Chapala Tequila Cocktail

Name: Chapala Tequila Cocktail Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Tequila; 1 tbsp(s) Orange Juice; 1 tbsp(s) Lemon Juice; 1 dash Triple Sec; 2 tsp Grenadine

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The Chapala Tequila Cocktail is a citrus-forward mixed drink built on tequila, fresh orange and lemon juice, triple sec, and a touch of grenadine for color and sweetness. It's a light, refreshing cocktail that balances brightness with depth.

More like this:🏷️Equipment: old-fashioned glass

Total

5 min

Servings

4

Recipe Source

Visit Mr. Boston Drinks

From Mr. Boston Drinks · by Mr. Boston Official Bartender's Guide

Ingredients

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5 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Shake with ice and strain into old-fashioned glass over ice cubes.
2
Add a slice of orange.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use fresh-squeezed lemon and orange juice rather than bottled—it significantly brightens the drink and balances the grenadine's sweetness.
Pour the grenadine last and slowly; it will settle at the bottom, creating a visual gradient that's part of the drink's appeal.
Chill your glass with ice before building the cocktail to keep it cold longer without over-dilution.
Measure precisely with a jigger—the 1.5 oz tequila to 1 tbsp juice ratio is balanced; eyeballing can throw off the flavor.

Substitutions

Tequila → Mezcal (adds smokiness; use same amount)
Triple Sec → Cointreau or Curaçao (slightly different sweetness profile)
Grenadine → Crème de cassis or homemade grenadine (changes color and flavor)
Orange juice + Lemon juice → Fresh grapefruit juice (swap one citrus component for tartness variation)

Storage & make-ahead

Cocktails are best served immediately after mixing. Pre-batch the spirit and juice mix and refrigerate up to 8 hours; add ice and grenadine when serving.

Equipment

jigger (for measuring) · cocktail shaker or mixing glass · bar spoon

Common Questions

Can I make a batch of Chapala cocktails ahead of time?

Mix the tequila, triple sec, and juices in advance and refrigerate. Add grenadine individually to each drink just before serving for best color and flavor.