There’s no denying the appeal of a good ole margarita. They are sweet, salty, zesty, and have one of our favorite liquors, tequila, in them. No one is here to discredit the age-old magic of going out and getting a giant fishbowl of margarita, but it gets a little redundant over time, and for those of us that love tequila, we can be left wondering… what else is out there that uses our favorite spirit? Well never fear because we have put together a list of fifteen cocktails using Tequila, and there isn’t a margarita to be found.

1. Tequila Sunrise

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As simple, and pretty, as it gets. The Tequila Sunrise is an easy little three-ingredient cocktail that offers a sweet and tart relief from the hard punch of Tequila that sinks down to the bottom of the glass with that sweet, sweet grenadine. To make one of your own simply add 4 oz of orange juice to your glass, throw in two ounces of tequila and add an ounce of grenadine and watch that gradient settle in!

2. Paloma

Instagram @Palomacandyshop

In stark contrast to the Sunrise’s heavy sweetness, the Paloma is a light, citrus-filled, fizzy cocktail that is delicate and well balanced for those that are less interested in a drink filled with sugar. Typically made with a salted rim, Paloma’s are a quarter cup grapefruit, a tablespoon on lime juice, a quarter cup of tequila and a quarter cup of club soda.

3. Mexican Mule

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The Moscow Mule has become a real favorite in the last few years, there is something extra festive and fancy feeling about that copper cup in hand and the spice of ginger in your drink. Until now it’s been the only mule most people are ordering until the Mexican Mule stepped up its game! Made with tequila, ginger beer, ice and lime wedges (Or even some jalapenos if you are feeling extra bold!). This drink is coming for its traditional namesake.

4. Bloody Maria

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You might be seeing a theme through here, plays on traditional cocktails omitting the vodka and adding in the tequila. It’s always fun to see something that has been done the same way come alive in a new and unique way! The Bloody Maria kicks out the vodka (again) and adds in a healthy amount tequila in its place, mixed with bloody mary mix (or tomato juice and your choice of hot sauce) as well as some olive or pepper brine. As with all of the bloody family feel free to garnish it as you like, with meat, peppers, olives, or anything your heart sees fit.

5. Acapulco

Instagram @wantszman

Named after Acapulco Bay there is a little bit of a split in whether people think that it is made with Rum, with Tequila, or with both! But personally, I think you can never go wrong with both. This drink a blast of tropical, fruity fun. Equal parts rum and tequila, two parts pineapple juice, one part coconut milk, and one part grapefruit juice. It’s the kind of drink you want to lay out on the beach and sip on while you watch the waves.

6. Mexican 75

Instagram @Cooking_4_one

If you are feeling a little fancy, but you still need your tequila (and who can blame you, you work hard, you deserve it!), the Mexican 75 is perfect for you. It’s great for a higher class cocktail party, or just having something pretty and dainty in your hands. The Mexican 75 is made with 4 teaspoons agave nectar, 2 ounces fresh lime juice, 4 ounces tequila and 4 ounces of champagne. Often garnished with a lime flesh spiral and a salted rim. A perfect blend of rowdy drink and classy beverage.

7. Tequila Fizz

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A Tequila Fizz can come in a lot of different flavors ranging from very sweet to very simple. On the simple side is a clean tasting, easy to sip Blood Orange Tequila Fizz. Just mix 3 ounces blood orange juice, 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce simple lime syrup (really easy to make at home), and 2 ounces of ginger beer. If you feel extra fancy drop some blood orange wedges in there and you have yourself a beautiful, delicious drink!

8. Potion De Muerto

Instagram @edreymann

It’s a little late in the season for a great Halloween themed drink, but frankly, who doesn’t like spooky things all year around? And even better, it looks genuinely delicious. In a shaker mix together 2 oz tequila, ¾ ounces orange juice, ¾ ounces lemon juice, ¾ ounces agave syrup, and 2 dashes of orange bitters. Pour it into a highball glass and gently pour ½ ounce of beet juice over it to give it that gorgeous color.

