Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant celebration that marks the victory of Mexico over the French at the Battle of Puebla. This festive occasion is not only about commemorating history but also about enjoying the sunny weather with bright, colorful cocktails. Whether you are hosting a party or just looking to enjoy some festive drinks, this article lists the top Cinco de Mayo cocktails that you can easily prepare at home. From classic favorites to innovative new twists, these drinks are perfect for getting the party started.

Key Takeaways

• Cinco de Mayo is an ideal occasion to explore both traditional and innovative cocktails.

• A variety of ingredients like tequila, mezcal, and fresh fruit juices are commonly used in these festive drinks.

• These cocktails are designed to be both refreshing and flavorful, perfect for a spring celebration.

When you're looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a timeless favorite, the Classic Margarita is your go-to drink. Crafted with a simple blend of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, this cocktail offers a refreshing citrusy tang that's both invigorating and delightful. To ensure the best flavor, use freshly squeezed lime juice. For your ingredients, head over to Randall's, where you'll find a wide selection of tequila and RTD tequila mixers perfect for your margarita needs. Whether you're hosting a party or enjoying a quiet evening, a well-made Classic Margarita never disappoints.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 ounces blanco tequila

• 1 ounce orange liqueur, such as triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier

• 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

• Plenty of kosher or flake salt for glass, optional (do not use iodized salt)

• Ice cubes, optional

• Lime wedges for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Salt your glass (optional):

Pour some kosher salt into a wide bowl or small dish. Take a wedge of lime and generously rub it around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim into the salt. Fill the glass with some fresh ice and set aside. (Skip the ice if you like your margarita straight up.)

2. Make the cocktail:

Place the tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10 seconds, and then strain into a prepared cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wedge if desired.

When you're looking to impress your guests, the Mezcal Punch is your go-to choice. This delightful concoction blends the smoky allure of mezcal with the sweetness of pineapple juice, the zest of orange juice, and a splash of ginger beer, topped off with a hint of Grand Marnier and a squeeze of lime. It's not just a drink; it's a festive experience perfect for serving a crowd. Make sure to check out how to create a stunning ice ring to elevate your punch bowl! For all your ingredients, head over to Randall's, where you'll find a wide selection of Mezcal and all the mixers you need.

Ingredients

• 1 750-ml bottle of Mezcal

• 3 6-oz cans frozen limeade

• 1 L Squirt Soda

• 6 bottles Corona

• 1 tbsp Sea Salt

• 3 Limes, Sliced into wheels for garnish

Instructions

1. Add the mezcal, beer, limeade and Squirt to a large serving container and mix well.

2. Add lime wheels.

3. To serve, pour into tall tumblers filled with ice.

Imagine sipping on a Tamarind Margarita, where the tangy and sweet flavors of tamarind blend seamlessly with the robust taste of tequila. This drink is perfect for those who appreciate a cocktail with a unique twist. The key ingredient, tamarind, is known for its sweet and sour profile, which complements the tequila beautifully. You can easily find tamarind concentrate at most Mexican or Asian markets, ensuring that all the ingredients are at your fingertips. Make your Cinco de Mayo celebration special by mixing up this delightful concoction. Remember, all your ingredients, including a premium selection of tequila and mezcal, are available at Randall's, where variety meets quality.

Ingredients

•  2 oz(60ml) Tequila

•  1 oz(30ml) Tamarind concentrate

•  1 oz(30ml) Fresh lime juice

•  0.5 oz(15ml) Simple syrup

• 0.5 oz(15ml) Orange liqueur

• 1 cup Ice

• 1 tsp Salt

• 1 Lime wheel

Instructions

1. Prepare the glass:

Wet the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge. Dip the rim in salt to create a salted rim.

2. Make the cocktail:

In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, tamarind concentrate, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur. Fill the shaker with ice and shake well.

3. Serve:

Strain the cocktail into the prepared rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Related: Patron Barrel Select Anejo Tequila

While traditionally not a Mexican cocktail, the Mojito finds its place as a refreshing choice for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Originating from Cuba, this drink combines mint, club soda, rum, lime, and syrup to quench your thirst effectively. For a twist that aligns more with the spirit of the holiday, consider substituting rum with tequila. This simple modification not only makes it more festive but also allows you to explore the rich flavors that tequila brings to the table. Be sure to pick up your ingredients from Randall's, where you'll find a wide selection of rum.

