Raise Your Glass: Discover the Best Tequila Cocktails in Gloucester, MA

July 11, 2024 / A Local Favorite, Food and Drink

Mile Marker One

The Hotel at Cape Ann Marina is home to Mile Marker One, which serves up a seasonally rotating menu of fresh seafood, sandwiches, salads, and more, with a full bar and breathtaking waterfront views. In the summer months, Mile Marker One offers outdoor seating on their bridge deck, a waterfront space perfect for kicking back with a cocktail and lobster rolls. And in the winter, the restaurant’s indoor dining area continues to boast sweeping views of the water with deliciously cozy menu items.

For tequila lovers, you can’t miss Mile Marker One’s seasonal margaritas. This summer’s lineup includes a Watermelon Margarita, 4 Pepper Margarita (made with habanero, jalapeño, California and red pepper infused tequila, fresh lime, and blue agave, with a Tajin spice rim), along with the classic Tommy’s Margarita with Reposado tequila, fresh lime & blue agave syrup.

Mile Marker One is also a go-to spot for flights, with margarita flights, as well as mimosas and mojitos. For the ultimate summer afternoon by the water, plan to stop here for your choice of three margarita flavors in a flight: Classic, strawberry, watermelon, passion fruit, guava, pineapple, peach, mango, strawberry, pineapple watermelon, peach, blackberry, or raspberry.

The Cut

Whether you stop in for dinner or drinks at the bar, or stick around for a show, The Cut has some of Gloucester’s most innovative and delicious cocktails. Their seasonally rotating drink menu is packed with specialty cocktails, a full beer and wine list, and some of the best mocktails in town.

On their summer menu, you can find the Harvest Moon (pictured above), made with tequila, Aperol, watermelon, and lemon. A slightly sweeter alternative to the ever-so-popular Aperol Spritz, this cocktail is a go-to recommendation for both tequila lovers looking for something a little different, and anyone new to the flavor of Aperol.

Decklyn’s

For waterfront dining and live music right on Harbor Loop, you’ll want to head over to Decklyn’s. Here, the menu focuses on fresh local seafood alongside incredible salads and sandwiches, all with views of the harbor and within a short walk to the shops and galleries on Main Street.

The bar at Decklyn’s serves up several varieties of tequila, including Casamigos, and unique barrel-aged tequilas for something a little different. On the spicier side, Decklyn’s bartenders recommend trying Ghost tequila or their own house-infused spicy tequila. The house-infused jalapeño tequila is the main feature of one of the restaurant’s most popular cocktails: The Ghost of Carlos, named for the beloved local restaurant that was formerly located where Decklyn’s is today, comes with jalapeño-infused tequila, triple sec, guava puree, and craft sour.

George’s Restaurant & Bar

George’s Restaurant & Bar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with specials throughout the week making the menu a hit with locals and visitors alike. In terms of tequila cocktails, the Ghost-arita (pictured above) is one of their most popular picks for its mix of Ghost tequila, pear nectar, St‑Germain, and fresh lime.

One of George’s summer specials, Cool for the Summer, is a spectacular choice for tequila connoisseurs looking for refreshing seasonal flavors that are equal parts spicy and sweet. This drink features jalapeño tequila, Mango Absolut, pineapple juice, and fresh lime, making it an ideal pairing for more savory menu items like chicken wings and cheeseburgers. If you’re not up for a spicy cocktail, George’s summer menu also includes a Strawberry Basil Margarita, a refreshing choice that can elevate your lunch or dinner with family and friends.

Blue Collar Lobster

You may have Blue Collar Lobster on your radar for their lobster rolls and fried seafood, but their fresh-made margaritas should also go to the top of your list while in Gloucester. As the seasonal extension of The Gloucester House, Blue Collar’s menu is made up of fresh, local seafood, along with salads, poke bowls, and a full bar.

Blue Collar Lobster’s Paloma (pictured above), made with Espolon Reposado, grapefruit juice, and a splash of sprite with a lime wedge,  balances the bold flavors of tequila with the bright zest of grapefruit, offering crisp and refreshing flavor in every sip. For a twist on the spicy tequila trend, the bar also serves up a Spicy Passionfruit Margarita with Ghost Tequila, lime juice, and passionfruit simple syrup served with a tajin rim.

Minglewood Harborside

Whether you’re stopping in for live music or grabbing drinks on the patio, Minglewood Harborside serves up a must-try spicy margarita. Fire on the Mountain features jalapeño-infused tequila, orange liqueur, pineapple, and house-made sour.

Pair it with lobster rolls, made with freshly shucked meat right from the boats behind the restaurant, or try it alongside Minglewood’s sushi rolls. (One of our favorites is the Picnic Roll, with shrimp tempura, spicy tuna, and mango, topped with seared ebi, avocado, spicy mayo, eel sauce, scallions, and tempura flakes.)

Jalapeño’s

Established in 1992, Jalapeños serves up authentic Mexican cuisine using their own recipes from Mexico City, central, and southern Mexico. Similarly to their food menu, margaritas at Jalapeños are made with only the freshest ingredients. And, with a lengthy list of tequilas to choose from plus several top shelf margaritas, you’re sure to find something to love on the cocktail menu.

La Mejor, one of Jalapeños’ top shelf margaritas, is made with Top Shelf Silver Tequila, Cointreau, Agave Nectar, Fresh Orange & Lime Juices, making it a solid option for a traditional margarita that will pair well with everything from appetizers like Queso Fundido and Ceviche, to entrees like Flautas, Tostadas, and more.

Be sure to enjoy your tequila responsibly, and share photos of your favorites with us at @discovergloucester. Cheers!