Celebrating Cinco de Mayo shines through the vibrant mix of flavors and traditions in each drink recommendation. These cocktails are a tribute to Mexico’s rich culture, offering a mix of zesty margaritas, cooling aguas frescas, and lively drinks that spark the essence of the celebration. From tangy lime to sweet fruit mixes, each recipe guarantees a flavor that matches every preference. The selection is designed to complement the joyous atmosphere, ensuring your celebration is as authentic as it is memorable. For the best drinks to mark Cinco de Mayo with flair, check out our full roundup.
The Margarita is a classic cocktail with a tangy and refreshing taste that makes it a perfect choice for Cinco de Mayo. It typically consists of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, served in a salt-rimmed glass. The Margarita has a historical connection to Mexico and can be easily customized to suit different preferences. It's a versatile and popular cocktail that is sure to please any crowd at your Cinco de Mayo celebration.
The Paloma is a refreshing and simple tequila-based cocktail that's a popular choice for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This cocktail is made with grapefruit soda and tequila, with a splash of lime juice and a pinch of salt added to enhance the flavors. It's typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a slice of grapefruit or a sprig of mint. The Paloma's light and fruity taste makes it an ideal drink for warm weather, and it's easy to make, making it a popular choice for cinco de mayo parties.
The Michelada is a savory and refreshing beer-based cocktail that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This cocktail is made with beer, lime juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, with a salt rimmed glass to add some extra flavor. The Michelada is a popular choice in Mexico and Latin America, where it's often enjoyed as a hangover cure, and it's become a beloved drink for celebrations and gatherings. Its tangy and spicy taste makes it a perfect choice for those looking for a savory and satisfying cocktail to enjoy during Cinco de Mayo festivities.
The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This cocktail is made with mezcal, a smoky and flavorful Mexican spirit, as well as agave syrup and bitters. The Oaxacan Old Fashioned has a complex and rich taste that's perfect for sipping and savoring, and its unique blend of flavors makes it a great choice for those looking for a more sophisticated and elevated cocktail option for their Cinco de Mayo festivities.
This cocktail is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, giving it a bright and colorful appearance. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors makes it a crowd-pleasing option that's easy to enjoy. Typically served over ice in a tall glass, the Tequila Sunrise is often garnished with a slice of orange and a cherry for an added touch of color and flavor. Its fruity and easy-to-drink taste make it a perfect choice for those looking for a fun and delicious cocktail to enjoy during their Cinco de Mayo parties.
Ranch Water is made with tequila, fresh lime juice, and Topo Chico, a popular sparkling mineral water from Mexico. The tequila and lime juice combination provides a tangy and refreshing taste, while the Topo Chico gives it a crisp and bubbly texture. Ranch Water is typically served over ice in a highball glass and garnished with a slice of lime. It's a light and easy-to-sip cocktail that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
The Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita is a unique twist on the classic Margarita that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This cocktail is made with fresh pineapple and jalapeno, which provides a sweet and spicy flavor profile that's sure to impress. It's typically made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, served in a salt-rimmed glass. The Pineapple Jalapeno Margarita is a perfect choice for those looking for a more adventurous and bold cocktail to enjoy during their Cinco de Mayo festivities.
The Ultimate Cadillac Margarita is a premium version of the classic Margarita cocktail. This cocktail is made with high-quality ingredients, including top-shelf tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh lime juice. The Cadillac Margarita is typically served in a salt-rimmed glass, and it's often garnished with a slice of lime. The combination of top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier gives this Margarita a smooth and luxurious taste, making it a perfect choice for those looking for a more refined and elevated cocktail.
The Frozen Margarita is a classic and popular Cinco de Mayo cocktail that's perfect for a warm day. This cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, blended together with ice to create a refreshing and slushy texture. Frozen Margaritas are typically served in a salt-rimmed glass and garnished with a slice of lime. The combination of tequila and citrus flavors make this cocktail a perfect choice for those looking for a cold and delicious drink to cool off with during their Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
The Spicy Margarita is a perfect drink for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their cocktails. The jalapeño adds a subtle spiciness that complements the sweetness of the agave nectar and the tartness of the lime juice. The tequila provides a smooth, smoky flavor that balances out the other ingredients. The Spicy Margarita is a delicious and refreshing drink that is perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations or any other occasion that calls for a tasty cocktail with a bit of a kick.
The Mexican Mule is a festive cocktail perfect for Cinco de Mayo. It's a twist on the classic Moscow Mule, substituting tequila for vodka and adding some Mexican flair. To make it, mix tequila, lime juice, ginger beer, and Angostura bitters in a copper mug or highball glass with ice. The bitters balance out the sweetness of the ginger beer and the tartness of the lime juice. Adjust ingredients to taste and enjoy!
The Chelada is a popular cocktail that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. It's a refreshing and simple cocktail made with beer, lime juice, and salt. To make it, simply mix the lime juice and salt in a glass, then add your favorite Mexican lager and ice. Stir and enjoy! The Chelada is a great way to cool off on a hot day, and its light and zesty flavor makes it a favorite for many.
The Pink Señorita is a festive and colorful cocktail perfect for Cinco de Mayo. This cocktail is made with tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and a splash of sparkling water. The mixture is shaken together with ice and then strained into a glass. The result is a light and refreshing cocktail with a tangy and slightly sweet taste. The pink hue comes from the grapefruit juice and makes this cocktail a fun and eye-catching addition to any Cinco de Mayo party.
The Mexican Martini is a delicious and spicy cocktail that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. This cocktail is a twist on the classic Martini, combining tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and olive brine with jalapeño-stuffed olives. The mixture is shaken together with ice and then strained into a glass. The result is a zesty and savory cocktail with a spicy kick. The jalapeño-stuffed olives add a unique flavor profile, making this cocktail a standout choice for any Cinco de Mayo gathering.
The Cara Cara Mezcal Sour is made with mezcal, Cara Cara orange juice, lime juice, and agave syrup. The mixture is shaken together with ice and then strained into a glass. The result is a tart and smoky cocktail with a slightly sweet aftertaste. The Cara Cara orange juice adds a unique flavor profile, differentiating this cocktail from the classic sour. The smokiness of the mezcal gives the drink a distinctive character, making it a perfect choice for those who prefer a more complex cocktail on Cinco de Mayo.
The Mexican Flag cocktail is a colorful and festive drink perfect for celebrating the Cinco de Mayo holiday. This cocktail features the colors of the Mexican flag, with each layer representing a different element. The bottom layer is made with tequila and lime juice, the middle layer is made with orange liqueur and grenadine, and the top layer is made with a mixture of green apple liqueur and lime juice. The result is a visually stunning and delicious cocktail that's sure to impress your guests.
The Jalisco Flor is made with tequila, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, lime juice, and hibiscus tea. The mixture is shaken together with ice and then strained into a glass. The result is a tart and floral cocktail with a subtly sweet aftertaste. The hibiscus tea adds a unique flavor profile and a beautiful pink hue to the drink, making it a standout choice for any Cinco de Mayo function. The combination of tequila and elderflower liqueur gives this cocktail a delicate balance of flavors that is sure to please any palate.
Founder and CEO of MyBartender. Graduated from Penn State University. He always had a deep interest in the restaurant and bar industry. His restaurant experience began in 1997 at the age of 14 as a bus boy. By the time he turned 17 he was serving tables, and by 19 he was bartending/bar managing 6-7 nights a week.
In 2012, after a decade and a half of learning all facets of the industry, Paul opened his first restaurant/bar. In 2015, a second location followed, the latter being featured on The Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.