The Best and Worst Mixers for Tequila

To merely describe tequila, which is as ancient as the Aztec civilization, as a ‘smoky spirit’ would be like reducing coffee to a ‘bitter beverage.’ As the respected Academia Patrón illustrates via a well-designed tequila tasting wheel, the spirit’s aromas and flavors can be organized by ‘weight.’ While every tequila’s ‘light’ notes (for example, floral or fruity) are quick to come to the fore, ‘heavier’ characteristics lay just beneath the surface, and can be further broken down into secondary (tropical or stone fruit) and tertiary (peach or plum) notes.

That said, all tequila is ‘species-specific,’ and by that, we mean that the spirit must specifically be spun from the agave tequilana (on the contrary, mezcal can be made from as many as 50 different species of agave). This lends tequila an overarching flavor profile that’s quite pronounced. As such, pair tequila with mixers with extra care.

We’re saving you the trouble of wasting time, effort, and tequila with this straightforward list of ‘dos and don’ts.

Citrus - As exemplified by two of the world’s most popular tequila cocktails, namely the Margarita and the Tequila Sunrise, citrus — no matter if it’s juices, garnishes, or citrus-flavored spirits — nicely counterbalances tequila’s pungency.

Herbs - Since the agave-based spirit naturally comes with herbal notes, it is more than compatible with fresh herbs, which can be used as garnishes or spun into syrups — or both.

Cream of coconut - Many oppose mixing dairy and spirits with vehemence and in most cases, we would agree. However, we have to make an exception for cream of coconut and tequila, which go great together in a Coconut Margarita.

Soda water - Needless to say, this neutral mixer pairs with just about anything and everything. Watering down a tequila-based cocktail with soda water makes it more approachable for newbies and even naysayers.

Sweet sodas - Ginger beer’s spicy kick makes it a worthy adversary for tequila’s heady flavor. You also can’t go wrong with Coca-Cola, which is the world’s most popular carbonated beverage for good reason; it matches most spirits, including tequila, and both can be found in Mexico’s beloved Batanga cocktail.

Kombucha - A fermented black tea beverage that’s taken the world by storm, kombucha is just as delicious on its own as with mixers. It brings some effervescence and funk to tequila in this Mexicado cocktail.

Artificial sweeteners - Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and stevia often impart an aftertaste, which may clash with and detract from tequila’s natural flavors.

Dairy - As far as taboos go, this one really takes the cake. Tequila curdles when mixed with milk, cream, or any other dairy product, and may sit funny in your stomach.

Energy drinks and coffee - Sure, it’s occasionally done (we’re looking at you, Vodka Redbull), but pairing tequila and caffeinated beverages presents health risks, as it masks the depressant effects of alcohol and encourages binge drinking.

With the above information at your fingertips, it’s time to find your favorite tequila mixer. However, remember that overindulging has its consequences, such as loss of balance — as the popular drinking rhyme goes, “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor!”