Great Tequila Cocktails

While many view tequila as a drink best served straight in a shot glass, the beverage is one of the most versatile spirits available. This spirit brings something different to the table, offering several styles for different tastes. Joe Canal's in Lawrenceville, NJ, carries a large selection of tequila options from the most popular brands, so let's look at what classic and modern mixed concoctions you can make with tequila.

A Quick Look at Tequila

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the Mexican Weber Blue agave plant. This cactus-like succulent is native to the country, and the beverage is legally produced in only five regions: Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Nayarit, and parts of Guanajuato. Premium tequila is made entirely from blue agave, while some "mixtos" options feature 51% agave combined with other sugars, such as molasses and corn syrup.

Generally, tequila is bottled at 70-proof (35% ABV) in Mexico and 80-proof (40% ABV) in the United States. It comes in a few varieties, including Blanco, a clear, unaged spirit, reposado (rested), which has a light gold color, and a more aged, Anejo style that appears vibrant gold.

Popular Drinks Featuring Tequila

Now that you know the basics, it's time to find your favorite tequila cocktail. Consider the following mixes, including their ingredients and simple instructions on how to make them:

• Margarita: This classic concoction needs no introduction and is a great cocktail to sip on a hot day. You'll need 2 oz. of tequila, 1 oz. of triple sec (or another orange liqueur), 1 oz. of lime juice, salt, and a lime wedge. Start by rimming your glass with a lime wedge and dipping it into the salt to coat. Then, combine your chosen tequila with triple sec and lime juice and stir. Finish it off with ice and garnish with a lime wedge for a refreshing beverage you won't want to put down.
• Paloma: If you want something like a classic margarita but with a tart kick, look to this fan favorite. All you need is 2 oz. of tequila (Blanco, if possible), a chilled bottle of grapefruit soda, and ½ oz. of fresh lime juice. You also can rim your glass with salt if you desire. Fill your glass with ice, and then pour in the soda until the glass is about a third of the way full. Next, mix in the tequila and lime juice and top it off with more soda. Perfect the cocktail by adding a lime edge for embellishment.
• Tequila Sunrise: A great cocktail for brunch, this mixed drink requires only 1 ½ oz. of tequila, ¾ cup of orange juice, and ¾ oz. of grenadine. Fill your glass with ice and pour in your chosen tequila and orange juice. Grab a spoon, turn it over, and put the grenadine on its back, allowing it to slide down the sides of the glass and settle at the bottom. Decorate the drink with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for extra flair. 
• Tequila Sour: For this recipe, you will need a cocktail shaker. While there are many variations, most require 2 oz. of tequila (preferably reposado), 1 oz. of lemon juice, ½ oz. of lime juice, a dash or two of Angostura bitters, and 2 tsp of simple syrup. Adding an egg white will give you a frothy surface. Place all ingredients in your shaker without ice and shake for 15 seconds. Then, add ice to the shaker and shake again for 30 seconds. Lastly, strain into a chilled glass and adorn with a lime wedge and a cherry for a professional touch.

While these mixed drinks have been popular for decades, plenty of interesting and exciting modern tequila cocktails exist, sure to open your eyes to this versatile spirit.

Start Making Great Tequila Cocktails Today

If you're ready to try out some of these tasty creations, let the team at Joe Canal's help you get started. Whether you have questions about which tequila style or brand to purchase (we carry all major brands, including Jose Cuervo, Patrón, 1800, and Sauza), or want to know what accessories you should have for your bar, our expert staff is here to assist.

We even offer local delivery services for those around Lawrenceville, NJ, and shipping throughout the state, and we ship wine to Florida and Washington, D.C. With an incredible selection of tequila and other spirits, wine, and beer, Joe Canal's will be your one-stop shop for alcohol. Contact us today with questions, or head over to our location at 3375 US Route 1 South, Bldg. 16, in Lawrenceville, NJ.