Taco Pairings: What Drinks Go Best with Tacos?

Tacos are one of the most versatile and beloved foods, offering endless possibilities for fillings, toppings, and flavor combinations. Whether you prefer traditional Mexican-style tacos or fusion varieties, a perfect drink can elevate your taco experience. Choosing the right beverage can complement the flavors of the tacos, whether they are spicy, savory, or mild. Alcoholic options like margaritas and beers are popular choices, but non-alcoholic beverages like horchata and aguas frescas are equally delicious. Here’s a guide to the best drink pairings for tacos that range from refreshing and crisp to rich and complex.

Best Alcoholic Pairings

Tacos w/ Margarita

Margaritas and Tacos

• Classic Margarita: The tangy lime and tequila of a classic margarita are perfect for tacos with bold flavors like carne asada or spicy chicken. The acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, balancing the overall flavor.

• Spicy Margarita: For heat lovers, a spicy margarita with jalapeños or habanero enhances the fire in tacos like al pastor or chorizo, creating a bold and exciting pairing.

• Fruit Margaritas (Mango, Watermelon, or Strawberry): The sweetness of a fruit margarita is a great counterbalance to savory or spicy fillings, especially with seafood tacos like shrimp or fish.

Beer and Tacos

• Mexican Lagers (Corona, Modelo, Pacifico): Light and crisp Mexican lagers are a classic pairing for tacos of any variety. Their refreshing taste and low bitterness allow the flavors of the taco to shine without overpowering them.

• IPAs: Hoppier and more citrus-forward, IPAs pair well with spicier tacos, like pork carnitas, where the bitterness can handle intense, savory flavors.

• Michelada: A Mexican beer cocktail made with lime, hot sauce, and tomato juice, Michelada offers a tangy, spicy refreshment that complements any taco, particularly those with bold, spicy fillings.

  Tequila Shots or Mezcal

• Tequila Blanco or Reposado: A neat shot of tequila, whether blanco or reposado, pairs beautifully with grilled meats or barbacoa tacos. The agave flavors meld well with fresh toppings like lime, cilantro, and onion.

• Mezcal: The smoky character of mezcal enhances grilled or smoky taco fillings, such as grilled vegetables or chipotle-marinated meats, adding depth to every bite.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

Tacos w/ Horchata

1. Horchata

• This sweet, creamy cinnamon rice milk drink is a soothing balance to spicier tacos, like carne asada or spicy chicken. The rich sweetness helps cool the palate, making it a refreshing choice.

2. Aguas Frescas

• Jamaica (Hibiscus): The tart and floral notes of hibiscus agua fresca provide a refreshing contrast to the savory richness of carnitas or barbacoa tacos.

• Tamarind: The tangy sweetness of tamarind pairs well with grilled meats, complementing the charred, smoky flavors of tacos al pastor.

• Cucumber-Lime: Light and crisp, cucumber-lime agua fresca works wonderfully with lighter taco fillings like fish or shrimp, offering a cooling balance to their flavors.

3. Sodas

• Jarritos: Available in fruity flavors like mandarin, lime, and grapefruit, Jarritos offer a sweet, fizzy contrast to spicy taco fillings. The bubbles refresh the palate between bites.

• Mexican Coca-Cola: Made with cane sugar, Mexican Coca-Cola has a smoother taste that pairs especially well with rich taco fillings like pork or beef, cutting through the heaviness with its sweetness.

4. Iced Tea

• Citrus Iced Tea: Lightly sweetened iced tea with hints of lemon or lime provides a crisp and refreshing accompaniment to tacos filled with fresh ingredients like pico de gallo, avocado, and grilled meats.

These pairings, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, enhance the taco experience by highlighting the rich, savory, and spicy elements of each bite. Whether you're a fan of traditional flavors or looking for a modern twist, there’s a drink to complement every type of taco.