9. Mexican Hipster

Instagram @kelse_K

Not only does this drink have a super fun name, but it’s also incredibly delicious. This one of the few drinks on this list that require a little extra work. If you happen to have a muddler hanging around then grab it for this one, but if you don’t any hard end of a whisper or spatula will do in a pinch, anything to mash up those cukes a little. You can rim the call in sugar and lime zest if you’d like. The drink is made with ½ a cup of jalapeno tequila, 1 cup of crushed ice, a handful of muddled, peeled, and sliced cucumbers, 2 limes, and a tablespoon of light agave.

10. Desert Sour

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Tequila is always great with sugar and citrus, it’s a common theme and one that is easy to understand, it’s always delicious. So instead of using the typical ingredients of a sour, try inputting some tequila! For this cocktail, mix 2 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce limoncello, ¾ ounce lime juice, ¼ ounce simple syrup, several drops of chili bitters, 1 egg white, and several drops of lime bitters. Shake it all together to make that neat foam!

11. Caballo De Mayo

Instagram @uprightandcaffinated

This particular recipe comes in a full pitcher, it’s probably better that way because you are going to want to down a whole pitcher of this one. Make sure you care with your pals, otherwise you’re just being rude. Mix together one bunch of mint leaves, 1 cup of tequila, 3 cut up oranges, and 3 or 4 cans of ginger beer. The fresh mint and citrus make this drink something perfect for the summer months when you need something that is a little lighter and easier to drink without weighing you down.

12. Tequila Slammer

Instagram @tequilainsta

Finally something for those of us that like shoot our drinks instead of sipping them, but also for those of us that don’t want to drink straight liquor when they take their shots. This one is simple as can be. Get yourself two shot glasses and fill them half with tequila, half with champagne. Cover the glass with your palm and slam it onto the table to create those magical bubbles and then take the shot!

13. Mexican Mimosa

Instagram @madisonlee5

I did it again, found a traditional drink that was turned on its head with the introduction of tequila. The mimosa, brunch food of champions! To make this the best kind of mimosa it can possibly be, add an ounce of tequila, ¾ ounce of simple syrup, 2 ounces of grapefruit juice or orange juice and then pour some sparkling champagne over it. Add to any brunch or Sunday funday event!

14. South Texas Twist

Instagram @sal_rmz18

For a savory, fizzy, delicious cocktail look no further than the South Texas Twist created by Don Chelada. The drink usually comes rimmed in salt and chili powder and to make it pour the following into a tall glass. 2 shots of tequila, add a squeeze of lime juice and fill the rest with any citrus soda. I recommend Sprite or Sierra Mist, personally.

15. Tequila Sundown

Instagram @katie_elizabeth1805

At the opposite end of this list from the Sunrise is the Tequila Sundown. Also named for its beautiful gradient color, but filled with a different set of flavors. Just add 4 ounces of orange juice, 2 ounces of tequila, 2 ounces of pomegranate juice, ½ ounce of grenadine, and then garnish with an orange wedge and some pomegranate seeds. Less wildly sweet and more citrusy goodness to let that tequila shine, it’s every bit the cocktail that the well-known Sunrise is.

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Cocktails are delicious and definitely one of the things that make summer parties fun. But not everyone is into drinking during the hot summer months, whether they’re pregnant or trying to be, staying away from alcohol for medical reasons, or simply don’t want to get tipsy. And with so many reasons to stay away from alcohol, sometimes those of us who don’t drink can feel a little… Well, lame. Whenever I go to a party and the host finds out I don’t drink, the options I am offered are typically water or sparkling water. If I’m really lucky, there’s soda and not much else. It’s kind of a disappointment, to be honest.

Luckily, these days I’ve come to learn that not drinking doesn’t mean that you are the party bore. Not only can I enjoy myself sans alcohol at any summer gathering, but I can also make it more fun by showing my friends and family a thing or two about making mocktails. In fact, I have just the recipes to prove it! If you’re looking to serve some mocktails at your next fiesta or simply want to try a few at home, here are 20 non-alcoholic cocktails to enjoy this summer. Get ready for some delicious drinks.

1. Mexican Horchata

Horchata is an absolutely delicious drink, and definitely one that you should be making ASAP. This rice-based drink has plenty of cinnamon, so it might remind you of fall, but it’s perfect any time of year.

