Move over, Margarita! The Batanga is one of those simple-but-delicious tequila cocktails that you'll want to make over and over again! It's easy and so tasty, but using one key ingredient makes this drink so much better.
What's the secret? Mexican Coca-Cola! You might have to search to find it in the US, but it really elevates the Batanga and gives it such a great flavor.
Fun fact: the Batanga got a surge in popularity on TikTok in 2024, when a group of cocktail influencers took a trip to Mexico and all featured the recipe!
Looking for some more easy tequila cocktails? Try out this Tequila Mule with ginger beer, or the absolutely delicious Blackberry Margarita!
What is Mexican Coke?
Mexican Coca-Cola is the version of Coke that's made in Mexico. The formula is different than what is sold in the US, with the big difference in the sweetener.
The Mexican version uses cane sugar, while the US version has high fructose corn syrup. It may seem like a small difference, but the Mexican version tastes less sweet and has a deeper cola flavor that is so good in this cocktail!
You can use the US version in a pinch, but I highly recommend trying the Mexican version if you can find it! Sometimes it is sold in stores, or you can usually find it on Amazon.
History of the Batanga
The Batanga is the creation of Don Javier Delgado Corona, bartender and owner of La Capilla bar in Jalisco, Mexico.
He started making the drink in the 1950s or 60s, and continued to make it for decades until his passing. It's now become one of the signature drinks of Jalisco and famous around the world!
The special sauce, so to speak, of this drink is that it is stirred with a knife -- preferably one that has been "seasoned" by chopping limes and peppers. It gives the Batanga a little extra kick and depth that is so tasty!
Ingredients
You'll just need three main ingredients for this drink! Make sure you have tequila, Mexican Coca-Cola and a fresh lime.
You'll also want to have salt for the rim of the glass. I used a flaky sea salt that goes really well with the lime zest.
For the tequila, you don't have to break the bank, but quality always makes a better drink! LALO tequila is one of my favorites, and I love it as a sipping tequila too.
Substitutions
If you need to make this with something other than tequila, I suggest trying gin or white rum.
Can't find Mexican Coke? Instead of going straight to the US version, try out a different cola that is made with cane sugar. You can try Boylan Cane Cola, or try using Liber & Co Kola Syrup along with seltzer water.
For the lime, you can always use lemon instead!
Variations
This is a pretty simple drink on its own! If you want to make it more sweet, just use less lime juice. Less sweet? Use less cola, or more lime juice.
If you want to make a mocktail version, just swap in an alcohol-free tequila substitute, like Lyre's Agave Blanco.
Looking to lower the sugar? Just try a diet cola. There is no Mexican version of this, so just use Diet Coke, or you can try out Boylan's Diet Cola.
Equipment
One of the main things you'll need for this is a knife! This is what the original creator used to stir the cocktail, after it had been "seasoned" by cutting limes and peppers.
Other than that, you'll just need a jigger, a cutting board and a serving glass. You can use any style cocktail glass, but a large Collins glass works well for this (with straight sides).
If you're going to make the lime salt for the rim, you'll also need a lime zester. A Bar Above makes a great lime zester (and you can get 10% off using my code, LKDrinks!).
Instructions
I love using lime salt on the rim of this cocktail! It's optional, but definitely gives a nice extra zip of flavor.
To make it, use a zest grater to grate the peel of a lime. Add the zest to some sea salt and rub the mixture together with your fingers.
Wet part of the rim of your glass with a cut lime, and then dip the glass into the lime salt so it sticks.
Then, make the drink! Fill the glass with ice and add in the lime juice.
Then add in the tequila, and top with the Mexican Coke.
Take the knife you used to cut your lime, and stir the whole drink with the knife.
Add on a lime slice as an extra garnish, and serve!
Hint: Although the knife looks cool, I recommend taking it out before serving!
Top tip
This is a great party drink because it's so easy to put together. But, I suggest adding the lime salt to the glass rims ahead of time if you can!
📖 Recipe
Batanga
Equipment
- Small dish for salt
Ingredients
Salt Rim (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- lime zest from about ½ lime
Cocktail
- 1 fresh lime
- 1½ ounces tequila blanco
- 4-5 ounces Mexican Coca-Cola
- 1 slice lime (optional garnish)
Instructions
Salt Rim (optional)
- In a small dish, rub together the sea salt and lime zest with your fingers.
- Cut a lime and use one half of it to wet the rim of your serving glass.
- Dip the wet rim into the lime and salt mixture.
Cocktail
- Fill your serving glass with ice and add in the lime juice and tequila.
- Top it off with the Mexican Coke.
- Take the knife you used to cut your lime and use it to stir the drink. (If you didn't use fresh lime then just stir with a spoon.)
- Optionally add a lime slice to the rim of the glass as a garnish, and serve!
Kimberly says
This drink is so simple and so good! Let me know if you have questions about this recipe.