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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Read: I Know It’s Foolish But Sometimes I Feel Unnecessarily Territorial About Non-Latinos Speaking Spanish

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It’s pretty much impossible not to love Christmas. From the family get-togethers to the amazing songs to the sparkly everything, Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. But of course, the best part of December is the food. Whether you are the party planner amongst your group of friends or you are constantly going from one family member’s to another’s holiday party, Christmas food is what makes us all happy this month.

The thing that might surprise you to know about Christmas food across Latin America, though, is the fact that we all have different traditions. Growing up in a Cuban household, I ate different foods than my Dominican or Ecuadorean or Mexican friends. But the best part of growing up and learning about these different Latinx food traditions has been incorporating some of them into my own Christmas celebrations. Whether it’s creating a Puerto Rican Christmas or incorporating some new traditions into your Christmas dinner table, here are 22 traditional Christmas recipes from across Latin America.

1. Coquito

Coquito, also known as Puerto Rican coconut eggnog, is a traditional holiday drink that everyone loves. It’s made with coconut and rum and a few other ingredients. But the best part? You can make a big batch of this and, in fact, you’ll need to because everyone will want to try some. Get the recipe.

2. Ensalada de Noche Buena

Noche Buena is, of course, Christmas Eve in Spanish and it’s when so many of our families actually did the big Christmas dinner. In Mexico, one of the dishes served is this healthy salad that includes plenty of fruits and a bit of greenery to make it look Christmas-y. Get the recipe.

3. Pork Tamales

If you never learned how to make authentic tamales from your mami or you have never even seen them made, then this recipe is for you. Authentic Mexican tamales are a tradition around the holidays and you’ll want to know the step-by-step to make them at home. Get the recipe.

4. Christmas Rice with Balsamic Syrup

When you head to Peru, you can expect a Christmas table adorned with roast turkey or pork, sometimes even chicken or duck, but those tables also include plenty of colorful side dishes — which is where this Christmas rice comes in. It’s made with bacon and all kinds of other goodies. Get the recipe.

5. Buñuelos

It wouldn’t be Christmas without at least one dessert on this list, and you’re lucky because the first one happens to be one of the best. Mexican buñuelos are a sweet treat this time of year and not as difficult to make as you’d imagine. This traditional recipe also includes instructions on how to make that oh-so-special syrup. Get the recipe.

6. Lechon Asado

Lechon Asado is the dish I grew up with over the Christmas holiday. It’s a Cuban classic that my family (and every other Cuban family I’ve ever met) whips up for big occasions. Why? Because it’s actually a bit difficult to make and takes a while… unless, of course, you use this slow cooker recipe that makes it super simple. Get the recipe.

7. Bacalao a la Vizcaína

If you’re looking for a lighter dish for the holidays, then look no further than this Mexican dish that involves bacalao stewed in a tomato sauce. It takes quite a bit to make so don’t be surprised if you want to do it only once a year. It’s quite delicious, though, so definitely worth the trouble. Get the recipe.

8. Alfajores

Argentinian cookies alfajores are absolutely incredible and a delicious treat to make any time of year, but especially perfect around the holidays. This perfect little cookie is made with dulce de leche sandwiched between two crumbly, sugary bits that are as delicious as they are pretty. And yes, you absolutely need a scrumptious cup of cafecito to go along with these. Get the recipe.

9. Christmas Sangria

National Sangria Day is December 20th, so you might want to make an extra large batch of this one for the holidays. Although sangria is perfect for any time of year, this Christmas sangria takes all of your favorite ingredients this time of year (like cranberries!) and incorporates them into this scrumptious drink. Get the recipe.

10. Panetón Filled with Ice Cream

Sometimes, you need a dessert for the holidays that is sure to impress anyone and everyone — which is where this paneton filled with ice cream comes in. Originally hailed from Italy but changed and adapted by various Latin American countries (like Peru), this recipe is perfect to make and bring over to your favorite party and just watch the hostess fall in LOVE… and maybe beg you for the recipe. Get the recipe.

