Say the word tequila, and images of shots, lime wedges and salt often come to mind. 
But it doesn’t have to be that way. For all of you tequila shooters and tequila newbies, you can be comforted to know that there are alternatives. Mouth-watering, scrumptious, and refreshing cocktails are available, and they won’t break the bank.
Tequila connoisseurs who are accustomed to margaritas, tequila sunrises, and other drinks that add additional liquors to the blend will be happy to get a glimpse at these money-saving, yet delicious recipes by bita ehsanipour.
5 Simple, Tequila-Only Cocktail Recipes
Picture this, you’ve invited a few friends over for a little soirée, get-together, celebration, pre-game, what have you… and you only have room in the budget for one selection of alcohol. Well? Make that one bottle work for you! These simple cocktail recipes require only one alcoholic ingredient: Tequila. And don’t worry, a few affordable filler ingredients – We’re not talking straight tequila shots here (But common, paired with a fresh lime wedge and salt, tequila shots are pretty delicious too!) Check out these simple recipes to find how you can whip up a variety of tasty, easy to make cocktails that are also budget-friendly:
1. Cinco Herradura
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz. tequila (Tequila Herradura Silver recommended)
- 2 oz. pineapple juice
- 2 oz. cranberry juice
- Splash of lemon-lime soda
- Splash lime juice
- Sugar for rimming and lime wedge for garnish (optional)
Directions: Fill tall glass or mixing glass with ice. Stir in tequila, fruit juices and soda. Add a splash of lime juice and stir again. Rim glass with sugar, and garnish with fresh lime wedge. Pour the drink into the rimmed glass and serve.
Adapted from www.cocktailtimes.com.
2. Horny Bull
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. tequila
- Orange juice
Directions: Fill tall glass with ice and pour in tequila. Stir 2-3 times. Top off with OJ and serve.
Adapted from www.fineartbartending.ca.
3. Juan Collins
Ingredients:
- 4.5 oz. tequila (Hornitos Plata Tequila recommended)
- 1.5 oz. lemon juice
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 9 oz. club soda
- Lemon wedge for garnish
Directions: Fill tall glass with ice. Add all ingredients, and stir. Garnish with lemon and serve. (Yup, it’s THAT easy!)
Adapted from www.barnonedrinks.com.
4. Paloma
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. tequila (blanco or reposado recommended)
- 6 oz. grapefruit juice
- Splash of club soda
- 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
- Salt or sugar for rimming (optional)
- Lime wedge and maraschino cherry, or grapefruit wedge for garnish (optional)
Directions: Rim glass with salt or sugar. Fill glass with ice. Add tequila and lime juice, and stir. Top off with grapefruit juice and soda. Stir again. Garnish and serve.
Adapted from cocktails.about.com
5. Salty Chihuahua (with Lemonade)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. tequila
- 5 oz. lemonade
- Splash of lime juice
- Lime wedge, and coarse salt or sugar for garnish (optional)
Directions: Rim glass with salt or sugar. Fill glass with ice. Pour in tequila and lemonade. Squeeze and drop in lime wedge for a splash of lime juice. Stir and serve.
Adapted from allrecipes.com.
You will undoubtedly please your guests when using any of these 5 different fruit juice and club soda bases to support the fine Mexican flavors of tequila. And, since many of these juices are typically on hand in most households, it’s easy to have an refreshing tequila drink at home, any time the mood strikes you. (It’s always 5:00 somewhere!)
At Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurants, we offer a wide variety of authentic Mexican food and drink, that of course includes tequila. Stop by any of our 3 locations to experience our flavorful dishes, refreshing cocktails, and prompt and friendly service. We welcome you.
Are you a tequila drinker? If so, what is your favorite tequila drink? If not, are you tempted to try one of the recipes listed above?