Today is World Tequila Day, which basically means that your weekend plans need to start with a tequila cocktail. World Tequila Day, or International Tequila Day as its also called, is a day for all tequila lovers to come together and celebrate the ancient agave spirit. Ancient because the first official license to produce tequila was given by the King of Spain in 1600s. Since then, tequila has grown in leaps and bounds and is now enjoyed across the world – either as a sipping spirit and with a cocktail. While we would encourage you to sip your añejo and extra añejo tequilas as is, here are the best tequila cocktails that you need to try from across the country, as recommended by our bar experts.
1. Anirudh Singhal, founder of SpeedX Bars and global jury for best bar design, 50 Best Bars
“Tequila is new everything of the day today in the cocktail world and Picantes are the new avocados on toast,” Anirudh Singhal says. Indeed, from its initial days when tequila was used for making classics such as Margaritas and Tequila Sunrise, today the cocktail most identifiable with tequila is the Picante, a spicy, savory drink that is perfect for the Indian palate.
Singhal ranks the Picante at Lair in New Delhi as his favourite. “I’ve had Picantes at so many bars, including some international bars but there’s something about Lair’s Picante that makes it my go-to,” he says. Lair is currently ranked India’s best bar according to 30 Best Bars India and recently ranked eighth at Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025.
Another tequila cocktail Singhal recommends is the Siolim Salsa at Boilermaker in Goa. Made with pineapple, gochujang, pineapple and some grapefruit, the drink is recommended for anyone who doesn’t want a Picante-style drink.
“Interestingly, the drink was conceived during the pandemic by Pankaj when we were stuck at our homes. He called me one day saying he’s made a special drink and we made plans to catch up, which is when I had my first Siolim Salsa in 2021. Who knew it would be in the menu of a Goa bar which is now on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list as well at #30,” Singhal adds.
Singhal also adds the Southern Star at Bar Spirit Forward in Bangalore to his list of India’s best tequila cocktails. “Apart from being a great drink, I love how its presented with a diamond-cut ice and the stemware,” he says.
Singhal rounds off his recommendations with another Bangalore bar – Soka in Indiranagar with its Mofo Don cocktail with red cabbage, pickled pineapple, cilantro and jalapeno. “It’s a spice-heavy drink but it’s not a Picante.”
2. Pearl Fernandes, Brand Ambassador, West and South India, Patron Tequila
In Mumbai, Fernandes recommends both Bombay Canteen and its sister brand O Pedro for their tequila cocktails. “The Bombay Canteen has the Waiting List inspired by Matunga’s Udipi restaurants, which I absolutely adore, while the Kokum Picante at O Pedro served with a slice of Bhavnagri chilli is a delicious drink as well,” she says.
Fernandes also adds Saz American Brasserie at BKC, Mumbai to the list for their Let’s Gherk and Roll cocktail made with gherkin-infused Patron Reposado, jalapeno and coriander brine, rosemary distillate and sea salt foam. “It’s a take on the Rick and Morty series and the air on top (sea salt foam) just hits right.”
In Goa, Fernandes recommends Boilermaker, Hideaway and Slow Tide cocktail bars for their tequila cocktails.
“Slow Tide’s Acid Eric, a clarified cocktail with yuzu, watermelon, basil and acid mix, is a top recommendation. At Hideaway, the Mogambo cocktail made with guavas and other ingredients is just the best and I cannot recommend the Siolim Salsa at Boilermaker enough,” she says.
3. Vikram Achanta, co-founder, Tulleeho and co-founder of 30 Best Bars India
Vikram Achanta, who has the pulse of the country’s cocktail scene thanks to his work with 30 Best Bars and spirits education and consultancy Tulleeho recommends the Meloma cocktail at Slink & Bardot, Mumbai as one of his top tequila cocktails.
“It’s a lovely variation of the classic Paloma cocktail in a tall glass with their house melon spritzer and some mezcal and a good Highball to have,” he says.
Achanta says he enjoys a mezcal Negroni and rates Shoot The Gringo at Bar Spirit Forward in Bangalore as a top agave cocktail. “I believe they’ve moved the cocktail to the new bar Uno Hacienda upstairs but if you ask for it, you can still get it at Bar Spirit Forward,” he adds.
For his final recommendation, Achanta names the Nudist Picante at the newly-opened Latango in Delhi as a must-try tequila cocktail. Made by Tulleeho, Achanta says that the drink is close to him because it’s a restrained version of the Picante made with kaffir lime, apple, and a house made spice tincture. “Plus, I named it as well so I am pretty attached to it. People said what should we call it. I said it’s a clear drink so let’s call it a Nudist Picante,” Achanta says with a chuckle.
4. Ajit Balgi, Founder, The Happy High Bartending Academy
Sommelier Ajit Balgi is a big fan of the Lalbaug Picante at Mag Street Bandra. “I love it for the complexity in flavours, from the turmeric to the byadgi chilli to the black garlic mix on the rim,” he says.
Balgi, too, is a fan of the Meloma at Slink and Bardot. According to him, the tropical melon and earthy mix of agave creates a refreshing cocktail that he recommends to everyone.
Another tequila cocktail on his list includes Puli at the Cheroot, ITC Grand Chola Chennai. “The drink with tequila and tamarind with a hint of chilli heat and served with fried poppadum and buttermilk chilli is absolute perfection,” Balgi explains.
5. Gagan Sharma, Certified Sommelier and Director, Indulge India
For Gagan Sharma of Indulge India that curates cocktail menus and hosts spirit events, tequila cocktails start with the Rose Hibiscus Paloma at Lair. “The drink is always balanced fabulously with the right amount of sweet, tart, floral flavours. Whenever I’m at Lair the team knows to make it, irrespective of my mood. So much so, if I don't mention it, I think the Lair team will disown me!” he says.
Another favourite of Sharma’s is the Ninjin Suppai at Call Me Ten in Delhi. “A carrot sour with aged tequila. Who would have thought! This is a daring drink - putting a crazy concept and ingredients like carrot juice, ponzu, aged tequila, and egg together that just works.”
For a final suggestion, Sharma mentions Bang Bang at Siren, BLR, “I'm not the one for spicy drinks, and Asian drinks can be a hit or a miss. But this clarified drink with a homemade Bang Bang sauce, tobasco, and of course tequila hits different,” he adds.
With some banger recommendations, we suggest you save this list not just for World Tequila Day but any time you feel like having a tequila cocktail at any of the places mentioned above.