A refreshing Mexican cocktail made with tequila, multiple varieties of fresh citrus juice, and grapefruit soda. It is typically served in a clay pot.
Whether you’re looking for a new tequila drink or you’re looking for the recipe “for that one delicious cocktail you had in Mexico” – you’ve come to the right place!
I’m going to show you how to make the “cantarito”, a Mexican cocktail that deserves to be way more popular than the margarita. It is very popular in and around Jalisco, Mexico where it is served in bars and cafes – but most often at roadside stands.
The ingredients can vary slightly, but it is traditionally tequila, freshly squeezed citrus juice, and a bit of grapefruit soda.
Ingredients
This post contains affiliate links (when you buy we make a little money at no cost to you). See our disclosure for more information.
- Lime Juice – Be sure to use freshly squeezed, the bottle type has preservatives which alters the flavor.
- Orange Juice – You can use any kind of fresh squeezed orange juice. I used Valencia oranges, which are common in Mexico.
- Grapefruit Juice – Any fresh grapefruit juice will do, though the variety you use can vary in sweetness and acidity. I would recommend using a red grapefruit – like Star Ruby or Rio Red.
- Grapefruit Soda – In my opinion, the grapefruit soda is really what makes this cocktail. Squirt is most commonly used (be sure to use the Mexican version), though you could substitute Jarritos or another grapefruit soda of your choice.
- Tequila – Any kind of blanco tequila is ideal. My recommendations would be Espolòn’, Don Julio, or Patron.
Variations
Some versions of the cantarito may include fresh lemon juice, agave nectar, or even a spoonful of sea salt.
No grapefruit soda?
I would highly recommend buying grapefruit soda to make this cocktail, but if that’s not an option double the amount of fresh grapefruit juice, then top with club soda and add a splash of simple syrup or agave.
How to garnish
You really can’t go wrong with the garnish here. I have seen it done so many different ways.
Typically, the rim of the glass is covered in a chile seasoning (like Tajin), or chamoy. Then you can garnish with a citrus wheel, wedge, or multiple citrus slices. You could even use dehydrated citrus slices.
Cantaritos Cup
A cantarito is traditionally served in a clay cup called a “jarrito de barro”. Because the cocktail became popular at roadside stands, the clay pot was an economical “take away” cup option. They also do an excellent job of keeping your drink cold. You can purchase them on Amazon if you’d like to stay traditional.
If you don’t have the clay pots, you can serve this cocktail in a highball glass.
Tips
- Need a big batch? Multiply the ingredients below by the amount of servings you need, then prepare everything in a large pitcher. Refill individual glasses as needed.
- Squeeze the citrus. The most important part of this cocktail is the fresh squeezed citrus juice. Use an inexpensive handheld citrus squeezer to make this process a breeze.
Related Cocktail Recipes
- Blackberry Margarita
- Passion Fruit Cocktail
- Green Juice Margarita
- Cherry Moscow Mule
- Lime Sherbet Margarita
Save this Recipe for Later!
Send this recipe to your inbox so you can easily find it!
By using this form, you agree to receive emails from Cooking with Janica.
Cantarito
Ingredients
- Chile Seasoning (optional)
- Ice
- 2 oz Tequila
- .5 oz Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- .5 oz Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- .5 oz Grapefruit juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 oz Squirt Soda (or other grapefruit soda)
Instructions
- If desired, dip the rim of your glass in water, then in chile seasoning to garnish.
- Fill the glass with ice. Pour in the tequila, then the citrus juices. Give it a quick stir with a bar spoon, then top with the grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with citrus slices and enjoy!
Laurie says
We fell absolutely in love with these on our last trip through Mexico. We were craving them when we got back home and found your recipe – it was perfect! We used the glass bottle Squirt, just like you.
Esther says
Are you saying you can use ruby red grapefruit juice from a bottle or does it have to be fresh squeezed. So all fruit must be freshly squeezed we live way north were are fruits are not the best in the winter months.would it be ok to use a good brand of juices that are refrigerated
Jessica Pinney says
Hi, Esther!
It is best to use fresh squeezed citrus because bottled juices have extra ingredients and preservatives which alter the flavor. I have never tried this cocktail with store-bought juice, so I can not speak to how it would compare. If you try it, please report back and let us know how it went for you.
Jackie Adams says
AMAZING! amazing! Amazing! Bright and citrusy. Perfectly balanced sweetness – def don’t cut corners on the fresh squeezed juice. You won’t regret it. I used San Pellagrino Pompelo soda and oh my! Delish. For extra brightness, go with a silver tequila. yum!