Tequila can be magic in a cocktail. The earthy, herbaceous qualities of a blanco add subtle bite to refreshing poolside drink; the barrel influence on an aged reposado or añejo makes for perfect riffs on traditional bourbon builds. This chameleon-like versatility makes tequila an intriguing base for drinks beyond the Margarita, and there are plenty of bangers to consider.
There are also some tequila cocktails that, in the eyes of bartenders, have a little less bang. They have no problem making them for guests when they’re ordered, of course. They just don’t sign off on their popularity, especially since that order may come at the expense of another agave-based drink they wish patrons would order more frequently.
So, what tequila cocktails are considered overrated in the bartending community? We asked 14 industry pros to find out.
The most overrated tequila cocktails, according to bartenders: Top-shelf Margaritas Tequila Sunrise Ranch Water Batanga Tequila shots with lime Any tequila cocktail claiming to be “better” than a Margarita Mexican Martini Tequila Espresso Martini
“I think top-shelf Margaritas are incredibly overrated. The classic Margarita is a worldwide staple: a boozy limeade tickling all the taste buds, only requiring the robustness and natural sugar from the bottom-shelf tequila. Expensive tequila, which is specifically curated to enjoy at room temperature, is not required for this classic to be delicious.” —Shane Mastroine, bartender/bar manager, Table 45, Cleveland
“The most overrated tequila cocktail is a Tequila Sunrise. The traditional way this cocktail is made
