In the homeland of tequila, sunny Mexico, this drink is most often served neat, sometimes accompanied by sangrita. However, outside of Mexico, it's traditionally consumed as shots, paired with salt and a slice of lime or lemon. These elements help to mask the bitterness of lower-quality tequila and are consumed in a specific sequence, which we will explain below.

American Style with Lime

Step 1. Lick the area between your thumb and index finger.

Step 1

Step 2. Sprinkle salt on that area.

Step 2

The salt will stick to this spot thanks to your saliva.

Step 3. Hold the lime wedge with your index and thumb of the same hand.

Step 3

  • If you don't like the taste of lime, you can use lemon instead.

Step 4. Exhale, lick the salt, drink the tequila, and bite the lime.

Step 4

Exhale, then lick the salt, drink the tequila, and bite the lime. Some prefer to bite the lime first and then exhale to soften the taste of the alcohol.

  • When taking a shot, lean your head back and try to drink it all at once. This “stop” won’t hold you back.
  • Instead of biting the lime, you can chase the tequila with pineapple juice to mellow the flavor.

Mexican Style with Sangrita

Step 1. Prepare sangrita — a drink that perfectly complements tequila.

Step 1

Sangrita, which translates to "little blood" in Spanish, is a non-alcoholic drink known for its color. To make it, mix and chill:

  • 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon of grenadine
  • 12 drops of hot sauce (Cholula sauce is recommended)

Step 2. Divide the sangrita so that each shot of tequila has a corresponding shot of sangrita.

Step 2

Step 3. Serve the sangrita alongside Blanco tequila (or "silver" tequila).

Step 3

Sangrita is traditionally served with Blanco tequila, although it can also be paired with Reposado tequila ("rested" tequila).

Step 4. Sip the tequila and sangrita slowly, rather than downing it in one go.

Step 4

Learn to enjoy tequila by taking small sips — this is how true Mexicans prefer to drink it.

Step 5. Combine sangrita and tequila with a shot of lime juice to create a "Mexican Flag".

Step 5

Create a "Mexican Flag" by combining sangrita and tequila with lime juice. This combination reflects the colors of the Mexican flag: red, white, and green.