Cantarito Cocktail

A cantarito is a citrusy and bubbly tequila cocktail, but it’s so much more than a refreshing drink. The Spanish word cantarito refers both the drink and the little clay cup it’s traditionally served in—which actually mellows the beverage’s acidity. Funnily enough, the clay jar is also sometimes called a jarritos de barro, and the soda I love to use in this cocktail is called Jarritos—another reference to the Mexican clay drinking vessel!

But enough about drinkware; the real star is what’s inside the cup. This cantarito recipe delivers a bright, refreshing mix of grapefruit, orange and lime juices with tequila, a pinch of salt and a Tajin rim for a little kick. Top it all off with grapefruit soda, and you get a bubbly, citrus-packed cocktail that feels like it came from a roadside stand in Jalisco—even when you just whipped it up at home.

What’s the difference between a paloma and a cantarito?

A paloma is typically a simpler mix of tequila, grapefruit soda and lime juice, and is sometimes served with a salted rim. A cantarito builds on that by adding fresh grapefruit and orange juices, often with a pinch of salt, creating a more layered, citrus-forward flavor. Think of a paloma as a simple black dress, while a cantarito is a full-length floral-print gown with lots of accessories.

Cantarito Ingredients

• Tequila: Tequila is the backbone of this cantarito recipe, so use a good-quality blanco or reposado. Blanco keeps things crisp and citrusy, while reposado adds subtle warmth from oak aging. If you don’t have a bottle at home already, pick up whatever brand of tequila you’d use for a margarita.
• Fresh grapefruit juice: Fresh fruit makes any grapefruit recipe pop, with its signature tart bitterness. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh juice tones down the acidity and turns up the subtle sweetness.
• Fresh orange juice: Orange juice softens the sharper edges of the tart grapefruit and lime, while adding a natural sweetness. Fresh-squeezed OJ is the way to go here, if at all possible.
• Fresh lime juice: Lime juice gives brightness and acidity that ties everything together. It also keeps the drink from leaning too sweet.
• Grapefruit soda: Grapefruit soda adds fizz and a touch of sweetness to finish the drink. Look for Jarritos at your local Mexican market, or grab Fever Tree grapefruit soda. Both are great options because they’re flavorful without being overly sugary. If you aren’t afraid of a little sugar, Squirt is the can you should reach for.
• Pinch of salt: A small pinch of salt enhances all the flavors and balances the citrus. It’s subtle, but makes a big difference.
• Tajin: Tajin adds a tangy, slightly spicy chile-lime kick to the rim of the glass. It brings contrast and makes every sip a little more exciting.
• Sliced citrus: Slices of grapefruit, orange and lime make vibrant garnishes that hint at all the fresh juice inside. They also make the drink look like it belongs in a travel magazine.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the glass

Run a slice of lime along the rim of the clay cup (or an old-fashioned cocktail glass, if you must), then dip the cup into a plate of Tajin. Fill the cup with ice.

Editor’s Tip: If you want the coldest cocktail, chill your clay cups by submerging them in very cold water before pouring your cocktail.

Step 2: Add the juices and tequila

Pour the grapefruit, orange and lime juice into the cup. Add the tequila and stir gently to combine. Add a pinch of salt as you stir.

Step 3: Finish it with grapefruit soda

Add a splash of grapefruit soda to the top of the cocktail.

Step 4: Garnish and serve

Garnish the cocktail with slices of grapefruit, orange or lime (or all three).

Editor’s Tip: Another pinch of Tajin on the fruit adds a little more spice, and looks good, too.

Cantarito Variations

• Switch up the spirit: Trade tequila for a smoky mezcal for an added layer of depth.
• Get creative with the citrus: Try tangerine or blood orange in place of the orange juice. Or, find your favorite citrus juice blend to use. Pineapple juice is one of my go-tos.
• Spice it up: Add a slice of jalapeno to the mix, or use a spicy tequila for some extra heat.

How to Make Cantaritos for a Crowd

To make enough cantaritos for a group, combine the tequila and all the fresh juices in a large pitcher using the same ratio as the recipe here. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate it until it’s chilled and ready to pour. Wait to add the grapefruit soda until just before serving the cocktails so they stay fizzy and fresh.

The juice-and-tequila mixture can be kept in the fridge for up to a day. Once the soda is added, though, the drink is best enjoyed immediately—no one wants a flat sipper.

Cantarito Cocktail Tips

What’s the best type of glass for a cantarito?

The best glass for a cantarito isn’t a glass, but an unglazed clay mug. The clay helps mellow the citrus’s acidity and keeps the drink cool. I am obsessed with these traditional Mexican pottery vessels, and you can find them at Mexican markets or online, but my favorite place to shop for them is craft fairs where artisans are making great pottery locally. If you can’t find clay mugs, old-fashioned glasses, Collins glasses or highball glasses work perfectly well.

What can you serve with cantarito cocktails?

Cantaritos are an obvious choice for a Mexican food fiesta, and they pair beautifully with salty, spicy and grilled foods. Think chicken tinga tacos, elotes, chips and guacamole, or anything with a little heat to balance the citrus. Get fancy and serve up bites like shrimp ceviche or seafood enchiladas where the citrus in the drink mirrors the flavors on the plate.