Cantaritos
If you're looking for a citrus-bright, irresistibly refreshing cocktail, these Cantaritos are for you. This vibrant drink hails from Mexico's Jalisco region, the heartland of tequila, and is traditionally served in rustic clay cups. Bursting with fresh grapefruit, orange, and lime juice, then finished with a shot (or two) of tequila, it's the perfect balance of zesty, fizzy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you're hosting a backyard gathering or soaking up a warm afternoon, Cantaritos could become your new go-to drink.
You might be wondering about those rustic clay cups, why they're used and whether you need to buy some. In Mexico, clay vessels have long been valued as natural insulators thanks to their porous structure. Traditionally, these cups were used by agave harvesters, known as jimadores. Before serving, the clay cups were soaked in water until they were saturated and this helped to keep the drinks cool in the hot sun. The clay cup definitely imparts a natural mineral flavor to the drink. So for the most authentic taste you can purchase them on amazon - non-glazed cantaritos cups - or possibly at your local Mexican grocer/store. But having said that, it's not a deal breaker if you use another type of cup. Don't miss out on making this great tasting cocktail just for lack of clay vessels!
Jump to:
Why You Will Love These Cantaritos
- Authentic Mexican inspiration - Brings the feel of a traditional roadside drink stand right to your home.
- Quick to make - Comes together in minutes, no special equipment required.
- Perfect for entertaining - Easy to scale up for a crowd and always a hit at gatherings.
- Simple ingredients - No complicated syrups or hard-to-find items, just fresh juice, tequila, and soda.
- Versatile for any occasion - Great for brunch, BBQs, holidays, or casual evenings on the patio.
- Beautiful presentation - Served over ice (or in clay cups if you have them), it's as pretty as it is delicious.
- Easy to make alcohol-free - Swap the tequila for extra soda or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative for a mocktail version.
And if tequila drinks are your thing, you might want to check out my Blue Margarita, Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita, and Paloma Cocktail recipe for more tequila goodness 😜.
Equipment Needed For Cantaritos Cocktails
Disclosure: as an Amazon affiliate, I receive a small amount of compensation from qualifying purchases at no expense to you. This helps support my work and allows me to bring more yummy recipes your way.
- Citrus Juicer - to make your own grapefruit, orange, and lime juice if you want. (You definitely want to make fresh lime juice)
- Shot glass or jigger
- Lowball glass or Cantarito
Cantaritos Ingredients
Tequila - Reposado tequila gives extra depth of flavor. But if blanco is what you have, that will work fine too.
Grapefruit Juice - one of three citrus flavors in the drink. If you can squeeze your own fresh grapefruit juice that is usually the tastiest, but bottled juice works well too.
Orange Juice - another of the three citrus juices used in the drink. Like grapefruit juice, if you can make fresh orange juice that is great, but a good store bought juice also works.
Lime Juice - the third citrus juice used. Making fresh lime juice is pretty much mandatory. I have yet to find a store bought lime juice that even comes close to fresh limes.
Grapefruit Soda - This adds fizz and sweetness to the drink. I used Squirt, but Jarritos would also work, or whatever you can get your hands on. This is not grapefruit soda water, make sure it is soda pop - unless you want a lighter less sweet drink.
Tajin or Coarse Salt - to rim the glass.
How to Make a Cantarito Cocktail
If using cantarito clay cups, submerge them fully in cold water until no more bubbles come up to the surface. Or you can fill them fully with water and set on the counter until no more bubbles come up to the surface and the outside of the cup is moist with water. Dump water out when ready to use.
The clay cup will be very moist so you can directly invert the rim into Tajin on a plate. If using a glass highball glass, use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of the cup and then invert into a plate of Tajin.
To the prepared cup, add the tequila, grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
Give it a stir.
Fill the cup up with ice leaving space for the grapefruit soda.
Top with grapefruit soda. Stirring is optional at this point.
Garnish with any or all of the citrus fruits in the form of wedges or wheels. Serve and enjoy! Salud!
How to Make a Batch (6 drinks)
Into a jug add 1½ cups of tequila, ¾ cups of each grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice. Mix together and cover in fridge until ready to serve. You can keep in the fridge for a day in advance. Don't add the grapefruit soda until ready to serve so that it stays fizzy.
When ready to serve, rim glasses and divide drink amongst 6 cups. Fill with ice and top with grapefruit soda pop and garnishes if using.
