Cantarito Non Alcoholic Tequila Cocktail
/You’re probably familiar with margarita and paloma mocktails, but for me, this is the drink that brings that sandy beach Mexican sunshine to my life in a big way! The Cantarito is a cousin of the Paloma, but a lot more refreshing and with more of a citrus punch. It’s also really easy to make, with mostly accessible ingredients and no need for a shaker or strainer (just what this midlife mama needs when it comes to easy mocktails!)
Photo Credit Some Good Clean Fun 2022
What is non-alcoholic tequila?
Non-alcoholic (or zero-proof) tequila is made through one of two processes that result in a liquid that replicates the unique, deep flavours of real tequila. Some producers start with full-proof distilled tequila and then remove the alcohol, whereas others may “build it”, as I say, from the ground up by macerating blue agave, liquid smoke, capiscum and other ingredients into a tequila-style beverage.
Which non-alcoholic tequila should I use?
For this recipe I initially used a locally made non-alcoholic tequila, but have since upgraded this recipe and use whatever I have on the bar cart, now that there are dozens of options available everywhere.
If you’re not familiar with non-alcoholic tequila, we have a round-up of the best non-alcoholic tequila and what to look for in a good zero-proof tequila option.
What is a cantarito?
A diminutive of the Spanish word for pitcher, cántaro, the cantarito is actually a small earthenware clay jug that originated in Jalisco, Mexico. Historically cantaros were used to gather water, but now are used for any type of refreshing drink (boozy or otherwise).
A cantarito cocktail is a stirred drink made with a mixture of tequila or zero-proof tequila and all four citrus flavours: lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit, with an added fizz from soda. It's well-worth using fresh squeezed lime, lemon and orange juice to make this mocktail, otherwise it gets too sweet with juice from concentrate or bottled juice.
The grapefruit flavour comes from a grapefruit soda. The most common brand in the southern U.S. and Mexico is Jarritos, but just use whatever is easiest for you to find. Our favourite is called Ting from Jamaica, which was voted as the best grapefruit soda out there by Bon Appetit magazine. For a no-sugar option try using Fresca - it definitely changes the taste, but is still refreshing and healthier for anyone watching their sugar intake.
Cheers and enjoy this zero-proof cocktail!
Level of difficulty
Extremely easy!
When to serve
Taco Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Saturday afternoons in a sunny window seat, summer patios
Ingredients
1.5 oz Non-Alcoholic Tequila
1/2 oz EACH of lime, lemon and orange juice
4 - 6 oz of grapefruit soda
Salt
Directions
Add the fresh juices and tequila to a glass.
Add a sprinkling of sea salt and stir gently to combine.
Add ice
Top with grapefruit soda.
Garnish with a slice of lime (optional).
Non-alcoholic Cantarito Tequila Mocktail
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Sobrii 0-Tequila
- 1/2 oz each of lime, lemon and orange juice
- 4 - 6 oz of Ting grapefruit soda
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add the fresh juices, tequila and salt to a glass and stir to combine.
- Add ice.
- Top with grapefruit soda.
- Garnish with a slice of lime (optional).
