Tequila is a popular liquor that can be enjoyed on its own or mixed into a variety of cocktails. One of the most common mixers for tequila is soda. The carbonation and sweetness of soda helps balance out the strong flavor of tequila. But with so many soda options available, from cola to ginger ale, how do you choose what to mix with tequila? Here we’ll explore some of the most popular sodas to mix with tequila and provide tips on getting the perfect tequila soda cocktail.
What soda goes best with tequila?
When choosing a soda to mix with tequila, you’ll want to consider the flavor profile. Tequila has earthy, peppery notes that pair well with sweeter sodas that won’t overpower the tequila. Here are some of the most popular sodas to use in tequila cocktails:
Cola
Cola is one of the most classic mixers for tequila. The caramel notes in cola soda complement the flavor of tequila. Coca-cola is the most popular, but you can also use brands like Pepsi or RC Cola. The slight citrus flavors also help balance out the earthiness of tequila.
Ginger Ale
Ginger ale is another excellent choice for mixing with tequila. Good ginger ales, like Canada Dry, have a nice bite from the ginger that works well with tequila’s spiciness. The sweetness also balances the liquor. Use a more robust ginger beer if you want a stronger ginger flavor.
Orange Soda
Orange soda like Fanta adds a touch of citrus flavor that pairs nicely with 100% agave tequilas. The sweet orange taste helps mellow the sharp peppery bite. Jarritos and Sunkist are other good orange soda brands.
Grapefruit Soda
For a bit of tartness, grapefruit soda such as Squirt or Fresca makes an excellent tequila mixer. The citrusy grapefruit flavors complement the agave notes in a good tequila. Grapefruit soda also has a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness.
Lemon-Lime Soda
For a crisp, refreshing cocktail, mix tequila with lemon-lime soda like Sprite or 7UP. The lemon and lime provide the right balance of sweet and tart to complement white tequilas. Fresca is another citrus-forward soda that pairs well.
Root Beer
Root beer offers unique flavors like sassafras, vanilla, and anise that make an interesting match for tequila. Quality root beers like Virgil’s or Henry Weinhard’s have robust herbal flavors that stand up to tequila’s boldness. Add a squeeze of lime too.
What tequila is best with soda?
While any tequila can be mixed with soda, 100% agave tequilas tend to make the tastiest cocktails. Mixto or low-quality tequilas with added sugars and flavorings don’t complement the soda’s flavors as well.
For a mixed soda drink, blanco/silver tequilas are a good choice. They have the purest agave flavors that pair nicely with soda. Reposados and añejos can work too but their oaky notes may overpower light citrus sodas.
Flavorful highland tequilas are great with spicy ginger ale or cola. Earthy lowland tequilas match well with orange, grapefruit or lemon-lime sodas. For a crisp, light cocktail, use a floral highland tequila.
Here are some recommended tequila brands for mixing with soda:
| Tequila Type | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|
| Blanco | Espolòn, Olmeca Altos, Cazadores |
| Reposado | Patròn, Hornitos, Sauza |
| Añejo | Don Julio, Casa Noble, 1800 |
Mixing tips for tequila soda cocktails
Here are some tips for mixing up tasty tequila and soda cocktails:
– Use a highball glass filled with ice. This allows the drink to stay cold and nicely diluted.
– Combine tequila and soda in a 1:3 ratio. For example, 1 oz tequila with 3 oz soda. Adjust ratios to taste preference.
– Garnish with a lime or lemon wedge or orange slice. The citrus oils help bring out the flavors.
– For extra flavor, add a dash of bitters like Angostura. Bitters complement the botanicals in tequila.
– Make a simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water to balance strong flavors. Start with 1⁄2 oz.
– Shake or stir the cocktail gently to integrate flavors, but avoid overmixing to preserve carbonation.
– Consider salting your glass rim for a touch of salty-sweet margarita flavor.
– Infuse tequila with fruits, herbs or spices for enhanced flavor. Pineapple, lime, jalapeño and cinnamon work well.
– Use a flavored soda like cherry, vanilla or black cherry for a unique twist. Just avoid very strong flavors that will overpower tequila.
5 delicious tequila and soda cocktail recipes
Now that you know how to mix tequila and soda, here are some tasty cocktail recipes to try:
Tequila Sunrise
The gorgeous layers of color make this cocktail a sight to behold.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white tequila
– 4-6 oz orange juice
– 1-2 oz grenadine
– Orange slice garnish
Directions:
Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour in tequila and orange juice. Top slowly with grenadine so it sinks and separates into layers. Garnish with an orange slice.
Paloma Cocktail
This refreshing grapefruit tequila soda is the perfect summer sipper.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila reposado
– 3-4 oz grapefruit soda
– 1⁄2 oz fresh lime juice
– Lime wedge garnish
Directions:
In a chilled glass filled with ice, combine tequila, grapefruit soda and lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
Tequila Ginger Ale
The classic combination of tequila and ginger ale always satisfies.
Ingredients:
– 1 1⁄2 oz tequila blanco
– 4-5 oz ginger ale
– Lime wedge garnish
Directions:
Fill a highball glass with ice and add tequila. Top with ginger ale and stir. Squeeze a lime wedge over top and drop into drink.
Matador
This cocktail combines pineapple soda and tequila for a tropical flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 1⁄2 oz silver tequila
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1⁄2 oz lime juice
– 3-4 oz pineapple soda
– Pineapple wedge garnish
Directions:
Combine tequila, pineapple juice and lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice. Top with pineapple soda. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Tequila Fresca
The simple combination of tequila and Fresca makes a 3-ingredient delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 1⁄2 oz tequila reposado
– 4-5 oz Fresca
– Lime wedge garnish
Directions:
In a highball glass filled with ice, pour in tequila and top with Fresca. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Conclusion
Soda is an ideal mixer for tequila cocktails. Cola, ginger ale and citrus sodas like orange, grapefruit or lemon-lime pair best with tequila. Look for 100% agave tequila blanco or reposado for the most mixable flavor. Aim for a 1:3 tequila to soda ratio and add fresh citrus juices or garnishes. With the right combination of quality tequila and complementary soda flavors, you can easily mix up refreshing cocktails perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your favorite tequila soda combinations. ¡Salud!