The Cantarito Cocktail is a refreshing tequila drink from Jalisco, Mexico made with fresh squeezed grapefruit, orange and lime juices, topped with grapefruit soda. The Cantarito is traditionally served in a clay cup to keep the cocktail cold. Fans of the Paloma will love this bright and refreshing citrus drink!
Cantarito Cocktail
In Southern California we have some of the most delicious and authentic Mexican food, especially here in Los Angeles! When the weather heats up, one of my favorite drinks to order is a Cantarito.
This cocktail is so refreshing with a blend of citrus juices and sparkling grapefruit soda. It's lighter than a Margarita and similar to a Paloma but with more flavor.
Ingredients in a Cantarito
- Reposado Tequila - this is traditional in the Cantarito and has more flavor than a Blanco tequila although you can use either!
- Fresh Fruit Juices - freshly squeezed grapefruit, orange and lime juices.
- Grapefruit Soda - Jarritos is the traditional Grapefruit soda used in this drink but if you can't find that brand in your area, I also like Fever Tree Sparkling pink grapefruit!
- Tajin- a chili lime seasoning used to rim the glass.
Cantarito Cocktail Clay Cups
In Jalisco the Cantarito cocktail is served in a clay cup known as a jarrito de barro. These natural clay mugs keep beverages hot or cold and can be used for cocktails, cafe de olla or hot chocolate!
Jarrito de barro come in a variety designs, some are beautifully painted and some are plain, like the set I have. (affiliate link) Of course you can serve this cocktail in any glassware but I love the look and feel of these traditional clay cups.
Soak the mugs in ice cold water for 10 minutes to chill before using them for drinks!
How to make a Cantarito Cocktail
- Rim a chilled clay mug with tajin and fill with ice.
- Add grapefruit, orange and lime juices as well as tequila.
- Top with grapefruit soda and stir.
- Garnish with citrus slices.
Grapefruit Soda for Cantarito
Jarritos makes a Grapefruit soda that is traditionally used in this drink but if you can't find that brand you can use any grapefruit soda from Squirt to Fever Tree.
Although it's not traditional, I really love the flavor of Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit soda for this drink, or in any cocktail for that matter! It's delicious.
Slices of grapefruit, orange, or lime all work for the garnish and look so pretty atop this drink. I hope you will give this delicious summer drink a try! If you are a fan of tequila cocktail, or anything citrus forward, this drink will be a new favorite.
More Tequila Cocktails to Make
Cantarito
A refreshing tequila cocktail made with fresh squeezed citrus juices and grapefruit soda.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Reposado Tequila
- ¾ oz grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed
- ¾ oz orange juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ oz lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Grapefruit soda, to top
- Tajin seasoning, for rim
- citrus slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Chill clay mugs by soaking in ice water for 10 minutes.
- Remove from water and rim with Tajin seasoning.
- Fill mug with ice and add grapefruit, orange and lime juices as well as tequila.
- Top with chilled grapefruit soda and stir with a small spoon to combine.
- Garnish with slices of citrus and serve immediately.
Notes
Traditionally a pinch of salt is added to the ice before adding the juices and tequila. I find the Tajin to be salty enough but adding salt is optional!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 366Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 758mgCarbohydrates: 59gFiber: 3gSugar: 48gProtein: 2g
Did you make this recipe? Let me know!