Creative Cinco de Mayo Cocktails & Mocktails You’ll Want To Drink Year Round

  • By: Ashley Joy Parker

Salud!

This year, Cinco de Mayo falls on the weekend, setting revellers up for the ultimate Sunday Funday.

Officially, the May 5 holiday celebrates Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a huge commemoration of Mexican culture and heritage marked with parades, parties, mariachi music, traditional foods such as tacos and mole poblano, and of course, delicious drinks.

But this year, think beyond the basic margaritas and try mixing up something more creative. From tasty tequila and mezcal-based cocktails to zingy zero proof mocktail, check out some unique sippers to serve up at your Cinco de Mayo fiesta.

Related | Jamie Foxx Unveils BSB Whiskey

Mezcal Bloody Mary

No better way to start your day. With the hand of Del Maguey, you will be able to make one of the most traditionals cocktails, the Mezcal Bloody Mary. The perfect companion for brunch or a festive breakfast. With this easy to follow recipe you will be able to surprise your guests with a unique twist of the Bloody Mary, mixing spiciness and smokiness for a perfect start to any day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 shot Del Maguey Vida de Muertos
  • 2 shots Tomato Juice
  • 1 shot Lime Juice
  • ¼ shot Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1 barspoon Maggui Juice
  • 1 dash Tabasco Sauce
  • 1 pinche of salt and black pepper

Method: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add one shot of Del Maguey Vida de Muertos Mezcal for that smoky essence. Pour in two shots of Tomato Juice for the rich, tomato flavor. Add one shot of Lime Juice to give it a zesty kick. Include ¼ shot of Worcestershire Sauce for depth of flavor. Add 1 barspoon of Maggui Juice for a hint of sweetness. Add  a d ash of Tabasco Sauce for the desired level of spiciness and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Shake vigorously until well combined. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime wedge or a slice of celery.

Mayan Mule

A Mexican twist on the beloved ginger-based cocktail, Milagro‘s Mayan Mule is the perfect way to beat the heat this season, well beyond Cinco de Mayo weekend.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Parts Milagro Reposado
  • ½ Part Fresh Lime Juice
  • 2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
  • 3 Parts Ginger Beer
  • Lime Wheel 
  • Mint Sprig

Method: Pour all the ingredients into a highball glass with ice. Stir and garnish with mint sprig and a lime wheel. Enjoy a brighter twist on the classic mule with Milagro’s Mayan Mule. 

Spicy Refresher

A thirst quencher with a kick, Casamigos‘ Spicy Refresher is the ultimate summer cocktail based with the brand’s “Casamigas” Jalapeno Flavored Blanco Tequila. 

Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz. Casamigas Jalapeño Tequila
  • 1 oz. Fresh Watermelon Juice
  • ½ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
  • ½ oz. Simple Syrup
  • 8–10 Mint Leaves
  • 1 Dash Scrappy’s Firewater Bitters or 1 Jalapeño Slice
  • ½ Thick Rim Equal Parts Salt/Sugar/Tajín
  • Optional: 4 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters (To enhance color)
  • Watermelon Slice with Rind and Mint Sprig for Garnish

Method: Wet ½ rim of rocks glass with lime wheel or wedge, then dip into salt mixture. Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker. Muddle mint (and jalapeño if using). Add ice, shake vigorously and fine strain into rimmed rocks glass. Add fresh ice and garnish.

The Slow Life (No Alcohol)

Love the taste of tequila but taking a break from alcohol?  Ritual Zero Proof is an alcohol free tequila alternative that tastes just like the real thing and will never give you a hangover. For The Slow Pace cocktail, the spice of the Tequila Alternative marries perfectly with the tropical freshness of the hibiscus, for a combination that will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ oz. Ritual Tequila Alternative
  • ½ oz. Hibiscus Iced Tea (or Agua de Jamaica, if available)
  • ¾ oz. Lime Juice
  • ½ oz. Ginger Syrup
  • 4-6 cubes of Fresh Watermelon
  • Pineapple frond, Watermelon for Garnish

Method: Muddle the fresh watermelon in a shaker with syrup and lime juice. Combine remaining ingredients plus ice and shake well. Double-strain into a glass and top with ice. Add garnish.

Tres Piña Paloma

Tres Piña Paloma is a tropical delight in a glass, blending the bold kick of Tres Generaciones Tequila with the sweet embrace of pineapple and a zesty hint of lime. Topped off with grapefruit soda, it’s a fizzy, vibrant escape to a fruity paradise. Each sip is an invitation to a brief, refreshing journey into the lively essence of the tropics.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ parts Tres Generaciones PLATA
  • ½ part Pineapple Syrup
  • ½ part Fresh Lime Juice
  • 3 parts Grapefruit Soda
  • Pinch of Salt

Method: Combine ingredients (except soda) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass over fresh ice. Top with grapefruit soda, a pinch of salt, and stir to combine.

