3 Tequila Drinks That Aren’t Mexican — And 3 That Are

Tequila is Mexico’s most popular alcohol, but many tequila drinks come from elsewhere.

At the end of a long day, there’s nothing more relaxing than meeting up with friends and enjoying a good cocktail. And if that cocktail is made with tequila, the experience is that much better.

One of the most beloved alcohols around the world, real tequila can only be made in the Mexican region of Jalisco (and a few surrounding areas). But that doesn’t mean the delicious mixed drinks we enjoy have been invented in Mexico.

Here are three popular tequila drinks that are not Mexican and three that are actually from the country.

Frozen Margarita

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Country of origin: United States

When Americans head out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, a great number of them order frozen margaritas. We don’t blame them. The drink is refreshing and sweet but still packs a little punch thanks to the tequila.

Unsurprisingly, frozen margaritas are an American take on the popular drink. The drink consists of a regular margarita blended with ice until it’s slushy-like. They were invented in 1947 in La Jolla, California, by a man named Albert Hernandez Sr. In 1971, Mariano Martinez, who lived in Dallas, patented the frozen margarita machine.

People who’ve enjoyed this drink for years might be surprised to know that tequila in Mexico is rarely, if ever, served cold or frozen. But that’s the beauty of food. It evolves and changes as it gets adopted by different cultures.

Tequila Sunrise

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Country of origin: United States

Another American-born tequila drink, the tequila sunrise is a worldwide favorite. It was created in the 1970s by Bobby Lozoff and Billy Rice, who worked at The Trident hotel in Sausalito, California.

Their simple recipe of tequila, orange juice and grenadine was an instant hit with Mick Jagger, who introduced it to other members of the Rolling Stones, as well as other people in their crew.

The Stones were paramount in popularizing the drink, which can now be found in most cities on the planet. There was even a 1988 film starring Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell and Mel Gibson named after the drink.

Ranch Water

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Country of origin: United States

Ranch water isn’t as well known as the previous cocktails — that is, unless you’re from West Texas. Here, this drink is as common as the second half of its name.

All you have to do is mix tequila, lime juice and sparkling water. The result is a bubbly, refreshing drink that is perfect for the Texas heat or summer in practically any place in the world.

You probably won’t find this drink served too often outside of Texas. But since the recipe is so simple, you could just tell the bartender to mix the three ingredients and voila. You’ll be sipping refreshment in a glass in no time.

Margaritas

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Country of origin: Mexico

The margarita is without a doubt the most famous tequila-based drink in the world (though not in Mexico). Its recipe calls for lime juice, orange liqueur and silver tequila, the least refined category of Mexico’s national drink.

No one really knows exactly where margaritas come from, and there are numerous folk tales roaming around its origin. Some claim that it was made in the 1930s in honor of Rita de la Rosa, a famous showgirl. Others say it was invented in the 1940s in Baja California. And yet another story claims that Juarez is its place of origin.

It’s entirely possible, as often happens, that different people had the same idea around the same time. After all, the drink is fairly simple. It wouldn’t take too much of an imagination to come up with it.

Paloma

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Country of origin: Mexico

You’ll find margaritas in many places in Mexico, but there are other drinks that the country holds more dear to its heart. Namely, palomas.

While available internationally, palomas are the tequila drink of choice for Mexicans. They are made with tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda. Don Javier Delgado Corona — who appropriately lived in the town of Tequila — made the mix in the 1950s.

In fact, the drink, whose name means “dove,” enjoys such a favored status that May 22 is World Paloma Day. If you’re not a fan of grapefruit, don’t worry. You can celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24 instead.

Cantarito

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Country of origin: Mexico

What we love about cantarito is that it’s a more intense version of the paloma. And that it comes in a cool clay cup rather than a boring old glass.

Besides the tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda, you can use agave, orange juice, lemon juice and grapefruit juice (because the soda wasn’t enough).

This is one drink you probably won’t find anywhere outside of Mexico. It’s named after the clay cups it’s served in, which are called cantaritos. Besides keeping the drink cool for a long time, it provides an earthy flavor that adds to the experience.