Cocktail & Other Recipes Occasion Spring

10 Essential Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo

Written by
Liquor.com

Updated 04/20/16

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching. Do you know what you’re going to drink? Tequila is king during this celebration, and with spring in full swing, the best Cinco de Mayo drinks are fun and breezy. Margaritas, Palomas and other refreshing cocktails will get you going throughout the entire day, but if you want to make this year something special, these are 10 drinks that will elevate the victory at the Battle of Puebla.

  • Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

    You know that if we’re going to be celebrating Cinco de Mayo, there are definitely some Margaritas on the list. This pineapple and jalapeño twist brings a sweet, smoky and spicy element to the classic. Bonus: After infusing your tequila with jalapeño, feel free to use it with all of your tequila favorites.

    Get the recipe for the Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita.

  • Grapefruit Tequila Slammer

    Love Palomas? This slight take on the cocktail is for you. This cocktail swaps out grapefruit-flavored Squirt for a lemon-lime soda and adds fresh grapefruit juice for a nice sweet and slightly bitter taste. No salt needed.

    Get the recipe for the Grapefruit Tequila Slammer.

  • Palomaesque

    Tequila doesn’t have to hog all of the fun; mezcal can celebrate Cinco de Mayo too. This drink is a Bay Area cocktail that’s becoming a favorite beyond the West Coast. You’ll want to make this smoky riff on the classic Paloma at least once on the special day.

    Get the recipe for the Palomaesque.

  • Mexican Mule

    A mix on a Shandy and a Salty Dog, this cocktail brings together beer, grapefruit juice, tequila and citrus for a refreshing drink that you can have all day.

    Get the recipe for the Mexican Mule.

    Continue to 5 of 10 below.

  • Sour Green Apple Margarita

    Jalapeño is certainly a favorite of the Margarita lover, so it makes its way again into a Marg recipe on this list. This drink plays with tartness and spice with jalapeño simple syrup and green apple juice. Grand Marnier gives a nice sweetness to balance out the other flavors. Definitely put this one on your to-do list on May 5.

    Get the recipe for the Green Apple Margarita.

  • Blackberry Sage Tequila Smash

    There’s no better time for a fresh berry drink. This cocktail takes bold flavors from the blackberries and sage for a refreshing sweet and herbal drink that sounds just right for sitting on the porch and relaxing the day away.

    Get the recipe for the Blackberry Sage Tequila Smash.

  • Mexican Mimosa

    Who cares if the 5th of May lands on a Thursday? Celebrate the occasion with a breakfast cocktail. This drink takes tequila, simple, grapefruit juice and sparkling wine for a simple combination that’s perfect with your morning pancakes.

    Get the recipe for the Mexican Mimosa.

  • Firecracker

    No tequila here—just vodka. This cocktail combines cucumber vodka, simple syrup, lime juices and watermelon for the perfect hot-weather drink. Can you think of anything more refreshing than that?

    Get the recipe for the Firecracker.

    Continue to 9 of 10 below.

  • Milk Maid

    If you want something more creamy for your celebration, this tequila drink is right up your alley. Cream of coconut is joined by cucumber, sugar and lime juices, and the result is a cocktail that’s thick, refreshing and gone way too quickly.

    Get the recipe for the Milk Maid.

  • Fresh & Spicy Rose Water Margarita

    Ready for something floral? Add some rose water! This cocktail takes on the sweet, dainty notes of rose water and adds some (you guessed it) jalapeño into the mix for some extra depth. Sweet, spicy and floral? What else do you need?

    Get the recipe for the Fresh & Spicy Rose Water Margarita.