Whether it’s a bbq sauce from Texas, Kansas City or one of our favorite prepared barbecue sauces, there is always room to experiment and put your own spin on a classic. Of course, you can add additional spices and seasonings but when I change things up, I want people to stop and think “What is that flavor?” but in a good way. That’s when I reach for the tequila.
Picking the Right Tequila
The trick is to add enough to notice it but not too much to where your chicken tastes like it just got off a spring break party barge. This would be the time to reach for the bottle you use for blended margaritas, such as a blanco or reposado tequila. Look for something with a little personality that’s not too expensive.
Personally, I like to use a blanco tequila, such as Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila, because the flavor is bold and can stand up to the heartiest bbq sauce. Reposado tequilas tend to be smoother and can get overpowered by a strong sauce, but if you have a mild sauce feel free to grab something like Espolòn Tequila Reposado.
How to Make Tequila BBQ Sauce
All you need to do is simmer two cups of your favorite barbecue sauce with two to four tablespoons of tequila until it’s as thick as you like it. Now comes the important step; taste it! If it’s not potent enough for you, add another shot and simmer again.
You’re now ready to use it in any recipe that calls for barbecue sauce. If you don’t use it all, simply refrigerate it for up to two weeks.
11 More Recipes That Use Tequila
Cerveza Margaritas
One sip of this refreshing drink and you’ll picture sand, sea and blue skies that stretch for miles. It’s like a vacation in a glass, and you can mix it in moments. It's one of my favorite
tequila drinks. —Christina Pittman, Parkville, Missouri
Go to Recipe
Margarita Tres Leches CakeThe first time I ever had tres leches cake I felt as if I were in heaven. I have made it at home using several techniques and flavors, and this margarita twist on the classic is my favorite. —Laurie Lufkin, Essex, Massachusetts
Classic MargaritaA classic margarita recipe doesn't need anything other than
tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. When you're making the cocktail, make sure you squeeze the limes correctly for the ultimate freshness. —
James Schend,
Dairy Freed
Pressure-Cooker Tequila Salsa ChickenI had this dish at a local Mexican restaurant when celebrating a friend's birthday. I fell in love with the spicy, smoky flavor from the tequila and decided to try Instant Pot salsa chicken at home. Boy, was it a success! It's also great stuffed into flour tortillas or for making nachos. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Tequila SunriseWhen you really want to relax and enjoy the evening try one of these mild orange-flavored Tequila Sunrises.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Tequila Lime Shrimp ZoodlesThis tangy shrimp dish is a smart way to cut carbs without sacrificing flavor. If you don't have a spiralizer, you can use thinly julienned zucchini to get a similar effect. —Brigette Schroeder, Yorkville, Illinois
Serve up these recipes with zucchini noodles, too.
Fruit Kabobs with Margarita DipYour adult guests will love the flavor of this cool and creamy margarita fruit dip recipe. Serve the kabobs either as a snack or dessert. —Michelle Zapf, Kingsland, Georgia
Margarita Gelatin ShotsEveryone's favorite cocktail becomes a celebratory shot! Serve this margarita gelatin shot recipe in shot glasses garnished to look like mini margaritas or, for a fun twist, pour the mixture into hollowed-out lime halves, chill and then slice into wedges. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
South-of-the-Border Chicken Salad with Tequila Lime DressingAdd a burst of color to your table with this fresh main-dish that's topped with homemade tequila lime salad dressing. For a simple garnish sprinkle salad with lightly crushed tortilla chips.—Annette Hottenstein, Cockeysville, Maryland
Margarita FloatsOn a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Tequila-Lime Fruit SaladLooking for a fast, colorful side to round out any meal? This refreshing fruit salad is pure perfection! —Angela Howland, Haynesville, Maine
Add boozy flavor to your entire meal with these recipes that call for a splash of liquor.
Grapefruit MargaritaWhen you add a drizzle of grenadine to your finished grapefruit margarita, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset look. —
James Schend,
Dairy Freed
Slow-Cooked CarnitasSimmer up succulent pork the slow-cooker way. Sometimes, instead of using tortillas, I put the seasoned meat on top of shredded lettuce for a tasty salad. —Lisa Glogow, Aliso Viejo, California
Summertime TeaYou can’t have a summer gathering around here without this sweet tea to cool you down. It’s wonderful for sipping while basking by the pool. —Angela Lively, Baxter, Tennessee
Check out more delicious mixers for tequila.
Tequila Vinaigrette with GreensHere’s a zingy vinaigrette with Southwestern flair. We serve it with added toppings like apples, mandarin oranges, feta cheese and candied walnuts. —Janelle Lee, Appleton, Wisconsin
Watermelon MargaritasSummer’s best flavors get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa
Updated: Apr. 28, 2023
