agave negro, tequila, cocktail, lounge, nature, bar, drinks, summer, refreshing, mexican, National Tequila Day
|

Celebrate National Tequila Day In Style: 5 Fresh Cocktails That Go Beyond Margaritas

ByAmanda Currier

Let’s be honest, Margaritas have had their moment. I love them, everybody loves them. But on a day like National Tequila Day, this is your excuse to branch out and give the rest of the tequila cocktail world a little spotlight. Because tequila is bold, vibrant, and full of surprises, and your glass should be too! Whether you’re hosting a get-together or just want something a little more exciting than your usual, these five tequila drinks bring the vibe, the flavor, and the fun. Let’s dive into what yummy drinks should be on the menu today!

What To Pour, Other Than Margaritas, For National Tequila Day!

Tequila Sunrise

This retro stunner is making a comeback and with good reason. Truthfully, I love a good margarita, but a Tequila Sunrise is where my heart lies these days! It’s simple, striking, and tastes like a vacation in a glass. The slow pour of grenadine creates that signature ombré effect, while the orange juice keeps it bright and citrusy. Serve it, anytime, but especially when you want a showstopper that’s easy to make, perfect for when National Tequila Day lands on a weekday! 

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz tequila (blanco or reposado)
  • 4 oz orange juice
  • 0.5 oz grenadine (poured slowly for the sunrise effect!)
  • Orange slice + cherry for garnish

Spicy Paloma

If you love a good contrast of flavors, like tart, sweet, salty, and spicy, oh yes, this one’s for you! The Paloma is already one of tequila’s most underrated cocktails, but once you add jalapeño, a chili-salt rim, you’ve got a bold refresh worth toasting to! Perfect, not only for a National Tequila Day celebration, but for any and all backyard hangs and nights out. 

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 2 oz grapefruit juice
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • 0.5 oz agave nectar
  • Top with sparkling water
  • Muddled jalapeño or chili rim for heat

Hibiscus Tequila Mule

Meet your new summer obsession! This floral-forward twist on the classic Mule swaps vodka for tequila and adds a splash of hibiscus syrup for color and a subtle tartness. It’s zippy, floral, and a little flirty, making it more than perfect for warm evenings, brunch, or when you want something light but a little luxurious feeling too!

What’s in it:

  • 2 oz blanco tequila
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • 0.5 oz hibiscus syrup (or brewed hibiscus tea + honey)
  • Top with ginger beer
  • Mint sprig + lime wheel to garnish

Torchlight

For those who like their cocktails with a bit of edge, the Torchlight blends tequila and mezcal with citrus and bitters for a smoky, sophisticated sip. It’s bold, moody, and not for the faint of palate; in the best way possible. Seems like the obvious choice for a National Tequila Day upgrade! 

What’s in it:

  • 1.5 oz reposado tequila
  • 0.5 oz mezcal
  • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
  • 0.25 oz agave syrup
  • 2 dashes Angostura or orange bitters
  • Orange peel (optional: flamed for dramatic effect)

Bala de Canón

This lesser-known cocktail certainly packs a flavorful punch! With the Bala de Canon, think tequila meets spiced liqueur, citrus, and a hint of smoke. It’s unexpected, perfectly balanced, and gives total main character energy, in an unexpected but completely welcomed way! An excellent choice if you’re looking to impress! 

What’s in it:

  • 1.5 oz añejo tequila
  • 0.5 oz Ancho Reyes (or another chili liqueur)
  • 0.5 oz lime juice
  • 0.5 oz pineapple juice
  • Dash of smoked salt or rim
  • Garnish with a chili or dehydrated pineapple slice

Final Thoughts

National Tequila Day is your perfect excuse to go beyond the basics and explore the bolder, more flavorful side of this incredible spirit. Whether you’re sipping something smoky, floral, or spicy, these cocktails prove tequila can do way more than you think, and taste better doing it. My tip? A recipe is great, but sometimes throwing together the basics at the end of a long day can be just as effective and delicious! No matter if you enjoy making things flashy or love keeping it simple, National Tequila Day is an excellent reason to pour something new and let your glass do the celebrating!

Amanda is a writer with Total Apex Media with a strong focus on astrology. She holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and has a lifelong passion for storytelling, which gives her writing a unique perspective. When she's not writing, you can find her indulging in her favorite things, including movies, TV shows, music, a good cup of coffee, and enjoying the sunshine, preferably with her toes buried in the sand. She's also likely searching for her next book to add to her already overflowing "to be read" shelf because she simply cannot help herself.

More Great Content