I’ll admit that a frosty margarita is what initially comes to mind when I think of tequila. It was the very first cocktail I ordered when I turned 21 and it was my go-to drink for the better part of my twenties. While it’s true that a well-crafted classic margarita is a thing of beauty, there is so much more to explore when it comes to tequila-based drinks. The unique flavor profiles of each variety of tequila—bright and grassy blanco, rich and mellow reposado, dark and smoky añejo—make it so extraordinarily versatile that we no longer have to limit ourselves to traditional cocktail combinations. Have a Mojalisco instead of a vodka Moscow Mule, a Swiss Cartel over a gin Negroni, or The Federation in place of a rye Sazarac. There are even iterations of margaritas, such as rhubarb-strawberry and jalisco pear, that push the boundaries of what a margarita can be. Our favorite tequila recipes offer a road map to take you on an adventure of your choosing. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!
