Batanga: Cocktail of the Summer?
Some are saying the Batanga will be the 2024 drink of the summer. I tried this simple Mexican cocktail to see for myself. This is what I discovered.
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok lately, you’ve certainly come across the Batanga, a simple Mexican cocktail. Some creators like Lui Fernandes are predicting it’ll be the summer cocktail of 2024. I’m not normally a tequila girl, but after seeing some of my favorite creators (like Chris and Kaitlin) try it and enjoy it, I figured it was time.
And y’all, I’m not going to lie… I see why this cocktail took off. It’s so good.
First of all, what is the Batanga cocktail, and where did it come from?
The Batanga is a Mexican cantina cocktail, first created in the 1950s by Don Javier Delgado Corona at his bar, La Capilla. That bar, by the way, is located in the city of Tequila in Jalisco, and is the oldest bar in Tequila. The cocktail is also known as a “Charro Negro.” Whatever you call it, it’s simple and rustic, refreshing and easily crushable.
The Batanga cocktail only requires three ingredients: lime, blanco tequila, and Mexican Coca-Cola. Some TikTok creators specify to use key limes, but I always have a hard time finding those where I live. Regular limes work just as good. You do not want to skimp on getting the real Mexican Coca-Cola, though. Mexican Coke is made with real cane sugar, not high-fructose corn syrup; it’s not sugary, and it doesn’t feel like it leaves a film on your teeth when you drink it. If you have a Mexican grocery store or market near you, they should carry Mexican Coke. You can also buy it at Chipotle restaurants (or Dos Bros, if you know you know). Sometimes my regular grocery store carries it, too.
I have also made this with a reposado tequila, like Espolón. It was also tasty and brought out more of the agave notes in the drink. The traditional choice is a blanco tequila, so if you have a blanco, use that. My choice is INSÓLITO.
How to make a Batanga cocktail
This cocktail requires no shaking or extra equipment: just a tall glass (like a Collins glass) and a good knife.
First, slice your lime in half. DO NOT wash your knife! Set it aside; you’ll use it again shortly. Rub the cut side of the lime around the rim of the glass or along the side. Dip the rim in salt.
Confession: I don’t love salted rims on my drinks. I think it gets messy and sloppy. When I was shooting this recipe, I honestly completely forgot to salt my glass. Instead I usually add a pinch of salt right in my shaker or right on top of the finished drink. But salting the rim is traditional for the Batanga. So… you do you.
Next, fill your glass with ice. Squeeze the juice of half your lime into the glass. If your lime isn’t very juicy, squeeze in the other half.
Then, pour your blanco tequila straight into your glass. About 2 ounces should be good, but honestly… measure with your heart.
Lastly, pop open a bottle of Mexican Coca-Cola and fill the remainder of your glass with it. Now, grab the knife you used to slice your lime and stir your Batanga with that knife. This step was what Don Javier claimed was the key to this drink. Using that knife will infuse the lingering lime flavor (and love) into your cocktail.
And that’s it! I truly wasn’t expecting to love the Batanga cocktail as much as I did. It’s refreshing, it’s citrusy, it’s got the sweetness from the agave and Mexican Coke, and the salt balances everything. It might be, dare I say, perfect.
Did you like this recipe? You might also like:
Thanks so much for reading and eating along, y’all! If you’re craving more, follow me on Instagram and Pinterest so you never miss a recipe. If you make one of my recipes, tag me on Instagram or share a photo on my Facebook page so I can see your creations!
Batanga Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 lime
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 bottle Mexican Coca-Cola
- Pinch Salt (or for rimming the glass)
Instructions
- First, slice your lime in half. Set the knife aside without cleaning it. Rub the cut side of the lime around the rim of the glass or along the side. Dip the rim in salt.
- Next, fill your glass with ice. Squeeze the juice of half of the lime into the glass. If your lime isn't very juicy, squeeze in the other half.
- Pour the blanco tequila straight into your glass. About 2 ounces should be good.
- Pop open a bottle of Mexican Coca-Cola and fill the remainder of your glass with it. Now, grab the knife you used to slice your lime and stir your Batanga with that knife.
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and enjoy!
NOTE: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) for any sales generated via those links. Thanks so much for supporting Scratchmade Southern!