Ingredients

• 10 fresh mint leaves

• ½ medium lime, cut into 3 wedges, divided

• 2 tablespoons white sugar, or to taste

• 1 cup ice cubes, or as needed

• 1 ½ fluid ounces white rum

• ½ cup club soda, or as needed

Instructions

1. Place mint leaves and 1 lime wedge into a sturdy glass. Use a muddler and crush to release mint oils and lime juice.

2. Add remaining lime wedges and 2 tablespoons sugar, and muddle again to release the lime juice. Do not strain the mixture.

3. Fill the glass almost to the top with ice.

4. Pour in rum and fill the glass with club soda.

When you're looking to spice up your celebration, La Mulita is a must-try cocktail that combines the bold flavors of tequila with the unique taste of mezcal. This drink is perfect for those who appreciate a deeper, smokier twist to their beverages. You can easily find all the necessary ingredients at Randall's, which boasts a large selection of both tequila and mezcal. Whether you're a seasoned mixologist or a casual drinker, La Mulita offers a sophisticated yet approachable option for your festive needs.

Ingredients

• 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges

• fresh mint leaves

• crushed ice

• 1 ounce silver tequila

• 2 ounces ginger beer

Instructions

1. Squeeze a couple of lime wedges into a glass then drop in the wedges. Add a mint leaf or two and cover with crushed ice.

2. Continue layering lime wedges, mint, and ice until the wedges are all used up and/or the cup is full, whichever comes first. Make sure you squeeze all the juice out of the lime wedges as you go.

3. Pour tequila and ginger beer over the top, stir and enjoy.

For a touch of elegance, consider the Brandy Ginger Twist. This sophisticated drink blends the rich warmth of brandy with the zesty kick of fresh ginger juice, complemented by the sweet notes of orgeat and pineapple gum syrup, and a dash of angostura bitters. Serve this concoction in an icy coupe glass to elevate the experience. Remember, you can find all these ingredients at Randall's, where we also feature a wide selection of brandy and syrups, not to mention our extensive collection of Mezcal.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) brandy

• Juice of 1/2 a lemon

• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) fresh ginger juice

• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) orgeat

• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) pineapple gum syrup

• dash Angostura bitters

• ice

• lemon twist, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine brandy, lemon juice, ginger juice, orgeat, and pineapple gum syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice.

2. Cover and shake vigorously until sweat beads the outside of the cocktail shaker.

3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, shake a few drops of bitters over the top, add a lemon twist and enjoy!

Imagine yourself on a hot day, looking for something refreshing yet simple to quench your thirst. Ranch Water might just be the perfect choice. This drink, believed to have originated from a rancher in West Texas, is a lighter and more effervescent version of a margarita. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring only blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and seltzer—preferably Topo Chico, as some enthusiasts claim it's not genuine Ranch Water without it. For an added twist, consider rimming your glass with Tajín for a spicy kick, or add a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau for a subtle sweetness and extra citrus flavor. Whether you're entertaining or just cooling down, Ranch Water offers a delightful mix of simplicity and taste.

Ingredients

• Crushed ice

• 1 Tbsp lime juice, fresh or bottled, more if desired

• 2 oz tequila blanco

• 6 oz  sparkling mineral water

• Lime wheels and bendy straws, for serving 

Instructions

1. Fill a glass one-half full with crushed ice. Top with fresh lime juice, tequila, then the sparkling water. 

2. Garnish the glass with a lime wheel and drink with a straw. Enjoy!

If you're looking to switch up your Cinco de Mayo celebration with something other than tequila, the Blood Orange Salty Dog might just be your perfect pick. This vibrant cocktail blends the juicy zest of blood oranges with pink grapefruit and vodka, topped off with a deliciously salted rim. It's a refreshing choice that stands out with its bold citrus flavors. For all your cocktail needs, head over to Randall's to find a wide selection of ingredients, including an impressive array of vodkas.

