Authentic Mexican Cocktails to try for Cinco de Mayo
By Marie Gorbenko Published April 2022
Let’s fiesta like there’s no mañana for Cinco de Mayo! That’s right, folks…it’s tequila time. This Mexican distilled spirit produced from the agave plant has been enjoyed since the 16th century. With such a heritage, it’s no wonder that many delicious drinks have been mixed with this fabulous spirit as the focal point. Here are some of our most beloved Cinco de Mayo cocktails to help you celebrate.
The Cantarito
The Cantarito is a beloved tequila cocktail made with orange, lemon, lime, and grapefruit soda. It’s a regional specialty from Jalisco, Mexico, named for cántaro, the small clay vessel in which it is traditionally served throughout Mexico. Drive down the road outside the city of Tequila and you’ll even see cantarito stands lining the road. Our traditional recipe features the superb Komos Añejo Cristalino Tequila, rated 98 points by the Tasting Panel.
The Recipe:
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2 ounces Komos Añejo Cristalino Tequila
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1 ounce fresh squeezed orange juice
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½ ounce fresh squeezed lime juice
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½ ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
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Pinch of sea salt
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Top with Mexican grapefruit soda
Add tequila, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice and salt to a traditional clay cup. Stir well to combine. Top with Mexican grapefruit soda and garnish with a lime wedge and orange wedge.
Watch how to make the recipe here:
Margarita
It’s called a classic for a reason. And while the origin story of this notorious drink has been debated for many decades, the majority of cocktail historians place its creation somewhere in 1930s Mexico. Probably the most famous drink associated with Cinco de Mayo, this ever-popular combination of tart and sweet is as delicious to drink as it is easy to make.
The Recipe:
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Salt (optional)
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1 ½ ounces Los Rijos Silver Tequila
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½ ounce triple sec
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Splash of lime juice
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3 ounces sweet & sour mix
Rim a glass in salt and set aside. In a shaker with ice, add tequila, triple sec, lime juice and sweet & sour mix. Shake well and strain into prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Altos Sparkling Paloma
The paloma is one of the most popular tequila-based cocktails in Mexico. It’s believed that its name references La Paloma (“The Dove”), a popular folk song composed in the early 1860s. Most historical accounts state that this drink was created by the legendary Don Javier Delgado Corona, owner and bartender of La Capilla, in Tequila, Mexico. A cousin to the margarita, this timeless Mexican drink recipe contains tequila with grapefruit in place of lime. Switching up the citrus can really change the game.
The Recipe:
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2 ounces Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila
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½ ounce lemon juice
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½ ounce agave nectar
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1 pinch salt
In a glass add tequila, lemon juice, agave nectar and salt. Stir to dissolve agave and salt. Add ice and top with grapefruit soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Looking for a little something less traditional? Check out our special Cinco de Mayo recipes for a fun twist on classic drinks!