Black Barrel Tequila Old Fashioned

This twist on a timeless favorite pairs smooth Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila and Italian Amaro liqueur with dashes of bitters for an extra kick of flavor. Best enjoyed straight up or on the rocks, this cocktail is sure to become a new go-to for any tequila lover. Make it for yourself or serve up a batch for a few friends – either way, you’re sure to love its balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

Method: Combine simple Syrup, Hornitos Black Barrel Tequila, Amaro and Bitters. Add ice and stir. Strain over fresh ice and garnish your Tequila Old Fashioned with an orange peel.

Related | Kylie Jenner Releases Canned Vodka Soda Sprinter

Frozen Dragon Fruit Margarita

Looking for that perfect cocktail to kick-start your summer? Check out the Frozen Dragon Fruit Margarita using The Spice and Tea Exchange’s brand-new Dragon Fruit Fusion Herbal Tea and Dragon Fruit Sugar. It’s as delicious as it is gorgeous.

  • 2 oz Dragon Fruit Fusion Herbal Tea-Infused Tequila*
  • 1 oz Orange Liqueur
  • ¾ oz Lime Juice
  • ½ oz Dragon Fruit Syrup**

*Infusing Your Tequila: Add 5 oz of tequila to a mason jar and then add 2 tbsp of The Spice and Tea Exchange Dragon Fruit Fusion Herbal Tea. Shake it up and let it sit for 12-24 hours (the longer you let it sit, the stronger the infusion).

**Crafting Dragon Fruit Syrup: Disolve 1:1 ratio of The Spice and Tea Exchange Dragon Fruit sugar in warm water.

Method: Add the Dragon Fruit Fusion Herbal Tea-infused tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and dragon fruit syrup to a blender glass with ice. Blend for 1 minute. Pour into a coupe glass, garnish, and enjoy!

Mezcal Jello Shots

These aren’t the same jello shots from your old fraternity days. Light, bright and elevated, these crushable mini Illegal Mezcal cocktails are a guaranteed hit for any Cinco fiesta.

Ingredients:

  • 1¼ cups Orange Juice
  • 1 packet Unflavored Gelatin
  • ¾ cups Ilegal Joven
  • 1 sprinkle Tajín

Method: Add orange juice to a pot and bring to boil. Add packet of unflavored gelatin and stir until dissolved. Add Ilegal Mezcal Joven and let cool. Pour into shot glasses and add tajín then refrigerate.

The Short King

In honor of Cinco De Mayo falling on the same weekend as The Kentucky Derby this year, Kevin Hart and the team at Gran Coramino has come up with a one-of-a-kind cocktail that combines elements of a margarita and a mint julep. Dubbed the The Short King (pun intended, sorry Kevin!), this sipper is a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and classic Southern charm. With its refreshing blend of tequila and bourbon, accented by zesty lime and a hint of sweetness, this cocktail perfectly captures the spirit of both Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby.

Ingredients:

Method: Create mint simple syrup using ½ sugar, 1 bunch mint and 2 cups water in a pot and bring to a simmer until sugar is dissolved. Combine all ingredients in a shaker and serve over crushed ice with mint garnish.

Afternoon Cocktail

Jumping the gun on happy hour? Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul’s Dos Hombres Afternoon Cocktail will get you to 5 o’clock in style.

  • 1½ oz. Dos Hombres Mezcal
  • ¾ oz. Pamplemousse Liqueur
  • 2 oz. Grapefruit soda
  • 2 oz. Prosecco

Add ice to your wine glass, then your Mezcal and liqueur. Top with Prosecco and soda, stir, garnish with a slice of grapefruit and enjoy.

Recess Zero Proof Lime Margarita (No Alcohol)

This Cinco de Mayo, be balanced instead of buzzed thanks to Recess Zero Proof canned mocktails. They even have a 0% ABV Lime Margarita craft mocktail with uplifting guayusa and balancing adaptogens. It tastes and feels like a fresh lime margarita with real agave and a touch of salt.

Espresso Martini

Need a little help staying up late this Cinco? Perk up with an El Cristiano Espresso Martini. The aromatic simple syrup, made with molasses, ginger, and warming spices is the perfect foil for a palette that enjoys robust coffee flavor. This festive cocktail is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

*Syrup Recipe

  • 1 cup Water
  • 2/3 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
  • ⅓ cup Molasses
  • 1 (1″) Piece Ginger, Peeled
  • 7 Whole Cloves
  • 5 Allspice Berries
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick

Related | Things To Do In LA This Week (April 29-May 5)

Read More