them all before you graduate.