Cinco de Mayo Drinks & Cocktails| A Sip of History
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When it comes to Cinco de Mayo, we all know the food is fantastic, but let’s not forget the drinks! Whether you’re mixing up a pitcher of margaritas, shaking up something with mezcal, or enjoying a refreshing aguas frescas, these traditional and modern Mexican drinks will definitely add some flavor to your fiesta.
Let’s make this journey extra fun as we sip our way through the unique history behind some of Mexico’s best-loved drinks!
Table of Contents
- Classic Margarita
- Paloma: The Refreshing Alternative
- Michelada: Mexico’s Spicy Beer Cocktail
- Mezcal Margarita: A Smoky Twist
- Aguas Frescas: Non-Alcoholic Classics
- Sangria: Spain Meets Cinco de Mayo
- Tamarind Margarita: A Unique Flavor
- Bonus: Fun Cinco de Mayo Drink Garnishes
- Sip for Thought: Craft a Signature Cocktail Station
- Raise Your Glass to Tradition
Classic Margarita
We can’t talk about Cinco de Mayo drinks without starting with the margarita! This refreshing blend of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec is a crowd favorite and perfect for toasting to the celebration.
History: The origin of the margarita is a bit of a mystery, with multiple stories claiming its invention. Some say it was created in the 1930s or 40s in Tijuana or Baja California for a showgirl named Margarita, while others believe it was an evolution of a traditional Mexican cocktail called the “Daisy” (which means margarita in Spanish).
Region: While no one can agree on the exact origin, it’s widely accepted that the margarita is a Mexican invention with its roots in the northern parts of Mexico, near the U.S. border.
Recipe:
2 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
1 oz triple sec (or any orange liqueur)
Salt for the rim
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rub the lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip it in salt.
Shake the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice, then strain into the glass over fresh ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
Items: Margarita-making kits and high-quality tequila brands.
Paloma
If you’re looking for a light and refreshing alternative to the margarita, the Paloma is the way to go! Made with grapefruit soda, tequila, and a splash of lime, this cocktail is a sweet and tangy delight.
History: The Paloma is lesser-known outside Mexico but beloved within the country. It’s said to have been created by Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner of La Capilla bar in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, in the 1950s. Named after the Spanish word for “dove,” it became a go-to drink due to its refreshing combination of grapefruit soda and tequila.
Region: Originates from Tequila, Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila itself.
Recipe:
2 oz tequila
Juice of half a lime
Grapefruit soda (like Jarritos or Squirt)
Salt for the rim (optional)
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt, if desired.
Add the tequila and lime juice to a glass filled with ice.
Top with grapefruit soda and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Items: Premium tequilas, fun margarita glasses, or colorful cocktail stirrers.
Michelada
Widely known as the Mexican Bloody Mary and one of my all-time favorite things to sip on, Cinco De Mayo or not! Michelada means “my cold beer” This spicy and tangy beer cocktail is made with Mexican lager, lime juice, and various spices and sauces for a flavorful kick.
History: The exact history of the Michelada is debated, but many believe it started as a Mexican twist on a beer cocktail during the 1940s, when it was served in sports clubs in Mexico City. Combining beer with lime, salt, and chili, this drink has regional variations across Mexico, with people adding different sauces and spices to suit their tastes.
Region: Widely consumed across Mexico, but especially popular in central and northern regions.
Recipe:
1 bottle of Mexican lager (like Modelo or Corona)
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp hot sauce (more or less depending on your spice preference)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
A dash of soy sauce (optional)
Clamato Juice
Salt and chili powder or Tajín for the rim
Garnish Ideas: Tamarind straws, beef jerky, celery
Instructions:
Rim the glass with salt and chili powder or Tajín.
Add lime juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and soy sauce to the glass, then stir.
Pour in the beer. Add garnishes of choice.
Top off with Clamato juice. Stir gently, and enjoy!
Items: Mexican beer, Michelada spice kits for DIY at-home cocktails. These Pre-made Michelada Cups were a great find! Or there is more tradition kits with Clay Cups.
Mezcal Margarita
For a smokier take on the classic margarita, switch out the tequila for mezcal, which gives the cocktail an earthy, smoky flavor. It’s a unique twist that your guests will love.
History: Mezcal has deep roots in Mexican history, with indigenous people using agave to create fermented drinks long before the arrival of the Spanish. Mezcal is often considered the “father” of tequila and comes from the Oaxaca region. The Mezcal Margarita is a modern adaptation of the classic margarita but adds the smoky flavors of mezcal, making it a sophisticated twist.
Region: Oaxaca is the heartland of mezcal production.
Recipe:
2 oz mezcal
1 oz lime juice
1 oz agave syrup
Salt for the rim
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rim a glass with salt.
Combine mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake well, strain into the glass, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Items: Cocktail Smoker Kit (to make it even more smoky), or stylish glassware.
