The Batanga Is the Perfect Late-Summer Cocktail by  Christianna Silva

It’s been around for decades, but social media is re-popularizing the batanga as a richer (but still refreshing) alternative to fruit juice–based drinks.

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As Jordan Hughes, or @highproofpreacher on TikTok, announced earlier this year: “2024 is the year of the batanga.” The world may not have been ready for such a refreshing cocktail in February, but as the summer heat lingers and we all instinctively reach for a margarita or an Aperol spritz, consider adding this old-is-new-again mixed drink to your repertoire.

The batanga is delightfully simple, with just four ingredients, and unlike many beloved summer drinks, it’s not fruit juice–based—the core of the batanga is a cola (experts recommend Mexican Coca-Cola, but more on that below), which gives the drink a richer color and extra pop of fizz than drinks primarily made with fruit juices.

Related: 13 Genius 1-Ingredient Twists on the Classic Aperol Spritz to Try This Summer

While it’s new to some cocktail drinkers, the batanga actually originated decades ago in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico—the birthplace of its main ingredient. All you need to create your own at home is a good-quality blanco tequila, Mexican Coca-Cola (which differs from U.S. and other products due to its use of cane sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup), freshly squeezed lime juice, and a pinch of salt (plus more along the rim of the glass).

It’s a tasty drink year round, but the batanga was truly made for summer. Its ease of preparation makes it an ideal choice for barbecues; its light, refreshing nature makes it easy to sip on a hot day, and the sharpness of the tequila and lime balance out the sweetness of the Mexican Coke. And because of its simplicity, you can make it in large batches—perfect to prepare ahead for outdoor gatherings.

Related: 29 of our Favorite Summer Refreshing Drinks to Beat the Heat

The batanga, also known as the charro negro, has long been a beloved favorite in Mexico, but it’s recently become a favorite in the U.S., too, in large part thanks to social media. Search “batanga” on Instagram or TikTok and you’re bound to find hundreds of videos, each with its own unique twist on the classic drink.

Related: The 6 Best Drinking Glasses of 2024, According to Our Testing

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