15 Perfect Cinco de Mayo Cocktails for Your Festivities
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Keen to whip up some delicious cocktails for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta? ¡Arriba! This guide features our go-to selection of easy-yet-impressive drinks to celebrate this festive occasion. We cover everything from classic Margaritas to unique tequila-free creations. Get ready to impress your guests with your DIY bartending skills and enjoy a Cinco de Mayo filled with vibrant flavors!
PS: if you’re curious to see which Cinco de Mayo cocktail you would enjoy the most, take our easy quiz and get an exclusive Cinco de Mayo cocktail recipe!
Classic Cinco de Mayo cocktail ideas
1. Lime Margarita
No Mexican-themed party would be complete without the classic Lime Margarita. It tastes like biting into a perfectly ripe, juicy lime, but with a touch of supple sweetness that lingers. Then comes a subtle warmth and a pleasant tingle that lets you know there’s a kick behind this refreshing wave. The finish is clean and invigorating, leaving you wanting another sip of that summery goodness.
Make it with: Grand Marnier
Read next: 15 Sublime Lime Cocktails You Gotta Try
2. Paloma
The traditional Paloma cocktail is a citrus-forward drink that combines the vibrant flavors of tequila, grapefruit soda, lime juice, and a touch of salt. Typically made with blanco or reposado tequila, this cocktail offers a perfect balance of tantalizing tartness and subtle sweetness. The tangy grapefruit pairs harmoniously with the tequila’s earthy notes, while the lime juice adds a bright acidity to the mix. It’s no wonder it’s rated one of the best Cinco de Mayo cocktails!
Make it with: Espolòn Tequila Blanco
More here: 10 Playful Paloma Variations for Picture-Perfect Sipping
3. Tequila Sunrise
The Tequila Sunrise starts with a wave of sweet citrus, then becomes refreshingly tart, but not sour, with a smooth texture that glides down your throat. As the flavors settle, a hint of earthy warmth emerges even as the sweetness lingers, all beautifully balanced by the zesty citrus tang.
4. Naked and Famous
The Naked and Famous cocktail is a sensational sipper made with mezcal, chartreuse, fresh lime juice and Aperol. It’s a brilliant riff on the gin-based Last Word cocktail, with the addition of mezcal adding an earthy and smoky flavor, resulting in a very distinct mezcal cocktail that always makes a splash.
Make it with: Aperol
Now Trending: Easy Mezcal Cocktails for Agave Lovers
5. Ranch Water
To be fair, the Ranch Water cocktail was first dreamt up in West Texas, but this tequila-based clinker has a sassy vibe that makes it a perfect fit for a Cinco de Mayo party. It’s also low-calorie, so it’s a nice option for folks who prefer their drinks on the lighter end of the calorie scale.
Creative Cinco de Mayo cocktail ideas
1. Spiced Cranberry Paloma
A dressed-up Paloma is a thing of beauty. This Spiced Cranberry Paloma sashays into the shindig, flashing zesty notes of grapefruit juice and orange liqueur, fringed with cranberry sauce, sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary to round it all off. Much amaze.
Make it with: Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
2. Oaxacan Negroni
Inspired by Mexico’s vibrant Oaxaca state, the Oaxacan Negroni is a smoky testament to the versatility of the original recipe. Mezcal replaces gin in the classic equal parts ratio, bringing an avalanche of new flavors with it. The Oaxacan Negroni is more than just a cocktail. It’s a cultural experience that features the best of Mexico and Italy.
Make it with: Montelobos Mezcal
3. Mexican Mule
A twist on the traditional Moscow Mule, this guy is seriously spiffy. Can you guess the twist? Tequila kicks vodka to the curb and joins the usual suspects of lime juice and extra fiery ginger beer for a bit of huzzah.
Learn more: All the Tangy Ginger Beer Cocktails You’ll Ever Need!
4. Matador
The Matador cocktail, or el Matador if you’re feeling fancy, is a classic sipping cocktail that’s as complex as a bullfighter’s footwork. It may only have three ingredients, but each one has depth and character, and when shaken together, they create a timeless cocktail that refuses to be forgotten.
Make it with: Cinzano Extra Dry Vermouth
5. Añejo Old Fashioned
Crafted with aged añejo tequila, agave syrup, and Angostura bitters, the Añejo Old Fashioned is a delightful twist on the classic Old Fashioned and delivers a harmonious blend of flavors.
