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This Cantarito mexican cocktail is citrusy, fizzy, and ready to crash your next taco night in the best way!
Cantarito Cocktail
My neighbor Pam came over with her clay jarritas (small jugs) and declared, "Make me a Cantarito, amiga!" I did, of course.
If you love a good Paloma cocktail, then you'll love this one because it's bursting with citrus flavors. The clay cups are just a bonus, keeping it chilled longer… not that mine ever lasts that long.
The Difference Between a Paloma and a Cantarito
A Paloma is traditionally just grapefruit soda, lime juice, and tequila. The Cantarito goes a step further by adding orange juice and a little salt, giving it a more layered citrus flavor. It's brighter, more complex, and made for sipping slowly (or not! I don't judge).
Ingredients
Only fresh juice and simple ingredients here-no shortcuts needed for a drink this good. Exact amounts are in the recipe card below:
- Tequila: Reposado or Blanco both work. Go with what you love.
- Orange Juice: fresh squeezed is ideal, but bottled OJ works too.
- Grapefruit Juice: adds tang and balances the sweetness.
- Lime Juice: again, you want fresh if possible to really bring out the flavors.
- Salt: just a pinch to enhance the citrus and cut any bitterness.
- Grapefruit Soda: Jarritos is classic, but any grapefruit soda will do.
- Garnish: Tajin (optional) for rimming the glass and a lime wedge for a polished finish!
How to Make a Cantarito
These small steps will make a big difference in ensuring this drink comes out the best, especially if you're using a traditional clay cup:
- Prep your cup
If you're using a jarrita, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes first. This will prevent the drink from sweating and keep the clay cold longer so your cocktail stays chilled until the last sip. Dry the sides, run a lime wedge around the rim, and dip it in tajín to give the drink a citrus-chili kick. - Shake it up
Add ice to a cocktail shaker and pour in the tequila, grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Shake it until the outside of the shaker is frosty-about 20 seconds. - Serve & Garnish
Fill your jarrita or glass with fresh ice, then strain the cocktail over the top. Finish it with a bubbly pour of grapefruit soda to the rim. Garnish how you like and sip away!
Where to Get a Cantarito Cup
You can find cantarito or jarrita cups online in a variety of sizes-they're inexpensive and totally worth it. These are my favorites from Amazon. Bonus: they double as cute decor when you're not drinking from them. No jarrita? A Collins glass works too!
Garnishing this Cocktail
When using a traditional clay jarrita, you're already halfway to the vibe! It's charming, rustic, and looks great with just a tajín rim and lime wedge. But if you're feeling extra, you can add a grapefruit twist, an orange slice for a little pop of color or a sprig of mint for a refreshing aroma.
What to Serve with a Cantarito
This citrusy cocktail pairs great with anything grilled, smoky, or loaded with lime. Serve it up with tacos rancheros or authentic mexican chicken tacos to keep the fiesta going-or go for blackened fish tacos with a drizzle of this unreal fish taco sauce!
More Tequila Cocktails
If this Cantarito got you hooked on citrus and tequila, mix up a zippy tequila lemonade, a refreshing blueberry tequila cocktail, or a bold spicy orange margarita next. They're all easy to make, and perfect for your next happy hour!
Cantarito Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila, Reposado or Blanco
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
- Pinch of salt
- Grapefruit soda, about 3 ounces to top
- Tajín, for rimming
- Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions
Prep:
- If you're using a clay jarrita, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes. Empty the water, use a kitchen towel to dry the sides, and rub a lime wedge along the edge and rim it with tajín seasoning. Soaking prevents the chilled drink from sweating. If you're using regular glass, rim it.
Make the cocktail:
- Add a cup of ice to a cocktail shaker, and add tequila, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Shake vigorously until the sides are frosted.
Serve:
- Fill the prepared jarrita or glass with ice. Strain the cocktail from the shaker into the glass and top with chilled grapefruit soda to the top.
Bob says
Great cantarito cocktail, recipe 100% recommended
Emie says
This cantarito cocktail was delicious!
Ella says
This was fantastic! Make this recipe I am telling you!!
Kate says
Tried your Cantarito recipe this weekend because I always enjoy this drink at our local Mexican restaurant. Dare I say it yours was even better? Oh my goodness this was fantastic!