Cantarito Cocktail Recipe

If you're already a fan of Palomas, you're going to love Cantaritos. They both use tequila and grapefruit soda, but the Cantarito adds layers of citrus that make it brighter and a bit more complex. It’s the perfect drink for warm weather, weekend get-togethers, or anytime you want something fresh and zesty.

This cocktail comes from Jalisco, Mexico, the birthplace of tequila. You’ll often see it served at celebrations or roadside stands in traditional clay cups called jarritos de barro. These cups help keep your drink ice-cold and add a subtle earthy note you won’t get from a regular glass.

In this post, you’ll find the exact recipe, simple mixing steps, tips to help you nail the flavor, and a few fun variations you can try at home.

What's in a Cantarito Cocktail?

The cantarito might look simple, but every ingredient plays a part in its bold, citrusy flavor. To get it right, you need the right mix of ingredients, some easy swaps if needed, and a few basic tools.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need for a classic cantarito cocktail recipe:

• Reposado Tequila - Smooth and mellow, it gives the drink a nice depth. Blanco tequila also works if you want a brighter, crisper taste.
• Fresh Citrus Juices - Use freshly squeezed grapefruit, orange, and lime juice. Bottled juice won’t have the same zing or brightness.
• Grapefruit Soda - Jarritos is the go-to in Mexico. Squirt, Fresca, or Fever Tree are great substitutes. You can also mix sparkling water with grapefruit juice and a little simple syrup.
• Tajín - Rim your glass with this chili-lime seasoning for a tangy, spicy finish that complements every sip.

Equipment You'll Need

You don’t need much. Just a few simple tools to bring everything together:

• Clay jarrito (or a highball or Collins glass)
• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Citrus juicer
• Bar spoon
• Hawthorne strainer

If you’re missing any of these, you can grab a complete bartending set like the MixMaster Pro Deluxe Kit to get started. It covers all the basics in one go.

How to Make a Cantarito Cocktail

Making a cantarito cocktail is pretty straightforward. You’ll just need some tequila, fresh citrus juice, and grapefruit soda to get started.

If you’ve got a traditional clay cup, go ahead and soak it in cold water for about ten minutes before you use it. That helps keep your drink colder longer and softens the sharpness of the citrus a bit.

Next, run a lime wedge around the rim of your cup and dip it in Tajín for that classic spicy and tangy edge. You can skip this part if you want to keep things mild.

Now grab your cocktail shaker and add the tequila, fresh grapefruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. (Yep, salt. It actually helps bring out all those citrus flavors.) Toss in some ice and shake it up until everything’s chilled.

Strain the mix into your prepared cup over fresh ice. Then pour in about three ounces of chilled grapefruit soda. Give it a gentle stir to mix it in without losing all that nice fizz.

For garnish, feel free to add a lime wedge or some citrus slices on top. Orange and grapefruit wheels look especially nice.

Compared to a Paloma, the cantarito has more layers of citrus flavor, thanks to the combo of juices. And if you're using a clay cup, that gives it a cool traditional touch too.

You can scroll down to the recipe card for the exact amounts and step-by-step instructions.

Tips and Tricks to Make the Best Cantarito Cocktail

• Use fresh grapefruit, orange, and lime juice. It makes a big difference in flavor.
• Chill your clay cup by soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes before using it.
• Add a pinch of salt to the shaker, not on top. It helps the citrus flavors pop.
• Stir gently after adding soda to keep the bubbles from fading.
• Try reposado tequila for a smoother taste, and rim the cup with Tajín for a spicy kick.

Variations to Try

• Want a smokier twist? Swap the tequila for mezcal. It adds an earthy flavor that works really well with the citrus.
• If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, add a splash of simple syrup. Start with about half an ounce and tweak it to your taste.
• No grapefruit soda? No problem. Use sparkling water mixed with fresh grapefruit juice. Add a little simple syrup to balance the tartness.
• For extra spice, rim your glass with chamoy or chili-lime powder. Tajín is a favorite if you want that tangy, salty kick.
• Try different sodas if you want to change things up. Fresca, Squirt, or even citrus-flavored sparkling water can all give your cantarito a fun twist.
• You can also use reposado tequila instead of blanco if you want a smoother, more complex flavor.

You might also like: Mezcal Paloma Cocktail Recipe

More Tequila Cocktails to Try

Once you’ve tried the cantarito, here are a few other tequila drinks worth mixing up next:

• Paloma
• Classic Margarita
• Tequila Sunrise
• Tommy’s Margarita
• Spicy Mezcal Margarita

Frequently Asked Questions