Batanga
A cult-favorite Mexican highball of tequila, cola, and salt.
Base spirit
Tequila
Style
Highball
Glassware
Highball glass
The Batanga is the rustic cousin of the Cuba Libre, swapping rum for blanco tequila and adding a distinct salted rim. Created in the town of Tequila, Mexico, it is defined by its method of being stirred with a large knife used to cut the limes. The salt bridges the gap between the sugary cola and the vegetal agave, creating a savory-sweet profile that is incredibly drinkable. It is unpretentious and deeply traditional.
Ingredients
Servings
- • 2 oz tequila blanco
- • 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
- • 4 oz cola
- • Salt for rim
Did you know?
“Created by Don Javier Delgado Corona at La Capilla bar in Tequila, Mexico, who famously stirred every drink with the knife he used to slice the limes.”
Source:La Capilla history; PunchDrink
Bartender's Note
Traditionally stirred with a knife, but a spoon works fine; the key is the generous amount of lime and salt.
How to make the Batanga
- 1Rim a highball glass with salt
- 2Fill with ice
- 3Squeeze in the lime juice
- 4Add tequila and top with cola
- 5Stir with a knife (or spoon) to mix
