3 taco and tequila cocktail pairings for your next night in

Few spirits are as fascinating as tequila.

Its unique taste, history, and process remain unparalleled in the vast and wide-ranging world of spirits. The traditional Mexican spirit originates from harvested agave plants that are transformed through a distinct process of cooking, fermentation, distillation, and aging.

Today, we’d be hard-pressed to think of another spirit that evokes the same memories and feelings of celebration quite like tequila. From its inception, Don Julio’s bottle was designed for exactly this purpose; the short, clear bottle was an innovative way to allow people to see one another as they gathered around the table and passed the bottle in celebration.

This ingenuity actually began in 1942 when young Don Julio González’ passion inspired the creation of the world’s first luxury tequila. This involved painstakingly planting the agave plants further apart to allow more room for growth and maturation. The outcome is a delicious, smooth tequila that’s a heavenly match for cocktail mixtures and taco nights.

To inspire your next Taco Tuesday — and Wednesday through Monday — we’ve distilled some of the best taco and tequila cocktail pairings out there.

Paloma and fish tacos

Paloma/Don Julio

The grapefruity paloma is the understated sibling of the more well-known margarita. The mixture of grapefruit, lime, and Don Julio Blanco tequila makes this cocktail equal doses delicious and refreshing. The latter uses the finest blue agave plant and a time-honoured distillation process for tequila in its truest form.

Pair your concoction with a fish taco for the perfect combination of citrus and savoury. We’d recommend grilling a white fish fillet, like halibut or cod, with a fusion of coleslaw, crumbled feta, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and guac on a bed of corn or flour tortillas.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Don Julio Blanco tequila
• 0.5 oz grapefruit juice
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5 oz simple or agave syrup
• 0.5 oz soda water
• Grapefruit wedge
• Tajin (a blend of chili, lime and sea salt) to rim the glass

Method:

1. Combine Don Julio Blanco tequila, lime juice, and simple or agave syrup into a cocktail shaker with ice .
2. Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.
3. Top cocktail off with grapefruit juice and soda water if desired.
4. Rim with Tajin and garnish with a wedge of grapefruit.

Margarita and Al Pastor taco

Blanco Margarita/Don Julio

Fun fact: Don Julio Blanco is actually the base from which all other Don Julio variants are derived. Often referred to as “silver” tequila, the drink is punctuated with crisp agave flavour and hints of citrus, which combine to make it an essential component to a variety of innovative drinks.

This signature mixture has an unmistakable flavour that’s zesty and sour. It’s the ideal companion for a rich Al Pastor taco that won’t be overpowered by your cocktail. For this, you’ll want to slow-cook some pulled pork that will meld perfectly with avocado crema, corn cilantro, and a lime wedge — because when life gives you limes, squeeze that baby over a taco.

Ingredients:

• 1.5oz Don Julio Blanco tequila
• 0.75oz fresh lime juice
• 0.5oz simple syrup or agave syrup
• 1 lime wedge

Method:

1. Combine Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup (or agave syrup) into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
2. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
3. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Don Julio Blanco and soda and grilled shrimp taco

Blanco Soda/Don Julio

To truly absorb the light, sweet, and agave flavours of tequila, just keep it simple with ice and soda. Unlike other spirits where the instinct might be to conceal the harsh notes of alcohol, tequila cocktails are often best enjoyed when its distinct flavours are at the forefront – especially when using a luxury tequila like Don Julio. 

To complement this invigorating cocktail, go for a grilled shrimp and pineapple taco with pickled red onion and cilantro. It’s the perfect marriage of BBQ meets taco night. Plus, the fresh, citrusy tacos will complement the subtle sweetness of your drink.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Don Julio Blanco tequila
• 7 oz soda water
• 2 lime wedges

Method:

1. Drop a lime wedge into the bottom of a glass and top with ice.
2. Add Don Julio Blanco tequila.
3. Top with soda and an additional lime wedge.

Head to your nearest liquor store to pick up a bottle of Don Julio’s signature Blanco tequila for your next taco night or to sample their assortment of aged tequilas.

And, as always, remember drinks are best enjoyed when they’re enjoyed responsibly.