Make it with: Espolòn Añejo Tequila
Cinco de Mayo cocktails without tequila
1. Margarita Mocktail
The classic Margarita Mocktail is one of our favorite Cinco de Mayo cocktail recipes. Our tried-and-tested recipe brings a few unexpected flavors together that mimic the sharp taste of tequila. We like to combine freshly squeezed lime, lemon, and orange juice with a little olive brine over ice. You can sweeten it with a hint of agave nectar if preferred, and top it off with some club soda for a little fizz.
What is the Best Margarita Recipe? 10 Ways to Make a Margarita
2. Watermelon Daiquiri
Make sure you’ve got this tasty Watermelon Daiquiri on the menu to really get the party started. This rum cocktail has springtime entertaining written all over it, and it will make a great addition to Cinco de Mayo gatherings. What’s more, it’s super easy to turn this refreshing watermelon daiquiri recipe into a fantastic mocktail the whole family can enjoy.
3. Horchata
Horchata (pronounced or-CHAH-tah) is a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage enjoyed throughout Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. To make a batch to serve 6, blend 1.5 cups of soaked white rice, half a cup of toasted almonds, and two cinnamon sticks with four cups of water until smooth. Let it sit for four hours or overnight. Strain the mixture into a pitcher, and stir in four cups of milk, half a cup of sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Adjust sugar to taste. Chill and serve over ice!
TOP TIP: You can toast the almonds in a pan for a few minutes before adding them to the blender.
4. Michelada
This beer-based cocktail is a spicy treat that combines a crispy lager with lime juice, hot sauce, and spices. Serve your Micheladas in salt-rimmed glasses for an extra flavor punch.
5. Pineapple Gin Punch
Serving a crowd? Then this pineapple and gin cocktail is the one for you. To whip up a batch of this crowd-pleasing cocktail, combine 3 cups pineapple juice, 0.5 cups lemon juice, 12 oz gin, 4 oz Grand Marnier, and a few pinches of allspice in a pitcher filled with ice. Stir to combine. Pour into ice-filled highball glasses, top each drink off with a splash of Champagne, and enjoy!
Make it with: Bulldog Gin
Read next: Pitcher-Perfect Batching Cocktails for a Crowd
Cinco de Mayo cocktail party planning
Planning a fiesta for your friends? Then be sure to check out our full Cinco de Mayo party planning guide. This easy source features all sorts of fun decoration ideas, alongside delicious food options like quesadillas, guacamole, and a taco bar. Liven up the party with music, salsa dancing, and a piñata for an unforgettable celebration. We’ve got you sorted.
Cocktail garnishes and accessories
Transform your Cinco de Mayo cocktails from delicious to delightfully festive with these creative garnish ideas:
Cinco de Mayo cocktail rim dressings
- Tajin rim. This chili-lime powder adds a vibrant red hue and a spicy kick.
- Cinnamon sugar rim. Perfect for cocktails with warm undertones like chocolate or tequila.
- Coarse sea salt rim. A classic touch that adds a savory crunch and enhances the flavors of your drink.
- Chocolate rim. For decadent drinks, dip the rim in melted dark or white chocolate, then roll in crushed nuts or sprinkles for extra flair.
- Sparkles. Look out for rimming sugars with edible glitter if you’re in the mood for some sparky vibes.
Creative garnishes
- Ditch the wedge. Instead of plain lime or orange wedges, create spirals or scalloped wedges with a channel knife for an impressive presentation.
- Spicy touch. Add a kick with a muddled or sliced jalapeño.
- Floral flair. Edible flowers that are added to the rim or floated on the drink add a beautiful and exotic touch.
- Sweet surprise. Candied citrus peels or dehydrated fruit slices add a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Go green. A sprig of fresh mint or rosemary adds a touch of herbal freshness.
- Coffee time. For chocolate cocktails, add a few coffee beans for a sophisticated look.
Festive napkins
- Themed napkins. Find cocktail napkins with festive Cinco de Mayo designs like piñatas, cacti, or Mexican flags.
- Color coordination. Use colorful paper napkins in shades of green, white, and red to match the Mexican flag.
There you have it – 15 amazing cocktails for Cinco de Mayo to try at home, and a few fun ideas to get extra festive with it! For more tasty insights and inspiration, visit the Espolòn, Cabo Wabo, and Mayenda Tequila websites.
