Summer is in full swing, so chances are you’ve already had a margarita or three. Yes, it’s a a great drink, if made well, but it’s become more than just a little ubiquitous. Come on, people. We can do better. In fact, tequila deserves some better company — at least from time to time. Contrary to popular belief, the agave spirit is extremely versatile. There are a wide variety of delicious bottlings to choose from and a number of excellent tequila cocktails to whip up. So, if you’re ready to extract yourself from the margarita rut, here are six tequila cocktails, and the bottles to make them.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/19825980/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
(Photo by wu yi)
1. Paloma
A perennial favorite, the Paloma is a well balanced refreshing summer cocktail. While some recipes call for a sweet grapefruit soda, we prefer fresh squeezed juice. It’s just better. We also prefer to start with a crisp blanco tequila like Patrón Silver. If the Paloma is not already in your repertoire, make this one first.
Ingredients:
- 2oz Patrón Blanco Tequila
- 2oz Freshly squeezed and strained grapefruit juice
- 1/2oz Freshly squeezed lime juice (juice from half a lime)
- Dash of simple syrup
- 1-2oz club soda
Directions:
Rim a highball glass with salt, fill with ice. Add tequila, juices and simple syrup. Top with club soda and stir. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/19826106/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
(Photo by Johann Trasch)
2. Bloody Maria
Yes, it’s a Bloody Mary made with tequila instead of vodka. But using an aged Anejo adds extra depth to the classic concoction.
Ingredients:
- 2oz Espolòn Añejo Tequila
- 3/4oz Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur
- 4oz tomato juice
- 3 dashes for Worcestershire sauce
- 2-6 dashes hot sauce (we prefer Tapatío)
- 2 teaspoons horseradish
- 1/2oz Freshly squeezed lime juice (juice from half a lime)
Directions:
Rim a highball glass with celery salt (mixed with chili powder if desired) fill with ice, add all ingredients and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge and a celery stalk.
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3. Tequila Mule
Simplicity, thy name is the mule. A perfect party drink, we recommend using Partida’s Añejo as the spirit’s tropical fruit and vanilla notes work well with the lime and ginger.
Ingredients:
- 2oz Partida Añejo Tequila
- 1/2oz Freshly squeezed lime juice (juice from half a lime)
- 2-4oz Ginger beer
Directions:
Some will shake all the ingredients with ice before pouring into a copper mug or cup, but we prefer to mix the tequila and lime over ice before topping with the ginger beer
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/19826748/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
(Photo by Cody Chan)
4. Firing Squad
The firing squad is a fantastic cocktail to make in large batch for your next pool-side party. While the traditional recipe calls for grenadine, we like to substitute an organic cherry juice for a tarter drink. You can also add a little simple syrup to if you prefer. Casamigos Blanco makes a nice base for this cocktail thanks to its citrus and vanilla flavors
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 oz Casamigos Blanco Tequila
- 3/4oz Fresh lime juice (the juice from about 3/4 a lime)
- 1oz Cherry juice
- 4-6 dashes of bitters
Directions:
Shake everything over ice and strain into a glass filled with more ice. Garnish with a lime.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/19827186/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
(Photo by Jez Timms)
5. El Diablo
The base of this recipe is quite similar to the mule, but the addition of the creme de cassis makes it a cocktail of a slightly different feather. The black currant flavored liquor pairs nicely with a minty, herbaceous, and earthy spirit like 7 Leguas Blanco.
Ingredients:
- 2oz 7 Leguas Blanco Tequila
- 1/2oz Crème de cassis
- 1/2oz Freshly squeezed lime juice (juice from half a lime)
- 2-4oz Ginger Beer
Directions:
Shake tequila, lime and crème de cassis over ice and pour over more ice. Garnish with a lime round on top.
![](https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/19826972/origin.jpg?strip=all&quality=95)
6. Añejo Fashioned
Indeed this is a tequila version of an old fashioned (perhaps our favorite cocktail.) We recommend using a rich añejo like Casa Noble’s. It’s sweet, spicy and complex with notes that pair well with mole bitters and orange.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2oz Casa Noble Añejo Tequila
- 4 Good dashes of mole bitters
- 1- 2 dashes of simple syrup
- Orange peel
Directions:
Muddle orange peel and simple syrup in the bottom of an old fashioned glass, pour in a tequila and bitters. Add a large ice cube and stir gently.
This article originally appeared on Fatherly. Follow @FatherlyHQ on Twitter.