Cosmopolitan: 26 Oh-So-Refreshing Tequila Drinks to Sip On All Summer Long

You know what they say: It’s tequila o’clock somewhere. (And by they, I of course mean me.) If you’re someone who drinks alcohol, enjoys cocktails, and frequents the bar scene, the mere mention of “tequila” could likely conjure up images of salt-rimmed margaritas, shot glasses, and lime wedges. But tbh, tequila is about SO much more than that, and its versatility just might surprise you.

Maybe you’ve been a longtime tequila drinker but don’t know much about the history. I gotchu, bb! Let’s start with the basics. Tequila refers to a liquor that’s made from blue agave, which primarily grows in the Mexican state of Jalisco. While some agave plants are beginning to be grown outside Mexico, tequila has long been an exclusively Mexican export and plays a central part in the country’s rich culture and traditions. And FWIW, mezcal refers to a liquor that’s made from any kind of agave—so tequila is essentially a type of mezcal, but mezcal isn’t necessarily a tequila. (Nevertheless, this list has a combo of tequila- and mezcal-based recipes to satisfy your various happy hour cravings.)