# 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?

*By YPB Team · Published August 24, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-18-best-tequila-cocktails-of-all-time*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Margarita** — score 1000/1000
   The definitive tequila cocktail, shaking tequila, orange liqueur, and lime into a tart, salt-rimmed classic.
2. **Paloma** — score 709/1000
   A refreshing Mexican highball of tequila topped with grapefruit soda and lime.
3. **Tequila Sour** — score 558/1000
   A frothy, tangy classic built from tequila, lime, and simple syrup shaken to a silky finish.
4. **Bloody Maria** — score 506/1000
   A tequila-based riff on the Bloody Mary, mixing tomato juice and savory spices for a brunch staple.
5. **Oaxaca Old Fashioned** — score 506/1000
   A smoky riff on the Old Fashioned pairing tequila and mezcal with agave syrup and bitters.
6. **Sangrita** — score 506/1000
   A spiced tomato-citrus sipping shot traditionally served alongside straight tequila as a flavor chaser.
7. **Naked and Famous** — score 446/1000
   A modern equal-parts cult classic balancing tequila, mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, and lime.
8. **Mexican Mule** — score 378/1000
   A tequila twist on the Moscow Mule, combining tequila, lime, and spicy ginger beer in a copper mug.
9. **El Diablo** — score 378/1000
   A spicy-sweet highball of tequila, ginger beer, lime, and blackcurrant liqueur.
10. **Tommy's Margarita** — score 378/1000
   A modern margarita variant swapping triple sec for agave nectar to spotlight pure tequila flavor.
11. **Cantarito** — score 378/1000
   A Jalisco street classic served in a clay cup, mixing tequila with citrus juices and grapefruit soda.
12. **Tequila Sunrise** — score 298/1000
   A layered cocktail of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine that settles into a sunrise-colored gradient.
13. **Ranch Water** — score 298/1000
   A West Texas favorite mixing tequila, lime, and sparkling mineral water for a crisp, low-sugar sipper.
14. **Matador** — score 298/1000
   A tropical tequila cocktail blending pineapple juice and lime for a fruity, tiki-leaning profile.
15. **Batanga** — score 298/1000
   A rustic Jalisco highball of tequila, cola, and lime, traditionally stirred with a bartender's knife.
16. **Tequila Smash** — score 203/1000
   A muddled cocktail of tequila, fresh mint, and citrus served over crushed ice.
17. **Tequila Daisy** — score 89/1000
   An early tequila classic blending citrus and orange liqueur, the historical forerunner of the Margarita.
18. **Rosita** — score 89/1000
   A tequila-based riff on the Negroni, stirred with sweet vermouth, dry vermouth, and Campari.

Tags: drinks, cocktails, mexico, tequila