As Cinco de Mayo approaches, many of us are eager to dust off our sombreros and fiesta hats. But let’s be real – no celebration is complete without a refreshing (and delicious) drink in hand. This year, why not try something new with these 20 spicy and sweet Cinco de Mayo drink recipes? From classic margaritas to innovative twists on traditional cocktails, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll take a trip south of the border and explore the vibrant flavors and colors of Mexico through some of its most iconic drinks. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or just looking for a new drink to impress your friends, these recipes are sure to satisfy your thirst and add a little fiesta flair to your Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
So grab a glass, gather your amigos, and get ready to fiesta!
Classic Margarita with Fresh Lime Juice
Experience the quintessential Mexican cocktail with a twist of freshness! This recipe combines the timeless charm of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec for a refreshing and tangy drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Spicy Paloma with Chili Rim
Add a spicy twist to the classic Paloma cocktail with this recipe that combines the bold flavors of chili-infused tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, and agave. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their drinks.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz chili-infused tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Chili flakes or sliced jalapeño, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and dipping it into a shallow dish of salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine chili-infused tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with chili flakes or sliced jalapeño.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail preparation only)
Enjoy your Spicy Paloma with Chili Rim!
Watermelon Agua Fresca
Beat the heat with this revitalizing drink made with pureed watermelon, lime juice, and a hint of mint.
Ingredients:
– 3 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a blender, puree the watermelon until smooth.
2. Add the lime juice and sugar; blend until well combined.
3. Stir in the water until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, stir in the chopped mint leaves.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready in just a few minutes.
Horchata with Cinnamon Twist
A refreshing twist on traditional Mexican horchata, this recipe adds a warm and inviting cinnamon flavor to the classic rice-based drink. Perfect for a cozy afternoon or a festive gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups long-grain white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and blend the rice with 2 cups of fresh water until smooth.
3. In a large pot, combine the rice mixture, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean. Let it steep for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mango Jalapeño Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this unique combination of sweet mango and spicy jalapeño peppers. This refreshing cocktail is perfect for warm weather gatherings or anytime you need a little excitement in your drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce mango puree
– 1/4 ounce agave nectar
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, mango puree, agave nectar, and chopped jalapeño pepper.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail recipe!
Pineapple Mint Mojito
Pineapple Mint Mojito Recipe
This refreshing twist on the classic mojito combines sweet pineapple juice with cooling mint and a splash of rum for a tropical getaway in a glass.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz white rum
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 cup crushed ice
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup club soda
– Handful of mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add the rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill the shaker with crushed ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds.
3. Strain the mixture into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. Top with pineapple juice and club soda.
4. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with additional mint leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in under 5 minutes.
Tamarind Michelada
Elevate your beer-drinking experience with this unique twist on the classic Mexican cocktail, incorporating the tangy flavors of tamarind and lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz beer (dark or light, as preferred)
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 oz tamarind paste
– 1/4 oz agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour in the beer and lime juice.
4. Add tamarind paste and agave syrup; stir until dissolved.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None! This refreshing drink is ready to be savored.
Cucumber Lime Cooler
This Cucumber Lime Cooler is a light and revitalizing drink perfect for hot summer days. With the combination of cucumber, lime juice, and mint, you’ll be sipping on a refreshing treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber slices and simple syrup. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Just before serving, add the freshly squeezed lime juice and stir well.
3. Muddle the fresh mint leaves with a spoon or muddler to release their oils and flavor.
4. Add ice cubes to the pitcher and stir gently.
5. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including infusion time)
Strawberry Hibiscus Sangria
This fruity and fragrant sangria is perfect for warm weather gatherings, combining the sweetness of strawberries with the subtle tartness of hibiscus. With its vibrant pink color and refreshing flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at your next outdoor party or gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 bottle of white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay)
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
– 1 cup hibiscus syrup (or 2 cups brewed hibiscus tea, cooled)
– 1 orange, peeled and segmented
– 1 lemon, peeled and segmented
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– Sliced strawberries and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced strawberries, hibiscus syrup (or brewed tea), orange segments, and lemon segments.
2. Pour in the white wine and stir gently to combine.
3. Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with additional sliced strawberries and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None. This sangria is best served cold and can be prepared ahead of time.
Mezcal Pineapple Smash
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic piña colada, featuring the bold flavors of mezcal.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz coconut cream
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Ice
– Lime wheel and pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add mezcal, pineapple juice, coconut cream, lime juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and pineapple wedges.
Cooking Time:
– None! This recipe is ready in just 5 minutes.