2. Passion Fruit Summer Drink

Passion fruit is an ingredient that is pretty much perfect for summer drinks, and that’s where this cocktail comes in. You’ll fall in love with it and quickly dream of those beach-side getaways.

3. Fizzy Herbed Pineapple Limeade

A limeade is a perfect summer drink, but it’s especially good when you add a little something to it. Like this pineapple! Although the funny straws aren’t included, you should definitely get yourself some too.

4. Non-Alcoholic Sangria

Sangria is a great drink for any time of year, whether it’s summer parties or holiday get togethers. But if you don’t drink, what do you do? You can still have your sangria and make it a version. You’ll see!

5. Ginger Basil Grapefruit Mimosas

This “mimosa” is actually a fizzy drink that will remind you of the best summer cocktail ever, except it’s non-alcoholic. The combination of grapefruit and basic is a pretty sweet treat, too.

6. Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

Watermelon and cucumber are a classic combination that are delicious in pretty much any drink. And this summer, get ready for this delicious and non-alcoholic one that’s sure to please pretty much anyone.

7. Blueberry Maple Mojito Mocktail

Who doesn’t love mojitos? Well, sometimes you can’t have them because they usually come with rum… Except now you’re learning how to make one without and it’s the best thing ever, amirite?

8. Virgin Frozen Margaritas

A frozen margarita is a wonderful drink to have in the summer, especially if you can have one pool-side. That’s definitely my favorite way to do it, and this non-alcoholic drink is absolute perfection.

9. Non-Alcoholic Juicy Julep

If you’re not drinking this summer (for whatever reason), then you might want to try this virgin Juicy Julep. It’s a delectable drink… That’s made even more special with the slice of pineapple on the edge. Yum!

10. Palauxma

The Paloma is my absolute favorite cocktail, hands down. It’s absolutely delicious and a perfect little thing to sip on anytime of the year… And getting to sip on it in this mocktail version is absolute perfection.

11. Jalapeño Watermelon Agua Fresca

An agua fresca that is as fresh as it is spicy? Yes, please! This drink is absolutely delicious and a perfect thing to have in the summer. It’s something that you’ll be making over and over again, for sure.

12. New Mother Mocktail

New moms need good drinks too, which is where this mocktail comes in. Of course, you don’t have to be a mama to enjoy this juicy blend of apple juice, orange juice, and cranberry juice.

13. Strawberry Pineapple Shaker-Upper

Strawberry and pineapple don’t seem like the kind of things that go together, but they’re totally delicious. The little bit of pink from the strawberries and the yellow from the pineapple also make this gorgeous shade.

14. Ombré Grapefruit Mocktail

When you’re talking mocktails, you’re probably missing some of the cute drinks that you were having before… And that’s where these come in. Just look at that gorgeous color! Oh yeah, and they’re delicious too.

15. Copa Verde Mocktail

Green drinks might make you think of green juices or smoothies, but this one’s green because it’s made with the oh-so-delicious avocado. It’s smooth and creamy, and pretty much perfection. Trust me.

16. Non-Alcoholic Apple Cider Sangria

Another day, another non-alcoholic sangria that you simply MUST try. This one is made with apple cider, which is a really delicious thing to have during the fall… Or now, in summer, because we said so.

17. Virgin Mixed Berry Caipirinha

The Brazilian caipirinha is a cocktail that’s hard to resist, but this virgin version might just be the perfect thing for you to drink this summer. The berry color is pretty, too, so don’t be afraid to make extra.

18. Cantaloupe Lime Agua Fresca

Sure, you love watermelon agua fresca… But I think it’s okay to cheat on it with this cantaloupe version. It’s special and delicious, and definitely something you will be having more than once. Yummy!

19. Virgin Mango Mojito

Mango and mojito are the perfect combo, and this drink is sure to get your head spinning… sans alcohol. There’s plenty to love in this drink, and you’ll be pretty delighted every time you take a sip.

20. Grilled Pineapple Lime Mocktail

If you’re going to a summer barbecue or even throwing one, then you’ll want to indulge in grilled pineapple. And, trust me, you’ll also want to make this mocktail with grilled pineapple. It will be everyone’s fave.

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