The 18 Best Tequila Cocktails of All Time

From salt-rimmed classics loved the world over to smoky small-batch pours only cocktail nerds order by name, this lineup spans the full spectrum of tequila's most iconic mixed drinks. Which one earns your vote?

1. 1
   Margarita

   The definitive tequila cocktail, shaking tequila, orange liqueur, and lime into a tart, salt-rimmed classic.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Paloma

   A refreshing Mexican highball of tequila topped with grapefruit soda and lime.
   709pts
3. 3
   Tequila Sour

   A frothy, tangy classic built from tequila, lime, and simple syrup shaken to a silky finish.
   558pts
4. 4
   Bloody Maria

   A tequila-based riff on the Bloody Mary, mixing tomato juice and savory spices for a brunch staple.
   506pts
5. 5
   Oaxaca Old Fashioned

   A smoky riff on the Old Fashioned pairing tequila and mezcal with agave syrup and bitters.
   506pts
6. 6
   Sangrita

   A spiced tomato-citrus sipping shot traditionally served alongside straight tequila as a flavor chaser.
   506pts
7. 7
   Naked and Famous

   A modern equal-parts cult classic balancing tequila, mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, and lime.
   446pts
8. 8
   Mexican Mule

   A tequila twist on the Moscow Mule, combining tequila, lime, and spicy ginger beer in a copper mug.
   378pts
9. 9
   El Diablo

   A spicy-sweet highball of tequila, ginger beer, lime, and blackcurrant liqueur.
   378pts
10. 10
    Tommy's Margarita

    A modern margarita variant swapping triple sec for agave nectar to spotlight pure tequila flavor.
    378pts
11. 11
    Cantarito

    A Jalisco street classic served in a clay cup, mixing tequila with citrus juices and grapefruit soda.
    378pts
12. 12
    Tequila Sunrise

    A layered cocktail of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine that settles into a sunrise-colored gradient.
    298pts
13. 13
    Ranch Water

    A West Texas favorite mixing tequila, lime, and sparkling mineral water for a crisp, low-sugar sipper.
    298pts
14. 14
    Matador

    A tropical tequila cocktail blending pineapple juice and lime for a fruity, tiki-leaning profile.
    298pts
15. 15
    Batanga

    A rustic Jalisco highball of tequila, cola, and lime, traditionally stirred with a bartender's knife.
    298pts
16. 16
    Tequila Smash

    A muddled cocktail of tequila, fresh mint, and citrus served over crushed ice.
    203pts
17. 17
    Tequila Daisy

    An early tequila classic blending citrus and orange liqueur, the historical forerunner of the Margarita.
    89pts
18. 18
    Rosita

    A tequila-based riff on the Negroni, stirred with sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and Campari.
    89pts