11. Mushroom Cheese Empanadas

Empanadas are a great appetizer or snack to serve during the holidays, and this vegetarian-friendly version is perfect since you can bring it to any party with the guarantee that every guest will love it. If you’ve never made empanadas before, then you’re in luck because this recipe includes the full step-by-step instructions. Get the recipe.

12. Pernil

Puerto Rican pernil is a classic Christmas recipe that you simply can’t not make. This recipe, which includes a crispy skin, is the perfect way to celebrate Noche Buena, Puerto Rican style. This dish is the perfect centerpiece for your Christmas Eve celebration. Get the recipe.

13. Natilla

If you love custard desserts, then look no further than this Cuban recipe for natilla — a traditional Christmas dessert that is made with milk and cinnamon. Honestly, there’s just something about this dish that screams home for the holidays to me (since I’m Cuban) but that I’m betting you will love, too. Get the recipe. 

14. Arroz con Leche

Another classic Latin American recipe that you simply must have around the holidays (as well as every other time of year) is arroz con leche. This sweet rice pudding is made in different cultures but this recipe hails from Colombia. It’s as classic as they get so don’t be surprised if you enjoy it a little too much. Get the recipe.

15. Relleno de Pavo

I used to think that turkey stuffing (like this one) was a totally American thing but it turns out that I am dead wrong. In Ecuador, they make this delicious relleno de pavo every Christmas Eve to complement whatever other dishes that are on the table. The best part of this recipe is the sweet and salty mix of the raisins and chorizo. You’re welcome. Get the recipe.

16. Puerto Rican Pasteles

If you want a classic Puerto Rican dish that everyone can enjoy, then you simply must learn to make pasteles. Make sure that you equip your kitchen with two staples first, though: sofrito and aceite de achiote. After that, just follow these instructions and you will have plenty of pasteles to enjoy all month long. Get the recipe.

17. Baked Potato and Serrano Croquettes

I grew up eating croquetas in my Cuban household, but this Dominican version of croquettes made with baked potatoes and serrano ham are pretty much to die for. They’re simple yet elegant and make for an exquisite appetizer. Sure, they might take a bit of labor to make but it’s well worth it. Get the recipe.

18. Cuban-Style Beignets

If you’ve never heard of Cuban-style beignets (or buñuelos, just not the Mexican kind above), then get ready to be wowed. Now, I’ll admit that this is definitely not the easiest recipe. In fact, you will probably want to call mami to come over or invite your best girlfriend and tackle this recipe with a partner. But it will be well worth it when you taste these delicious “drunken” pastries. Get the recipe.

19. Pavo Navideño

Turkey is a traditional dish that is made for Christmas in the United States of America but you can give this dish a Latin spin thanks to this Ecuadorean-style turkey recipe. Roasted turkey is definitely a favorite of mine for the holidays and a dish that makes the perfect centerpiece, so why not impress your amigas this year with a criollo style pavo? Get the recipe.

20. Ponche Navideño

Fruit punch is delicious but you know what is even MORE delicious? This Mexican Christmas fruit punch, of course! The best part of this hot punch is that it can be served with or without alcohol, so you can make different batches depending on who is coming over for the holidays. Or, even better, make an adult batch and a kid-friendly one. Get the recipe.

21. Rosca de Reyes

If there was ever a recipe that was THE recipe for the holidays, then it would most definitely be Rosca de Reyes (also known as Three Kings Bread). It’s traditionally made for January 6th, or the day that the three wise men made it to visit the baby Jesus… or at least that’s how the story goes. So if you want to continue your own holiday celebration, then make this. You won’t be sorry. Get the recipe.

22. Arroz con Gandules

We’ve focused a lot of on appetizers, main dishes and desserts here, but we must not forget the shining splendor of a truly amazing side dish like Puerto Rican arroz con gandules. This recipe is the traditional rice dish that’s made with pigeon peas and adorns pretty much every single traditional Puerto Rican table for the holidays. And now it can be on your table, too! Get the recipe.

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