Tailgating With a Tequila Touch

It’s fall, when fans gather in stadium parking lots for pre-game celebrations. If you’re on the hunt for something new for the cooler, look no further than these ready-to-drink tequila cocktails, all perfect for toasting your team.

9 Ready-to-Drink Tequila Cocktails

Altos Strawberry Margarita, 15%, $14.99/750 ml bottle

Grab some ice from the cooler and bring out the red Solo cups. This blanco-based classic is made by tequila producer Olmeca Altos. It’s fruity and sweet thanks to natural strawberry flavor, agave syrup, and orange liqueur. Perfect for those not quite ready to give up the summertime sips. Available nationwide

Dio Orange Blossom, 13.5%, $5.99/200 ml can or $19.99/4 cans

Named after Dionysus, the mythological god of parties, it's sure to get you in the game day spirit. This Margarita is packed with layers of orange flavor, thanks to organic tangerine juice and orange blossom extract, against a backbone of lime juice and Jalisco-sourced tequila. It’s enhanced with a touch of sea salt and Tahitian vanilla. Available in CT, FL, MI, NJ, and NY

Golden Rule Spirits Classic Margarita, 27%, $19.99/4-pack of 100 ml cans

It’s difficult to beat a freshly made Margarita, but Golden Rule comes pretty close. The two tequila products on offer are a classic Margarita and a 26% ABV Paloma. Packaged in colorful tiny cans that are eye-catching standouts and deliver bar-strength potency. Available at select retailers in AZ, AK, CA, CO, WA, WI, and D.C.

Johnny Tejas Tequila Soda, 5%, $14.99/4-pack of 355 ml cans

John Anthony Wine & Spirits released this line of crisp tequila sodas, better known as ranch water, this past spring. It comes in four fruity flavors: mandarin, ruby grapefruit, watermelon, and lime. Made with blanco tequila, it’s light and refreshing on its own, or a great top-off to a Mule or other cocktail in need of a bubbly boost. Available nationwide

Mission Craft Cocktails Spicy Margarita, 25%, $12.99/375 ml bottle

Though a classic Margarita is hard to improve upon, an undercurrent of spice can definitely make it more interesting. This version uses jalapeño for the kick, balanced by the sweetness of orange liqueur and pineapple, mixed with a Jalisco-sourced blanco tequila. Every purchase of a bottle goes toward the brand’s mission (as the namesake implies) of donating 5% of profits to local food banks through Feeding America. Available nationwide

Olé Tequila Tequila Sunrise, 5.2%, $9.99/4-pack of 355 ml cans

This label’s sole focus is a selection of lightly sweetened bubbly tequila-based cocktails. This one is composed of Jalisco-sourced tequila, orange juice, and a rich, fruity dash of pomegranate. Others in the lineup include Classic Margarita, Paloma, Chili Mango, and Mule, plus mocktails. Available in AZ, CA, NV

Spirited Hive Tequila Ginger & Lime, 7%, $15.99/4-pack of 355 ml cans

A twist on the Mexican Mule, this naturally sweetened drink is made with Casa de Piedra blanco tequila, lime, and organic wildflower honey sourced from Pennsylvania apiaries. It makes for a lightly carbonated, floral drink that’s perfect for those who enjoy tequila but want rounded sweetness and less of a boozy punch. Available nationwide

Volley Tropical Mango Tequila Soda, 4.5%, $30/8-pack of 355 ml cans

With only three base ingredients—sparkling water, organic juices, and tequila—this brand offers several other flavors too, including Zesty Lime, Sharp Grapefruit, Fiery Ginger, Fresh Pineapple, and Tequila Lemonade. Carrying the lowest ABV on this list at 4.5%, this line, partially owned by professional soccer veteran Alex Morgan, uses additive-free blanco tequila from the Highlands and is an ideal cocktail for the purists. Available nationwide

Wandering Barman Botanical Margarita, 20%, $6/100 ml or $30/750 ml bottle

This Brooklyn-based craft cocktail brand offers a selection of twists on the classics, and Botanical Margarita is no exception. Using a blanco from Jalisco, this sophisticated tipple incorporates agave, orange bitters, marigold—a flower in the daisy family with peppery and citrusy notes—and Makrut lime zest that imbues an intensely floral aroma. Game day is officially elevated. Available in CA, CT, IL, LA, MA, NJ, NY, and TN