Ingredients

• 2 blood oranges

• salt for rim

• 1/2 pink grapefruit

• 2 ounces vodka

Instructions

1. Cut one blood orange into eighths. Run an orange wedge around the rim of a glass and dip the glass in salt to coat. Fill the glass with ice.

2. Squeeze the other blood orange into a cocktail shaker. Squeeze the grapefruit into the shaker and add the vodka. Fill with ice and shake until the shaker is frosty.

3. Strain drink over ice and garnish with a blood orange wedge.

Strawberry Pink Peppercorn Margarita drink combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the unique kick of pink peppercorns, all shaken with blanco tequila and a splash of sweet and sour mix. The result is a refreshingly bold cocktail that's perfect for celebrating. You can easily find all the ingredients you need at Randall's, we offer a selection of tequila and RTD tequila mixers, along with an impressive array of Mezcal.

Ingredients

• Kosher Salt - for glass

• 6 Whole Pink Peppercorns

• 3 Strawberries, stemmed, plus more for garnish

• 2 ounces Blanco Tequila

• 2 ounces Classic Margarita Mix

Instructions

1. Cover a small plate with kosher salt. Wet the rim of a margarita or rocks glass and dip it in the salt.

2. Place peppercorns and 2 strawberries in a cocktail shaker and crush together with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon until the strawberries are almost a puree and the peppercorns are broken into small pieces.

3. Add crushed ice, Classic Margarita, and tequila to the shaker. Cover and shake vigorously until the outside is beaded in sweat.

4. Pour into the prepared glass, garnish with a strawberry half and enjoy!

Mezcal Rhubarb Sour drink combines the smoky essence of mezcal with a homemade rhubarb simple syrup that captures the essence of spring. Although the color of your drink might vary depending on the rhubarb used, a vibrant red rhubarb will lend a stunning pink hue to your cocktail.Dive into the unique flavors of our 'Mezcal Rhubarb Sour' cocktail, a perfect blend of smoky mezcal and tangy rhubarb. 

Ingredients

• 1½ oz base spirit (mezcal, gin, whiskey, tequila, white rum, vodka, or sparkling wine)

• 1 oz rhubarb syrup

• 1 oz lemon juice

• 1 strip rhubarb ribbon, for garnish

• 1 egg white or 1 oz aquafaba (chickpea brine)

Rhubarb Syrup

• 2-3 stalks fresh rhubarb, chopped

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• 1 strip lemon peel

Instructions

• Add base spirit, rhubarb syrup, lemon juice, and egg white to a cocktail shaker. Dry shake for 15-20 seconds.

• Add ice to the shaker and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass. Garnish with rhubarb ribbon (created by running a vegetable peeler down the length of a stalk of rhubarb).

Rhubarb Syrup

• In a saucepan over medium-high heat, bring rhubarb, sugar, 1 cup water and lemon peel to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until rhubarb breaks down and mixture thickens slightly, about 5-8 minutes.

• Strain into a bowl, pressing solids gently to extract liquid; discard solids. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.Make-ahead: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Randall’s Wine & Spirits offers a vast selection of high-quality tequilas, mezcals, and other essential ingredients to elevate your festive beverages. While you're gathering supplies, be sure to visit nearby local favorites such as Fresh Harvest Market, where you can find the freshest limes, cilantro, and other herbs to add a vibrant touch to your drinks. Artisan Spirits is another great stop, known for their specialty mixers and craft syrups that can bring unique flavors to your margaritas and cocktails. For unbeatable variety and expert recommendations, Randall’s Wine & Spirits is your ultimate one-stop shop for all your Cinco de Mayo drink needs.

As we wrap up our exploration of the best Cinco de Mayo drinks, it's clear that there's a cocktail or mocktail for every taste and occasion. From the timeless appeal of classic margaritas to the innovative twists found in tamarind margaritas and mezcal punches, these recipes not only honor traditional flavors but also embrace creative mixology. Whether you're hosting a large party or enjoying a quiet celebration at home, these drinks are sure to add a festive flair to your Cinco de Mayo festivities. So, gather your ingredients, mix up some of these delightful concoctions, and let the celebrations begin!