The Best Cocktails on National Tequila Day in Edinburgh

It’s not just a Friday today, it’s National Tequila Day so it's definitely time to come out of your lockdown siesta and start planning your fiesta!.

When you think of Tequila, many people think of the classic Margaritas or Tequila Slammers, which is no bad thing, but there’s a whole lot more on offer.

But if you don’t know your Mezcal from your Herradura Ultra Tequila Anejo, you need to seek out some of the best cocktail bars in both Edinburgh and Leith!

Tequila is made using the blue agave plant, and it can only be found in five states in Mexico.

We’re told that from those living in Mexico, around 45% of people there drink Tequila neat with the remainder drinking it as a Paloma or Batanga. These drinks are probably the easiest to make at home this weekend too.

Paloma

Fill a highball glass with ice, add tequila, top with grapefruit soda. Although The Raging Bull has a peach variant below that should not be overlooked.

Batanga

Fill a highball glass with ice, add tequila, top with Coca Cola.

From personal experience, Tequila should be enjoyed with friends or family. I tend to learn from experience, so I will be steering clear of any Chilli-Tequila concoctions that are out there, purely for fear of flash-backs to a particular night out on Mill Lane, Cardiff with my brother. The thoughts send shivers down my spine, and my brother still won't speak of that night.

With bars across Edinburgh now re-opening, National Tequila Day is the perfect excuse to don the Sombrero, grab the maracas and head out in search for the best tequila cocktails in both Leith and Edinburgh! Here are some of the best we've found.

Devil’s Money

Served stirred in a Japanese teacup, Ilegal Mezcal, Tapatio Blanco, Cynar, Borghetti, Ancho Reyes, Bittermen's  Xocalatl Mole, Saline served with a peppercorn white chocolate triangle.

The Bon Vivant, Thistle Street, Edinburgh

Keep that Pinky High

Altos Plata, St. Germain, Lemon Juice, Champagne Sorbet, Plum Bitters and garnished with some (edible) glitter!

Tonic, North Castle Street, Edinburgh

Heartbreaker

Patron Silver, Midori, citrus and an IPA top

Uno Mas, Picardy Place, Edinburgh

Peach Paloma

El Jimador reposado, Grapefruit, Lime Juice, Peach syrup. Shake and strain into sling. Dehydrated grapefruit garnish, and topped with crushed ice.

The Raging Bull, Loathian Road, Edinburgh

Auld Quiquiriqui

Qui Qui Riqui Mezcal, Velvet Falernum, Agave syrup, Grapefruit bitters

Stir down over ice, then garnish with dehydrated grapefruit.

The Raging Bull, Lothian Road, Edinburgh

Blended spiced pineapple and basil shrub with Don Julio Blanco tequila, lime acid solution, honey and garnished with fresh basil. A refreshing drink served in a classy nic and Nora!

50ml Don Julio Blanco

30ml spiced pineapple and basil shrub

20ml honey syrup

10ml lime acid solution

Basil to garnish

House of Gods, Cowgate, Edinburgh

Iron Brew Margarita

Arette Tequila, homemade Irn Bru reduction, a touch of Cointreau and fresh lime - simple twist but crazy delicious.

Woodland Creatures, Leith Walk, Leith

Classic Tequila Margarita

37.5ml tequila, 12.5ml Cointreau, 25ml lime, and a dash of agave. Garnished with a lime wheel.

Joseph Pearce’s, Elm Row, Leith

Mezcal Margarita

25ml Union Mezcal, 25ml Cointreau, 25ml lime juice, 25ml sugar syrup

Victoria Bar, Leith Walk, Leith

If you’re looking to make this National Tequila Day (weekend) special, then head out for a bite to eat too. Where better than El Cartel on Teviot Place, Edinburgh to sample their amazing tacos.

The only decision left is ... do you start or finish in Leith?

Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at the cocktail recipes on offer from Cardiff in our sister magazine, RedHanded Magazine Wales.