What to Serve With Cantaritos
They pair perfectly with tacos, grilled meats like my Portuguese Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, and Hot Honey Salmon, fresh salsas, and salty snacks like Truffle Fries, and chips and guacamole.
Notes
- Reposado means the tequila has been aged between 2 to 12 months. The process gives it a light golden color and a smoother more complex flavor than tequila blanco (silver). Blanco tequila is a little crisper but also pairs well with the citrus flavors. Feel free to use what you have.
- Freshly squeezing your juice makes the best drinks. But you can buy store bought 100% orange juice and 100% grapefruit juice to make your life easier. But I can not emphasize enough - freshly squeeze your lime juice. Store bought lime juice doesn't have the same flavor.
FAQs
What's the difference between a Cantarito and a Paloma?
While both use tequila and grapefruit, a Cantarito includes a mix of citrus juices (grapefruit, orange, and lime) and is typically served in a clay cup, while a Paloma is simpler and usually made with grapefruit juice and or grapefruit soda.
Can I make Cantaritos without alcohol?
Yes! Simply skip the tequila and add extra soda or use a non-alcoholic tequila alternative for a refreshing mocktail version.
What soda is traditionally used in Cantaritos?
Most recipes call for Mexican grapefruit soda, but you can use club soda or sparkling water for a lighter, less sweet version.
Can I make a big batch of Cantaritos for a party?
Absolutely. Mix the citrus juices and tequila ahead of time, then add ice and soda just before serving to keep it fresh and fizzy.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Add a splash of simple syrup, agave, or extra soda depending on your taste preference.
Follow Me On Social Media
If You Liked This Cantaritos Cocktail Recipe...
If you liked this recipe, please consider rating the recipe and leaving a comment below - I love to hear how people get on with my recipes and I truly make an effort to respond to everyone who takes the time to comment. For other great cocktail ideas check out my Blue Margarita, Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita, Limoncello Spritz, and Paloma Cocktail Recipe.
Cantaritos
Equipment
- 1 Citrus Juicer to make your own grapefruit, orange, and lime juice if you want.
- 1 Shot glass or jigger
- 2 Lowball glass or Cantarito (clay cup)
Ingredients
- 2 oz tequila reposado
- 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice freshly squeezed
- 1 oz fresh orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 oz fresh lime juice freshly squeezed
- 3 oz grapefruit soda squirt, jarritos etc
- ice
Garnishes (optional)
- Grapefruit, orange, and or lime cut into wedges or wheels
Instructions
- If using cantarito clay cups, submerge them fully in cold water until no more bubbles come up to the surface. Or fill them fully with water and set on the counter until no more bubbles come up to the surface and the outside of the cup is moist with water. Dump water out when ready to use.
- The clay cup will be very moist and can inverted into Tajin on a plate. If using a glass highball glass, use a lime wedge to moisten the rim of the cup first and then invert into a plate of Tajin.
- To the prepared cup add the tequila, grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice.
- Give it a stir.
- Fill the cup up with ice leaving space for the grapefruit soda.
- Top with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with any or all of the citrus fruits in the form of wedges or wheels. Serve and enjoy! Salud!
To Make a Large Batch (6 drinks)
- Into a jug add 1½ cups of tequila, ¾ cups of each grapefruit juice, orange juice, and lime juice. Mix together and cover in fridge until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, rim glasses and divide drink amongst 6 cups. Fill with ice and top with grapefruit soda pop and garnishes if using.
Notes
- Reposado means the tequila has been aged between 2 to 12 months. The process gives it a light golden color and a smoother more complex flavor than tequila blanco (silver). Blanco tequila is a little crisper but also pairs well with the citrus flavors.
- If you can't freshly squeeze your juice you can easily get away with store bought 100% orange juice and 100% grapefruit juice. But the lime juice is a must for being freshly squeezed. Store bought lime juice doesn't have the same flavor.
This sounds so refreshing and perfect for a warm day. I like the mix of fresh citrus juices with tequila and the fizzy finish. Definitely something I would want to try at a gathering.
I have never heard of them and now can't wait to try them out when we fire up the griddle for our first backyard BBQ.
I’m always on the lookout for good tequila recipes so I was excited to try this! The citrus was so refreshing with the tequila and was a hit at our party. Next time I’ll be sure to get the clay cups