3 Tequila Cocktails That Aren't a Margarita

We love ourselves a tasty Margarita (on the rocks with salt, please) any time of year. We really love Margaritas on Cinco de Mayo, but sometimes we want to change it up. 

Below are 3 of our favorite easy tequila cocktails that will help make you the cocktail star of Cinco de Mayo.

1. Long Faced Dove

• ½ oz tequila
• ½ oz Campari
• ¾ oz grapefruit juice
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ⅓ oz simple syrup
• ½ oz ginger beer

Tools: barspoon

Garnish: lime wheel

Glass: rocks glass

Combine the tequila, Campari, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a rocks glass. Add ice and stir, then top with ginger beer. Stir again, garnish and serve.

This recipe is scaled down from the original 6 servings; scales up easily for a crowd.

2. Rosita

• ½  oz Campari
• 1 ½ oz reposado tequila
• ½ oz sweet vermouth
• ½ oz dry vermouth
• Dash bitters

Tools: barspoon, mixing glass, julep strainer, Y-Peeler

Glass: rocks glass or coupe glass

Garnish: Orange peel or lemon peel

Combine the Campari, tequila, bitters, dry vermouth, and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled rocks glass or coupe glass. Garnish and serve.

3. Paloma

• 2 oz tequila
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
• 2 oz soda water
• 1 oz simple syrup
• Salt

Tools: Bar spoon

Glass: Highball

Garnish: Lime wedge

Combine the tequila and fresh lime juice in a highball glass with ice. Add a pinch of salt and stir. Top with grapefruit juice, soda, and simple syrup and stir. Garnish and serve.