Avocado Lime Smoothie Cocktail
A refreshing twist on traditional cocktails, this Avocado Lime Smoothie Cocktail combines the creaminess of avocado with the zesty flavor of lime, perfect for a hot summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 cup coconut water
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– Ice cubes (as needed)
– Lime wedges and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the avocado, lime juice, coconut water, honey, and salt.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking.
4. Fill glasses with ice, pour the smoothie cocktail over the ice, and garnish with a lime wedge and mint leaves.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook recipe.
Blood Orange Tequila Sunrise
Blood Orange Tequila Sunrise Recipe
A twist on the classic Tequila Sunrise, this refreshing cocktail combines the bright flavors of blood orange with a hint of spice from ginger beer.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed blood orange juice
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– Splash of ginger beer
– Salt for rimming glass (optional)
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, blood orange juice, and triple sec.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with a splash of ginger beer.
6. Garnish with a slice of blood orange or a sprig of rosemary, if desired.
Cooking Time: N/A
Enjoy your Blood Orange Tequila Sunrise!
Coconut Horchata Martini
This creamy, sweet, and tangy martini combines the flavors of coconut horchata with a hint of vanilla and a splash of citrus. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces coconut rum
– 1 ounce coconut cream
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/4 ounce vanilla extract
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add coconut rum, coconut cream, simple syrup, lime juice, and vanilla extract to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a chilled martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
Guava Margarita with Tajín Rim
This refreshing twist on the classic margarita combines the sweetness of guava with a spicy kick from Tajín rim, perfect for warm weather or any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 ounce simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water, dissolved)
– 1/2 cup guava puree
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Tajín rim mix (chili powder, lime powder, and garlic powder)
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and guava puree.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Sprinkle Tajín rim mix around the rim of the glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None, this is a cocktail recipe!
Spicy Ginger Beer Margarita
Elevate your margarita game with this refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. The spicy kick from the ginger beer and a hint of heat from the jalapeño pepper will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– 1/2 cup ginger beer
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, lime juice, triple sec, ginger beer, simple syrup, and jalapeño pepper.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None
Passion Fruit Caipirinha
This tropical take on the classic Caipirinha cocktail combines the sweet and tangy flavors of passion fruit with the spicy kick of lime. Perfect for warm weather or any occasion that calls for a refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Cachaça (Brazilian rum)
– 1 oz passion fruit puree
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Ice
– Lime wedges and edible flowers for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine Cachaça, passion fruit puree, and lime juice.
2. Add sugar and shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to dissolve the sugar.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake again for another 10-15 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and edible flowers, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (a quick and easy cocktail to prepare!)
Enjoy your Passion Fruit Caipirinha!
Prickly Pear Margarita
Experience the sweet and tangy flavors of Mexico with this unique Prickly Pear Margarita recipe. This refreshing cocktail combines the natural sweetness of prickly pear puree with the tartness of lime juice, all wrapped up in a zesty tequila package.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce prickly pear puree
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce triple sec
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, prickly pear puree, lime juice, and triple sec.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Mexican Hot Chocolate Martini
A rich and spicy twist on traditional hot chocolate, this martini combines the flavors of Mexico with a hint of heat.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce Kahlúa
– 1/2 ounce Godiva white chocolate liqueur
– 1/2 ounce heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Pinch of cayenne pepper
– Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, Kahlúa, white chocolate liqueur, and heavy cream.
2. Add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the mixture.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the martini into a chilled glass.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, no cooking required.
Tequila Sunset with Grenadine
Sip on a warm and cozy Tequila Sunset infused with the sweet and tart flavors of grenadine, perfect for relaxing evening gatherings. This easy-to-make cocktail is sure to impress your friends and leave you feeling like you’re watching the sunset over a tropical paradise.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz grenadine syrup
– 4 oz pineapple juice
– Splash of lemon-lime soda
– Ice
– Pineapple wedges and cherry for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila, grenadine, and pineapple juice.
3. Top with a splash of lemon-lime soda.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, stir, and serve.
Enjoy your Tequila Sunset with Grenadine!
Champurrado Cocktail with Rum
Experience the sweet and creamy taste of Mexico’s favorite dessert drink, infused with the smoothness of rum.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 cup champurrado sauce (available at most Mexican markets or online)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Ice
– Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the rum, champurrado sauce, heavy cream, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Prep time: 2 minutes
– Total time: 2 minutes
Summary
Get ready to fiesta! Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these refreshing drink recipes that blend spicy and sweet flavors. From classic margaritas to innovative twists like Mango Jalapeño Margarita and Spicy Ginger Beer Margarita, there’s something for everyone. Discover unique combinations like Tamarind Michelada and Strawberry Hibiscus Sangria. Whether you prefer fruity, spicy, or creamy drinks, this collection of 20 recipes has got you covered. So go ahead, raise a glass, and make Cinco de Mayo a celebration to remember!
