Submarino

The Submarino is a straightforward party starter for those who appreciate a quick kick. It’s a simple, effective combination of silver tequila and crisp Mexican lager, designed to get the job done without fuss. You’ll find this one ordered by folks looking to get the night going, or as a no-nonsense chaser when a shot alone just won’t cut it. It’s direct, potent, and refreshing.

Submarino

4.36 from 17 votes

Calories: 178kcal

Prep Time: 3

Total Time: 5

Ingredients

▢ 1 oz Silver Tequila
▢ 28 cl Mexican Beer

Instructions

▢
Add tequila to a beer pilsner filled with mexican beer. and serve.

Estimated Nutrition:

Calories: 178kcal (9%)

Where it came from

The Submarino’s exact birthdate is hazy, but it’s a safe bet this drink surfaced in bars along the US-Mexico border, or anywhere working stiffs and partygoers needed a quick, potent combo. It’s a classic example of a shot-and-a-beer, a common sight in casual drinking establishments where efficiency trumps complexity.

This drink is a variation on the classic beer cocktail, sitting alongside the Boilermaker or Depth Charge. Unlike a Michelada, there’s no citrus, salt, or spice here; it’s a pure, unadulterated combination of spirits and beer. It focuses on the immediate impact of the tequila against a refreshing backdrop.

You’d grab a Submarino at a lively cantina, a bustling sports bar during a game, or during a backyard barbecue where the cooler is fully stocked. It’s not a drink for a quiet, contemplative evening at a craft cocktail bar, but rather for when the energy needs a boost.

What it tastes like

On the first sip, the silver tequila hits with a clean, sharp agave and peppery bite that immediately takes center stage. That quickly mellows into the crisp, slightly sweet and malty notes of the Mexican lager, providing a refreshing counterpoint. The finish is a clean blend of residual agave and light hop bitterness, leaving the palate ready for the next gulp.

With 1 ounce of 80-proof tequila and about 9.5 ounces of 4.5% ABV Mexican beer, a Submarino clocks in around 8% alcohol by volume. That makes it roughly double the strength of a standard lager, and about half the punch of a typical 2-ounce spirit cocktail. It’s designed to deliver a noticeable buzz without being overly heavy.

The technique

Building a Submarino is about as simple as it gets. Grab a chilled pilsner glass and fill it with your Mexican lager. Then, with purpose, drop a shot glass full of silver tequila into the beer. The key is to make sure the shot glass is full. Serve it immediately, no stirring or fuss required.

The key technique here is the drop. Whether you’re actually dropping a shot glass or just quickly pouring the tequila in, the idea is to get that immediate, forceful integration of the spirit into the beer. It creates a brief fizz and ensures the tequila’s potency is front and center from the first gulp. Don’t just slowly pour the tequila and let it sit, or you lose some of the fun and impact.

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Ingredient Spotlight

The bottles that make or break this drink.

Silver Tequila

Use: A good quality 100% agave blanco tequila is your best bet. Brands like Espolon Blanco, Olmeca Altos Plata, or El Jimador Blanco offer a clean, vibrant agave character without breaking the bank.
Skip: Avoid mixto tequilas (those not 100% agave) or aged tequilas like reposado or añejo. Mixtos often have harsh notes, and aged tequilas will introduce oak and vanilla flavors that clash with the simple beer base.
Why: The silver tequila is the engine of this drink. Its bright, peppery agave profile provides the sharp kick that defines the Submarino. Without a quality blanco, the drink loses its characteristic punch and freshness.

Mexican Beer

Use: Stick to light, crisp Mexican lagers. Corona Extra, Pacifico Clara, Modelo Especial, or even Tecate work perfectly. The goal is a refreshing, relatively neutral beer that lets the tequila shine.
Skip: Steer clear of dark stouts, hoppy IPAs, or overly malty amber ales. These will completely overpower the tequila and transform the drink into something entirely different and likely less palatable.
Why: The Mexican beer provides the effervescent, light-bodied base that mellows the tequila without completely diluting its presence. Its clean profile allows the agave notes to come through while adding a refreshing, drinkable quality.

Three Variations

Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink. Same idea, three different jackets.

Boilermaker

The classic whiskey and beer combo.: A shot of whiskey, typically bourbon or rye, dropped into a pint of lager or ale. It’s the original beer and a shot, with countless regional variations.

Depth Charge

Jagermeister and beer for a herbal kick.: A shot of Jagermeister dropped into a glass of beer, often a pilsner or light lager. It’s known for its distinct herbal and slightly bitter flavor profile.

Michelada

Spiced and savory beer cocktail.: A more complex beer cocktail featuring lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire, and sometimes other spices, often served over ice with a salted rim. It’s a full-on savory experience.

What if I don't have…

Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.

No Silver Tequila?

White rum or even a clean vodka can stand in if tequila isn’t available. It won’t be a true Submarino, but you’ll still get the shot-in-beer experience with a different spirit profile.

No Mexican Beer?

Any light, crisp lager will do the trick. Think Budweiser, Coors Light, or a local craft pilsner. The ‘Mexican’ part is about the flavor profile, but the light lager character is more important.

No Pilsner Glass?

A standard pint glass, a tall highball glass, or even a sturdy Mason jar will work just fine. The main thing is to have enough room for the beer and the shot glass to sit comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.

What is in a Submarino?

A Submarino contains a shot of silver tequila and a glass of Mexican beer.

How do you drink a Submarino?

You drop the shot glass full of tequila into the beer, then pick up the glass and drink it all down quickly.

Is a Submarino strong?

Yes, it’s significantly stronger than a typical beer, generally around 8% alcohol by volume, making it quite potent.

What’s the difference between a Submarino and a Boilermaker?

A Submarino specifically uses silver tequila and Mexican beer, while a Boilermaker typically uses whiskey and any type of beer.

Why is it called a Submarino?

It’s named ‘Submarino’ because the shot glass ‘sinks’ or ‘submerges’ into the beer, resembling a submarine.

Can I use dark beer for a Submarino?

It’s not recommended. Dark beers will overpower the delicate agave notes of the tequila and fundamentally change the drink’s character.

What kind of tequila should I use for a Submarino?

Always opt for a good quality 100% agave blanco (silver) tequila for the best flavor and a clean finish.

Is a Submarino meant to be sipped slowly?

No, a Submarino is typically consumed quickly after the shot is dropped, as it’s designed for an immediate and impactful experience.

From the Drink Lab catalogue

Drink Lab has been collecting cocktail recipes since 2013. Some we wrote ourselves, plenty came in from readers, and the rest got passed across a bar somewhere along the way.

Last updated May 8, 2026 · 1 min read