These Classic Cocktails Taste Better with Tequila

When you think of tequila, you probably think of margaritas. But there’s so much more to the agave spirit than that. In fact, did you know you can swap it in some classic cocktails? A tequila Old Fashioned? A tequila Espresso Martini? Yes, it’s possible—and it tastes just as good, if not better.

“Tequila’s versatility goes far beyond margaritas,” explains Lester Perez Solis, Senior Food and Beverage Manager at The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona. “Its ability to express terroir, age gracefully in oak, and interact uniquely with classic cocktail structures makes it one of the most adaptable base spirits behind the bar today.”

The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa

Before you start adding tequila to a traditional cocktail, you’ll want to be mindful of the type you are adding. Lester broke down his tips:

• Blanco: Best for bright, refreshing, and citrus‑forward cocktails. Highlights pure agave flavor.
• Reposado: Ideal for cocktails needing balance—light oak, vanilla, and spice enhance complexity without overpowering.
• Añejo: Best suited for spirit‑forward classics traditionally made with whiskey or rum, offering depth and warmth.

But most, importantly, Lester says you’ll want to look for 100% blue agave expressions with clean production methods when you choose a tequila. He advises avoiding anything overly sweet or artificially flavored expressions as they can dominate the drink rather than enhance it. You can decipher if the tequila is 100% blue agave by looking for the phrase “100% de agave” on the bottle, which is required by law and means there are no added sugars.

“The NOM number on the bottle identifies the distillery and can be researched for transparency,” he explains. “I generally avoid bottles that emphasize heavy sweetness, artificial flavors, or vague marketing terms like ‘smooth’ without production details. Brands that clearly communicate agave sourcing, cooking methods, and aging practices are usually a good sign of quality.”

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Ready to shake up some cocktails? Here are four Lester has reimagined with tequila:

Tequila Old Fashioned

“Replacing whiskey with tequila (preferably an añejo) brings forward warm agave notes, light spice, and hints of vanilla while maintaining the cocktail’s spirit‑forward structure. The result is slightly brighter and more layered compared to a traditional Old Fashioned. We recommend an añejo, tequila to mirror the oak influence usually provided by bourbon or rye.”

Tequila Manhattan

“Using a reposado or añejo tequila in place of whiskey creates a softer, more aromatic Manhattan with subtle sweetness and earthy agave character. The vermouth pairs surprisingly well with barrel‑aged tequila, producing a smoother, less tannic finish.”

Tequila Espresso Martini

“Tequila—particularly a blanco or lightly aged reposado—adds a clean, slightly herbaceous backbone that allows the coffee flavors to shine without the heaviness vodka can bring. The agave notes complement espresso’s natural bitterness and create a lighter, more vibrant cocktail.”

Tequila Martini

“A tequila martini made with a high‑quality blanco tequila is crisp, mineral, and bright. Compared to vodka or gin, it offers more personality and terroir, especially when garnished simply to let the tequila shine.”