These 7 Cinco de Mayo cocktails are the perfect mix of classic and creative.
1. Classic Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila (blanco)
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau)
- ½ oz agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- Salt for rim & lime wedge
Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice, and garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Spicy Paloma
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- Splash of sparkling water
- Tajín for rim & jalapeño slice
Instructions:
Shake tequila, juices, and agave. Pour over ice in a Tajín-rimmed glass, top with sparkling water, and garnish with jalapeño.
3. Mango Chamoy Margarita
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz mango nectar
- ½ oz triple sec
- Chamoy & Tajín for rim
- Dried mango or lime for garnish
Instructions:
Rim glass with chamoy and Tajín. Shake cocktail ingredients with ice, strain into glass, and garnish.
4. Hibiscus Mezcal Mule
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz mezcal
- 1 oz hibiscus tea (cooled)
- ½ oz lime juice
- Ginger beer to top
- Mint & lime wedge
Instructions:
Build over ice in a copper mug. Stir gently and garnish with mint and lime.
5. Strawberry Basil Tequila Smash
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 3 fresh strawberries
- 2 basil leaves
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
Instructions:
Muddle strawberries and basil, then shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into glass over crushed ice.
6. Pineapple Jalapeño Ranch Water
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- Top with Topo Chico
- Jalapeño slice for heat
Instructions:
Mix tequila and juices over ice, top with sparkling water, and add a jalapeño slice for kick.
7. Coconut Lime Tequila Cooler
Ingredients:
- 2 oz tequila
- 1 oz coconut water
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave syrup
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Shake with ice, strain over fresh ice, and garnish with mint.
Cover Photo by Edward Howell
