There’s something about Mexican food that just screams, “drink me”.
When I’m enjoying chicken enchiladas with hot sauce and rice, nothing pairs better than a margarita. And when it’s tacos? A Cactus Cooler with tequila is my go-to. It’s the perfect combination of food and drink—at least for me! A drink with cactus? Sounds a bit wild, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not quite like that.
This is my first attempt at making this cocktail at home, but it’s far from my first time enjoying one. Growing up, my parents often took me to a cosy Mexican restaurant in our neighbourhood for quick and easy meals. Whenever they ordered, I’d get to pick something too: my favourite was always a Cactus Cooler cocktail!
So, what exactly is a Cactus Cooler drink? Traditionally, it’s made with mandarin vodka, which is how the restaurant served it back then. But when you start pairing cactus and tequila in your mind, vodka just doesn’t seem to fit.
The result? A crisp, refreshing cocktail that makes you feel as though you’re lounging on a Mexican beach!
Ingredients to make a Cactus Cooler Tequila Cocktail
It’s time to mix up something refreshing! This delightful cactus cocktail is the perfect way to start your evening. Light and invigorating, it features a touch of spice from the tequila, but not enough to be overpowering. It’s also an excellent option if you’re looking for a drink that’s not too sweet or heavy—allowing you to enjoy all the flavours without feeling too full.
Here’s what you’ll need (a jigger can be handy for measuring):
- 1 ounce Olmeca Altos Tequila
- 1 ounce orange juice
- ½ ounce tangerine juice
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 1 ½ ounces cranberry juice
- ½ ounce Triple sec
- 4 ounces lemon-lime soda
- Tangerine slice, for garnish
- Mint sprig, for garnish
Looking for an easy summer drink that’s light yet satisfying? This recipe is a must-try!
The lemon-lime soda adds just the right amount of fizz, keeping the drink delicate and refreshing—perfect for any time of year.
How to Prepare the Cactus Cooler Cocktail
Here’s how to make the Cactus Cooler cocktail:
- Fill a glass with ice cubes.
- Add all the ingredients to a shaker and give it a good shake.
- Strain the mixture into the glass using a cocktail strainer.
- Crush some fresh mint leaves and add them to the drink.
- Stir thoroughly until everything is well mixed and serve immediately.
While you’re at it, we also recommend trying another Altos favourite: the Honey Highball Cocktail. Enjoy!
For an extra special touch, you can garnish with a cactus flower, giving the cocktail a unique and exotic appearance.
How to Improve the Cactus Cooler Tequila
If you’re looking for a refreshing cocktail with a bit of a kick, the Cactus Cooler Margarita is an excellent choice. Perfect for summer, it’s made with tequila and fresh lime juice, offering bold flavours balanced by other complementary notes.
Begin with a base of tequila and fresh cucumber juice. The cucumber adds a hint of green sweetness, while agave nectar introduces just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the drink. Garnish with mint leaves and slices of cucumber, which not only look appealing but also give the cocktail its distinctive charm.
For an extra touch, try making your own ice cubes. Simply freeze water with a small amount of lime juice squeezed into each cube. This keeps your drink from becoming too diluted as the ice melts and adds a subtle burst of flavour.
This tequila-based cocktail also shines with a well-prepared glass rim. Use kosher salt or flaky sea salt, which doesn’t dissolve too quickly, or opt for sugar if you prefer a sweeter complement to the drink.
To rim your glass, rub a lime wedge around the edge to moisten it, then dip it into your chosen salt or sugar mixture until evenly coated. Once the glass is prepared, it’s ready to hold your freshly mixed Cactus Cooler Margarita.
A High-quality Altos Tequila for Your Cocktail
If you’re searching for a premium tequila to elevate your Cactus Cooler cocktail, Olmeca Altos is the perfect choice.
Tequila is one of the most versatile spirits, pairing beautifully with everything from watermelon margaritas and spicy bloody marys to apple pie shots and pineapple piña coladas. For an affordable, high-quality tequila to mix into your favourite cocktails, Olmeca Altos is the ideal option.
For cocktail enthusiasts, a top-quality tequila is a must. Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila delivers a smooth, citrusy, and floral profile, making it the perfect base for any cocktail. Whether you enjoy tequila shots or want to craft the ultimate Cactus Cooler, Olmeca Altos offers a versatile tequila that’s perfect for sipping straight or mixing into drinks.
Olmeca Altos Plata (Silver) is bursting with flavour, featuring rich agave notes complemented by hints of citrus and floral aromas that are sure to please.
With an ABV of 40% (80 proof), Olmeca Altos Plata is named after its production location in San Luis del Rio Colorado, Jalisco, Mexico. This 100% blue agave tequila is distilled from freshly harvested Weber blue agave grown on “haciendas” owned by the company’s founder, Don Felipe Camarena Salinas y Salinas. The result is a smooth, clean tequila with notes of citrus, herbs, white pepper, and oak, offering a truly exceptional drinking experience.