Agua Fresca (Non-Alcoholic)
For a non-alcoholic option that’s just as delicious and refreshing, aguas frescas are traditional Mexican beverages made from fresh fruits, water, and a bit of sugar. These drinks are perfect for both kids and adults at your Cinco de Mayo party.
History: Aguas frescas (which translates to “fresh waters”) have been enjoyed in Mexico for centuries, long before the Spanish arrived. These refreshing drinks, made from fruits, seeds, and grains blended with water and sugar, were traditionally served at markets and on street corners to keep people cool in the hot weather.
Region: Popular across all of Mexico, with flavors varying by region and available fruits.
Popular Flavors:
Agua de Sandía (Watermelon): Blend watermelon, water, lime juice, and sugar.
Agua de Fresa (Strawberry): Blend fresh strawberries with water, lime juice, and sugar.
Agua de Horchata: This creamy drink is made from rice, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar, and is always a favorite.
Instructions:
Blend your choice of fruit with water until smooth.
Strain the mixture to remove pulp, if desired.
Add sugar and lime juice to taste, then serve over ice.
Items: Aguas frescas containers.
Sangria
Though Sangria is more closely associated with Spain, it’s a popular drink at Cinco de Mayo parties due to its fruity and refreshing flavor. Made with red wine, fruit, and sometimes a splash of brandy or soda, it’s an easy and delicious party drink.
History: Although Sangria is traditionally a Spanish drink, it gained popularity in Mexico through the country’s colonial ties with Spain. The modern version of Sangria, featuring red wine and fruit, was made popular internationally at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Mexicans have embraced it as a festive party drink, especially at celebrations like Cinco de Mayo.
Region: Originates from Spain, but now enjoyed widely across Mexico, especially in urban areas like Mexico City.
Recipe:
1 bottle of red wine
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 apple, diced
1-2 tbsp sugar
1 cup orange juice
Optional: 1 shot of brandy or splash of soda water
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
Stir well and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld.
Serve over ice, and top with soda water for a fizzy twist if desired.
Items: Wine decanters or sangria pitchers for serving.
Tamarind Margarita
For a tangy and sweet twist, try a Tamarind Margarita. Tamarind is commonly used in Mexican candies and drinks, and its tart flavor makes for a fantastic margarita base.
History: Tamarind is native to Africa but became a staple in Mexican cuisine after being introduced by Spanish settlers. It is commonly used in Mexican candies, sauces, and drinks. The Tamarind Margarita is a modern take on the traditional margarita, blending the tartness of tamarind with the sharpness of tequila.
Region: Tamarind-flavored drinks are popular across Mexico, especially in southern regions like Oaxaca and Chiapas.
Recipe:
2 oz tamarind concentrate
1.5 oz tequila
1 oz lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
Tajín (chili-lime seasoning) for the rim
Instructions:
Rim the glass with Tajín.
Combine tamarind concentrate, tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
Shake and strain into a Tajín-rimmed glass over ice.
Items: Tamarind Concentrate or Tajín seasoning packs.
Bonus: Fun Cinco de Mayo Drink Garnishes
Elevate your drinks with these festive garnishes that add a bit of extra flair:
Salt Rims with Tajín: A chili-lime seasoning mix that adds a spicy kick to margaritas.
Fun fact: Tajín, the chili-lime seasoning often used to rim margarita glasses, originated in the state of Jalisco in 1985, inspired by traditional Mexican flavors. It has since become a beloved addition to drinks and snacks!
Fresh Fruit Slices: Lime, orange, and pineapple slices make for great garnishes.
Edible Flowers: Add a beautiful and unexpected touch with colorful edible flowers.
For a full article on how to create an epic celebration, check out my post “History of Cinco de Mayo & how to throw the best Cinco De Mayo Fiesta”
And if you’d like to get inspired to entertain your guests, click here when your done reading this article “Fun Cinco de Mayo Games and Activities to Spice Up Your Fiesta!”
Sip for thought: Craft a Signature Cocktail Station
Elevate your drinks with a DIY margarita bar! Set out tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and various flavored mixers like mango, strawberry, and spicy jalapeño. Add garnishes like salt, sugar, chili powder rims, and fresh fruit slices to give your guests endless options.
This interactive station adds flair and lets guests enjoy customizing their cocktails. Don’t forget non-alcoholic options so everyone can join the celebration.
From the bright and citrusy Margarita to the smoky Mezcal, each drink on this list brings a taste of Mexico’s rich history and culture to your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Whether you’re savoring a classic or discovering a new favorite, these beverages offer a unique way to toast the day. Don’t forget to pair them with traditional dishes and good company! Raise Your Glass to Tradition!
As you plan your Cinco de Mayo party, let me know which drinks you’re excited to try! Cheers to a fun and flavorful celebration!
¡Viva México!
Anna
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