Cantarito

This refreshing Cantarito cocktail brings bold citrus flavor and a bubbly kick! Made with tequila, grapefruit, orange, and lime juice, it is topped with grapefruit soda and a zesty Tajin rim.

about this cantarito cocktail

If you’ve ever wandered through a street market in Jalisco, Mexico, chances are you’ve seen someone walking around with a tall clay cup filled to the brim with something citrusy and ice-cold- that’s a cantarito. Traditionally served in a clay vessel (also called a cantarito), this cocktail is like a Paloma’s extra-zesty cousin, made with tequila, fresh citrus juices, and grapefruit soda.

This regional drink is popular in Mexican street stalls and roadside bars because it’s refreshing, easy to mix, and perfect for sipping in the heat. The clay cup isn’t just for looks though. It keeps the drink colder, longer, and adds a subtle earthy note that just hits different.

Whether you’re serving it in a traditional clay mug or your go-to cocktail glass (like a collins glass), this is the kind of drink that brings the fiesta with every sip.

ingredients

tequila. Blanco tequila gives a crisper, brighter flavor, while reposado tequila adds a smooth, oaky note.

citrus juices. You will need a combination of grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice for the fruit juices. Use fresh if you can because it will yield the best flavor!

bubbly grapefruit soda. Use something with a citrusy bite, like grapefruit Jarritos, Fresca, or Squirt.

tajin. This spicy-tart spice mix gives this cocktail a nice punch of flavor! Don’t have Tajin? Use chili lime powder or chile seasoning.

chamoy. You’ll need this to coat the rim before running it through the Tajin seasoning.

garnish. For garnish, you’ll need slices of grapefruit, lime, and/or orange. Just use whatever you have on hand for an extra pop of color!

this recipe’s must-haves

To make this cocktail, you will need a jigger and a cocktail stirring spoon.

We like to serve this recipe is clay cups, but you can use any tall cocktail glass.

here’s how to make this cantarito cocktail

rim

Add chamoy to a small, wide bowl and Tajin to a plate. Run the rim of your glass through the chamoy, then into the Tajin to coat.

assemble

Fill the glass with ice.

Pour in the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice.

Stir everything together to combine.

top off and garnish

Top off with grapefruit soda.

Garnish with citrus slices and serve immediately.

tips and tricks

chill your ingredients. Since this cocktail doesn’t get shaken, make sure your juices and soda are chilled before mixing it.

adjust based on your taste preference. This cocktail is a nice balance of sweet and tart, but you can amp up the sweetness or tartness of your drink if you’d like. Add more citrus juice to make it more tart or add more soda to make it sweeter.

clay cups are optional. While the clay cups are traditional, they are not required. You can use any tall glass to serve it in.

More of our favorite tequila cocktails: Pomegranate Margarita | Peach Tequila Sunrise Punch | Passion Fruit Margarita | Raspberry Margarita

variations

vary the soda you use! We usually use Fresca, but you can also use Squirt or a citrusy sparkling water if you prefer.

use mezcal. Make things a little smoky by using mezcal instead.

add some extra spice. Muddle some jalapeño in the glass before making the cocktail!

make it a mocktail. Skip the tequila and add an extra splash of grapefruit soda to make it a mocktail instead of a cocktail.

what’s the difference between a Paloma and a Cantarito?

A Paloma usually sticks to tequila + grapefruit juice with lime. A Cantarito goes the extra mile with orange juice, more citrus, and often comes with that spicy-sweet rim.

can I make this ahead of time?

You can pre-mix the juices and tequila in a pitcher and chill it. Just wait to add the soda and ice until right before serving to keep it bubbly and cold.

what kind of tequila is best?

You can use your preferred tequila for this cocktail! Use blanco for a crisp, clean drink. For a drink with a little more depth, you can use reposado. Either one works! It just depends on what flavor profile you prefer.

Need more inspiration for cocktail hour? Check out my cocktail recipes page!

what to serve with a cantarito

These margaritas pair perfectly with bold, zesty bites that match their vibrant flavor! This is a party drink, so lean into the snackable, shareable vibes. Try serving them with:

• Tacos al pastor or carnitas
• Chips + salsa (especially this chunky salsa or black bean corn salsa dip)
• Mango garlic shrimp skewers
• Bacon cilantro lime grilled corn salad
• Grilled mexican street corn crostini
• Fresh guacamole with lots of lime (like this veggie guacamole)

more tasty tequila cocktails to enjoy

This bold and citrusy Texas margarita amps up the classic with orange liqueur and fresh lime juice, plus a little orange juice for a juicy Southern twist.

These ultra-refreshing limeade margaritas are the shortcut version of your summer dreams—just three ingredients and ready to pour.

Made with top-shelf tequila, this Patron margarita is clean, crisp, and perfectly balanced for a simple-yet-elevated sip every time.

Finally, if you make this cantarito recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

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