Cinco de Mayo isn’t just a date on the calendar; it’s a full-on vibe. It’s the perfect excuse to whip up a batch of drinks that’ll make you dance like no one’s watching (except maybe your goldfish). Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or flying solo with a sombrero, a Cinco de Mayo celebration isn’t complete without some knockout cocktails that scream “uno más!” Prepare to go heavy on the lime, salt, and good times because we’re serving up some of the most festive drinks you’ll find on any side of the border.

The OG Classic Margarita

You can’t talk about Cinco de Mayo cocktails without bowing down to the king of all tequila-based drinks: the classic margarita. Perfectly tart, refreshingly sweet, with a salted rim that feels like a spicy high-five to your taste buds.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz white tequila
  • 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 oz orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
  • 1 tsp simple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
  • Kosher salt for the rim
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Run a lime wedge around the edge of your favorite glass, then dip it into a plate of kosher salt like you’re auditioning for bartending royalty.
  2. Toss tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and simple syrup into a shaker filled with ice. Shake like you’re in a music video.
  3. Strain the mixture into your salt-rimmed glass over fresh ice.
  4. Garnish with a lime wheel and toast to your excellent taste.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the lime juice for fresh orange juice or a splash of grapefruit for a slight twist on this classic.

Jalapeño Paloma With an Attitude

If margaritas are the king, Palomas are the cool, rebellious cousin who brings the heat. This version adds the perfect kick with jalapeño slices while maintaining the refreshing, citrusy balance that makes this cocktail an effortless crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz tequila (reposado works beautifully here)
  • 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • Soda water
  • Thinly sliced jalapeño
  • Salt, for the rim (optional)
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. If you like some spice, muddle 1-2 slices of jalapeño at the bottom of your glass. Rub the rim with a lime wedge and coat it with salt if desired.
  2. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup to the glass. Stir it all up like you just heard the party DJ drop your favorite song.
  3. Fill the glass with ice, top it with soda water, and garnish with a slice of jalapeño for some extra sass.

Pro Tip: Want to double down on the heat? Use jalapeño-infused tequila for a cocktail with true fiery spirit.

Boozy Horchata That Brings the Creamy Drama

Horchata is a Mexican staple, but we’re elevating it for Cinco de Mayo with a boozy twist. Think creamy, cinnamon-kissed perfection with a spiked surprise. It’s basically dessert in a glass.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup horchata (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 oz rum (aged dark rum is a game-changer)
  • ½ oz cinnamon simple syrup (or just sprinkle in extra ground cinnamon)
  • Ground cinnamon for garnish
  • Ice

Instructions:

  1. Fill a shaker with ice, then pour in horchata, rum, and cinnamon simple syrup. Shake it up with enthusiasm.
  2. Pour the mixture into a chilled glass over fresh ice.
  3. Sprinkle ground cinnamon on top and serve with a straw for that iced latte aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Want to get extra festive? Rim your glass with crushed cinnamon sugar before pouring in your horchata.

Frozen Strawberry Mezcalitas (Because Why Not?)

Move over, frozen margaritas. This mezcal-infused blend is smoky, fruity, and the absolute star of Cinco de Mayo happy hour. Bonus points if you serve it with a heaping side of tortilla chips and guacamole.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups frozen strawberries
  • 2 oz mezcal
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • 1 oz agave syrup
  • 1 cup ice
  • Thin lime slices or strawberries for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Blend strawberries, mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice until smooth, creamy, and ridiculously tempting.
  2. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a lime slice or strawberry.
  3. Sip slowly…or don’t.

Pro Tip: The smoky profile of mezcal pairs brilliantly with grilled food, so serve these alongside your favorite BBQ spread for maximum flavor explosion.

Michelada With All the Fixings

If you’ve never had a Michelada, imagine a Bloody Mary but make it Mexican, refreshing, and wildly customizable. A Michelada screams, “Keep the drinks coming!” without demanding too much effort or skill.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz Mexican lager (like Modelo or Pacifico)
  • 4 oz tomato or Clamato juice
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Hot sauce (Tapatío or Cholula recommended)
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Tajín or chili powder for the rim
  • Lime for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Swipe some lime juice along the rim of your glass before dipping it into Tajín or chili powder for a bold border of flavor.
  2. Add the tomato juice, lime juice, hot sauce (as much as you can take), and a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the glass. Stir it like a pro.
  3. Fill the glass with ice, then slowly pour in the beer.
  4. Garnish with a lime wedge, or go all out with a shrimp skewer, celery stalk, or anything else Instagram-worthy.

Pro Tip: For more depth, roast fresh tomatoes and blend them into your base for a next-level Michelada base.

Cinco de Mayo is the ultimate opportunity to savor bold flavors, icy drinks, and plenty of laughter as you toast to the good life.