Mixologists Agree: The Batanga Is the Cocktail of Summer—Here's How to Make It

There's something about the kickoff of the summer season that makes us crave fun, festive beverages to fuel our warm-weather adventures. While past years have delivered new classics like the Aperol spritz and trendy predictions that have fizzled out (we're looking at you, Dirty Shirley), the drink of summer 2024 is both new and familiar. We consulted numerous leading mixologists and drinks experts, and there's a consensus: the batanga is the cocktail we'll be quaffing all season long.

About the Batanga

The batanga is a tequila-based cocktail that's a testament to the beauty of simplicity. With just a few classic ingredients—tequila, cola, fresh-squeezed lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a salt-rimmed glass—anyone can master this refreshing cocktail. It was originally crafted in the 1950s by Don Javier Delgado Corona, the owner of the iconic La Capilla bar in Tequila, Mexico. 

Why It's Trending Now

If you've been following beverage trends, you'll know that tequila is having a major moment—and cocktail lovers are eager to explore tasty ways to use it. As more consumers become interested in craft spirits, tequila has seen a significant rise in popularity, particularly sustainably produced versions that offer a more complex flavor profile. The batanga is a perfect vehicle for showcasing high-quality tequila, aligning with current consumer trends toward mindful drinking and appreciation of artisan spirits.

Beau du Bois, the vice president of bar and spirits at Puesto, a first-generation Mexican-American family-owned restaurant group, says: "Despite being the second most popular spirit in the United States, we're still discovering tequila's versatility beyond the margarita and paloma." He calls the batanga a welcome addition to the canon of classic tequila cocktails, noting that because it requires only a few basic ingredients, it's incredibly simple to make, and most importantly, it is delicious.

Recently, bartenders and enthusiasts have flocked to Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila, to learn more about the spirit and witness firsthand how it's made. These trips often include visiting La Capilla, the bar where the batanga was created. "As a result, Don Javier's batanga gospel began to spread," du Bois says.

Why the Batanga Is So Delicious 

Even though the drink itself is simple, the batanga manages to hit many flavorful notes across your palate: Tequila has an earthy kick, there's sweetness from the cola balanced with the tantalizingly tart lime, and the savory salinity of the salt tying it all together (especially satisfying for margarita fans, who are no strangers to the delicious interplay between tequila and salt). The flavors might be familiar to anyone who enjoys a Cuba libre cocktail (otherwise known as a rum and coke)—the batanga plays on those familiar flavors but with a bit of added complexity.

Beverage industry insiders are quick to sing the praises of the Batanga. "The batanga is a perfect summer cocktail. With an agave kick, it's sippable, crushable, and somehow reminiscent of your favorite childhood memories," says Jackie Summers, creator of Sorel Liqueur. Top bartenders, like Saeed "Hawk" House of Cocktails By Hawk, have created video tutorials to spread the word about this trending drink. With its visually appealing presentation and storied history, it's become a favorite subject for influencers who share their experiences with the cocktail, introducing it to a broader audience.

How to Make a Batanga

According to its creator, this is the original recipe:

1. Use a lime wedge to coat the rim of a highball or tall glass
2. Dip the rim in salt to coat
3. Squeeze the juice of 1/2 lime into the glass (about 1/2 ounce)
4. Fill the glass with large ice cubes
5. Add 2 ounces of blanco Tequila 
6. Top with Coca-Cola to the top of the glass
7. To honor Don Javier, stir with the same knife you used to cut the lime. Don Javier claims this is the secret to its flavor!

Batanga Variations

Although the classic recipe is the most authentic, there are many possible batanga variations and the drink can easily be customized to suit different tastes. Here are a few easy ideas to try once you've enjoyed the original batanga:

• Substitute a smoky mezcal for the tequila
• Try the drink with diet cola in place of regular
• Use different infused salts or more exotic citrus fruits to rim the glass