This Easy Mexican Tequila Cocktail Is "Summer in a Cup" (I'm Not Drinking Anything Else!)

Yahoo

19-07-2025

Vibrant and refreshing, Cantaritos are a classic Mexican cocktail made from a mix of tequila and fresh citrus juices (usually lime, orange and grapefruit) that's topped with grapefruit soda and sea salt. While they're often compared to a paloma, Cantaritos stand out for their use of multiple citrus juices and their lively, earthy presentation. The drink is traditionally served in cantaritos, or clay cups, that are oftentimes unglazed to allow the clay to infuse into the drink, which adds a mild, mineral earthy note to complement the tequila and the citrus (I personally believe the clay cups add immense flavor to the drink). The unglazed cups also let the clay remain porous and breathable, which helps keep the drink cool while adding rustic charm.
My family is from a small town just 30 minutes from Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, so I grew up watching them being made in their native state and also here in America, bringing home all their joy and tradition. Cantaritos are often sold at roadside stands throughout the town of Tequila, and you'll find them in plazas (town squares) all over Mexico, especially during las fiestas patrias (independence day celebrations) where they're served as a festive way to celebrate. It's traditional to see both small, individual-sized cantaritos and very large cantaritos that can hold bottles of tequila at a time (those are meant to be shared with friends and family during large gatherings and celebrations).
Cantaritos are easy to make, full of bright flavor, and perfect for warm days, backyard gatherings like carne asadas (more than just grilled meats, this is a social event in Mexican culture where family and friends come together to barbecue, celebrate, and enjoy good food), or anytime you want to sip on something that feels like sunshine in a cup.
Why You'll Love It
It's incredibly refreshing. Cantaritos combine zesty citrus juices, bubbly grapefruit soda, and smooth tequila, making every sip served over ice vibrant and refreshing.
So simple to make. Cantaritos is a stir-and-serve kind of cocktail, making it zero fuss and all reward.
Key Ingredients in Cantaritos
Squirt:The traditional grapefruit soda seen in Jalisco that gives Cantaritos their signature citrusy fizz.
Sea salt: Enhances the bright citrus and tequila flavors in this cocktail as well as balances an almost savory edge that makes every sip vibrant and refreshing.
Grapefruit juice: Adds a tangy, slightly bitter flavor to the cocktail that enhances the tequila while balancing the sweetness of Squirt.
How to Make Cantaritos
Combine citrus juices together. Stir lime juice, grapefruit juice, orange juice, silver tequila, and sea salt together in a liquid measuring cup or cocktail shaker until the salt is mostly dissolved.
Fill glasses with ice, top with grapefruit soda, and garnish. Fill cantaritos (or Collins glasses) halfway with ice. Divide the cocktail among the glasses. Top each glass with chilled Squirt soda. Garnish with a sprinkle of salt and lime and orange slices if desired.
Helpful Swaps
While Squirt is traditionally seen in Jalisco, Jarritos or other grapefruit sodas can be used instead.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The citrus-tequila mixture can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time; just top with ice and Squirt before serving.
What to Serve With Cantaritos
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Mexican Street Corn
Pambazos (Mexican Chorizo and Potato Sandwiches)
Classic Guacamole
Aguachile
Cantaritos Recipe
Bold tequila, fresh citrus juice, and bubbly grapefruit soda are perfect together in this summery cocktail.
Prep time 8 minutes
Serves 2
Ingredients
3 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (2 to 3 medium limes)
2 ounces freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (about 1/2 medium grapefruit)
2 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 medium orange)
2 ounces silver or blanco tequila
1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt, plus more for garnish
4 ounces chilled Squirt or Jarritos grapefruit soda, divided
Lime and/or orange slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Stir 3 ounces lime juice, 2 ounces grapefruit juice, 2 ounces orange juice, 2 ounces silver tequila, and 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt together in a liquid measuring cup or cocktail shaker until the salt is mostly dissolved.
Fill 2 cantaritos or Collins glasses halfway with ice. Divide the cocktail between the glasses. Top each glass with 2 ounces chilled Squirt soda. Garnish with a sprinkle of salt and lime and orange slices if desired.
Recipe Notes
For a larger batch (6 servings), stir 9 ounces lime juice, 6 ounces grapefruit juice, 6 ounces orange juice, 6 ounces silver tequila, and 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse sea salt together in a medium pitcher until the salt is mostly dissolved. Fill halfway with ice, then top with 12 ounces Squirt. Garnish with more salt, lime, and orange slices if desired. Pour into ice-filled glasses.
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