If you're looking for a refreshing, tangy cocktail that's perfect for any occasion, then this Durango Cocktail is exactly what you need!
With its vibrant flavors and easy preparation, it's a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe. This cocktail combines the zesty taste of lime and ruby red grapefruit juice with the smoothness of tequila and amaretto, creating a delightful drink that's as fun to make as it is to sip.
Table of Contents
Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.
🗝️ Key takeaways
- Easy & unique: The Durango Cocktail is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Its refreshing and zesty flavors are perfect for warm weather and social gatherings, making it a go-to drink for any occasion.
- Casual events: Serve this cocktail at your next backyard barbecue, dinner party, or casual get-together. It's also a great choice for a relaxing evening at home or to kick off the weekend.
When most people think about Mexican cocktails they think about margaritas - maybe even a Paloma. The truth of the matter is that Mexico has a ton of cocktails that most Americans haven't ever heard of.
I am not sure where the Durango cocktail originated, to be honest. I'd like to say that it was probably in Durango, Mexico but the fact that is contains amaretto makes me skeptical about that.
I am not going to try to figure it out.
It is a close relative of the Paloma because of the grapefruit juice and tequila but the amaretto really adds a zing! of flavor and sweetness that smooths out any harshness from either the tequila or the grapefruit.
You can also add club soda to dilute it a little and make it sparkly. I prefer it that way because I am not big into heavy alcohol flavors. I don't drink to get drunk (usually) and I'm not 18 anymore (yeah, the drinking age was 18 back then), so I tend to add some club soda to almost everything I make.
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
🤫 Cook's secrets -
To get the most juice out of your limes, roll them firmly on the countertop before cutting. This helps break down the membranes inside, releasing more juice.
🍴 Equipment
- cocktail shaker
- muddler
- jigger
- highball glasses
- strainer
Marye's Tip
Use high-quality tequila for the best flavor. A good reposado or blanco tequila will make a big difference in the taste of your cocktail.
💭 Things to know
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a little sugar or simple syrup to suit your taste.
- For a spicy kick, muddle a few slices of jalapeño with the lime and mint.
- Make sure to serve the cocktail over plenty of ice to keep it chilled and refreshing.
👩🍳 FAQs
Have other questions? Ask me in the comments!
Yes, this cocktail also works well with vodka or rum.
You can use the back of a spoon or a rolling pin to muddle the ingredients.
📚 Related recipes
📞 The last word
The Durango cocktail is a delicious brunch beverage recipe that's made with tequila, amaretto, and grapefruit juice. I've sweetened it up a little by using Rio Star grapefruit but if you're outside of Texas you can use Ruby Red with a splash of grenadine.
The mellow almond flavor of the amaretto smooths out any possible harshness from the tequila or the grapefruit. You just get a refreshing sip with a sweet-tangy finish.
If you can start with a Rio Star grapefruit and use fresh squeezed juice you'll end up with an amazing flavor and gorgeous color. If you can't find Rio Star (it might be a Texas thing?) then use ruby red grapefruit juice and add a splash of grenadine.
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Durango Cocktail
Print Pin Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 2 ounces reposado tequila
- 2 ounces grapefruit juice, freshly squeezed Rio Star, or any ruby red
- ½ ounce amaretto
- ⅛ lime, slice
- Dash grenadine, optional
- club soda, optional
- ice cubes
Instructions
- Add teh tequila, grapefruit juice, and amaretto (plus grenadine if desired) to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake a minute or so.
- Strain into an on the rocks glass filled with ice.
- Squeeze in the lime and stir.
- Top off with club soda as desired.
- Garnish with lime.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
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✍🏻 A note from Marye...
I know y'all don't always like the stories bloggers tell so when I have one I try to put it at the very bottom so you can read or skip as you like.
April 2017
Believe it or not this Durango cocktail recipe was supposed to go live last Friday. I'm not sure what happened but in between meetings, shopping, picking a sick kid up from school, and leaving town for a conference I didn't get a thing written beyond my recipe notes.Then I spent the first half of this week in Austin and the last two days trying to get client work done. Hopefully if I work nonstop and forgo sleep I'll be caught up by Monday. I'm only half kidding.
It was worth it though. In Austin I got to hang out with some of my favorite food bloggers, meet bloggers I hadn't met before, and pick the brains of some of the super-bloggers that we all know and love. I came away with a few great ideas and hopefully some ways to make Restless Chipotle even better.
First published April 8, 2017. Last updated June 16, 2024 for editorial improvements.
Rene says
Hi Marye , my name is Rene i live in South Texas wasn't looking for drink recipes but stumbled upon your web site and had to drop you a line regarding drink " Durango Cocktail " . Wow those drinks " Spicy Peach Tequila Sour " both look so delicious can't wait to have one of each thanks for sharing all your recipes .
Marye Audet says
🙂 let me know what you think. 🙂