It’s very rare that you see someone take a tequila shot without a chaser.
And for those who do, I applaud you.
You bold, brave souls.
I strongly prefer to have a chaser for my tequila shots, so today I’m here to introduce you to all the options out there.
I’ll chat about the variety of tequila shot chasers and why each one helps you get the liquor down just a bit easier.
What Even Is a Chaser?
A chaser is anything you drink immediately after a shot to soften the blow.
When it comes to tequila—especially the more fiery or earthy varieties—a chaser can cool the burn, refresh your taste buds, or even enhance the tequila’s flavor.
From classic lime wedges to TikTok-famous pickle juice trends, the right chaser can elevate the entire tequila experience.
Classic Chasers That Always Work
- Lime Wedge with Salt: The OG. The acidity of the lime cuts the intensity of the tequila while the salt enhances the overall flavor.
- Orange Slice with Cinnamon or Chili Powder: This is especially great with añejo tequila. The sweetness of the orange + the spice = next level.
- Club Soda or Soda Water: Crisp, clean, and great for pacing yourself.
Fruit Juice Chasers
- Orange Juice: Citrusy, sweet, and strong enough to stand up to a robust tequila.
- Cranberry Juice: A slightly tart option that balances well with tequila’s natural bite.
- Pomegranate Juice: A lesser-known but excellent chaser with a rich, complex flavor profile.
- Apple Juice: Smooth, subtle sweetness that’s surprisingly good with a shot of tequila.
- Tomato or Clamato Juice: Think Bloody Mary vibes. Add a little black pepper and hot sauce? You’ve got a tequila michelada twist.
Savory and Interesting Chasers
- Pickle Juice: TikTok made it famous, but pickle juice and tequila is legit. The briny bite works well, especially with blanco.
- Hot Sauce: Not for the faint of heart. A tiny dash of hot sauce as a chaser can amplify the spice and create a “little blood” burn that’s intense but fun.
- Grapefruit Soda: Like a poor man’s Paloma. The citrus notes and subtle sweetness make this a go-to.
- Tonic Water: Bitterness can balance tequila’s sharpness.
- Energy Drinks: Not my preferred method, but if you’re in the mood for a night that lasts… this is an option. Just be careful mixing stimulants with alcohol.
Tips for Choosing the Best Chaser
- Pair with Your Tequila Type: Highlands tequila is typically sweeter and floral, while lowlands tequilas tend to be earthier and more peppery. Choose chasers accordingly.
- Think of Your End Goal: Want to enhance the flavor? Go citrus. Trying to mask it? Something strong and sweet like fruit juice works.
- Consider the Smoothness: A smoother tequila (like añejo) may need less of a chaser—or just a sip of club soda.
- Use Real Fruit Juice When You Can: It brings in natural sugars and a cleaner, less processed flavor.
- Add a Pinch of Salt or a Hint of Spice: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
Pairings to Try
- Good Tequila + Grapefruit Soda + Pinch of Salt = Classic Paloma energy.
- Shot of Tequila + Apple Juice = Sweet and clean.
- Blanco Tequila + Pickle Shot = Spicy, funky, unforgettable.
- Añejo Tequila + Orange Slice + Chili Powder = Your new favorite.
- Lowlands Tequila + Pomegranate Juice + Dash of Black Pepper = Unexpected, but incredible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the best chaser if I hate tequila?
A: Go with orange juice or apple juice. They’re sweet, smooth, and help cover the flavor without clashing.
Q: Can I use soda as a chaser for tequila?
A: Yes! Club soda, tonic water, even a splash of cola can be solid choices depending on your taste buds.
Q: Is it better to sip or shoot tequila?
A: That depends on the tequila and the vibe. Añejo tequilas with floral notes and a smooth finish are meant to be sipped. Blanco? Totally fine to shoot.
Q: What’s a good chaser for spicy tequila cocktails?
A: Try something with a cooling or citrus twist—fresh lime juice, grapefruit soda, or a chilled fruit juice.
Q: Should chasers be served cold?
A: Yes, for best results. Cold chasers reduce the burn and keep the experience refreshing.
Q: Can I mix tequila and energy drinks?
A: Technically yes, but I don’t recommend it. Energy drinks can mask the effects of alcohol, and that combo is rough on your system.
Q: What if I want a healthy chaser?
A: Real fruit juice like pomegranate or grapefruit is a great option with natural sugars and a dose of vitamins.
Q: What’s a good food chaser?
A: Tortilla chips! Especially with a little lime and salt. They soak up some of the alcohol and pair well flavor-wise.
Q: Can I use tonic water as a chaser?
A: Absolutely. Tonic water brings a slight bitterness that balances well with the strong flavor of tequila.
Q: Is tomato juice a good chaser for tequila?
A: Yes! Especially when you add a dash of hot sauce and black pepper. Clamato juice works well too and gives michelada vibes.
Q: What’s the best way to level up my tequila shot?
A: Try a custom rim—chili powder, salt, and a touch of lime zest can transform a basic shot into something memorable. Add an orange slice with a sprinkle of cinnamon or pair your shot with a side of real fruit juice to highlight citrus notes and enhance the smoothness of tequila.
Q: What if I want something nonalcoholic and easy?
A: Stick with soda water or a splash of fresh juice. These will complement the tequila without adding more alcohol to the mix.
Q: Are there any regional chasers I should try?
A: Yes! In parts of the United States and Mexico, sangrita (a mix of orange juice, tomato juice, chili, and lime) is a traditional chaser for tequila and delivers a bold, complex flavor.
At the end of the day, the best chaser for tequila is the one that works for you. Next time you’re taking a shot of tequila, try something new. You might just discover your go-to combo!