Sorry, a lime wedge and salt on your hand don't count as a co*cktail.
While it's easy to default to shots (shots! shots! shots!) of Tequila, the spirit is so much more than just something chase with salt and lime on Cinco de Mayo. Far from it! Whether you're a margarita mixologist or like to shake things up (literally) with palomas, ranch water, or a new combination altogether (bet you can't say "mimosa margarita" five times fast), we've got plenty of co*cktail ideas to make sure you're celebrating Cinco de Mayo with one of our favorite Mexican spirits.
First things first, let's start with some Tequila 101. Tequila is derived from the agave plant and actually comes in five distinct forms with very different flavor profiles to match: tequila blanco, tequila añejo, tequila reposado, tequila joven, and extra añejo. You're likely familiar with the blanco variety (also known as "silver"), which is un-aged and the perfect addition to your next margarita. But don't stop there! Tequila reposado, which is aged for two months in oak barrels, is a top pick for when you need a bit more spice (perhaps for our spicy jalapeno margaritas!?).
If you love sipping tequila neat or want an easy swap for whiskey, look no further than tequila añejo, which is aged at least a year in oak barrels. Whatever tequila you choose, you can always count on a rich amber color to note quality, but whatever you do, steer clear of "gold" labeled tequilas, as they often have unnecessary additives and flavorings.
And don't get us started on our smoky favorite, mezcal. Fun fact: While both tequila and mezcal come from the agave plant, tequila is made exclusively from blue agave, while mezcal comes from any variety of agave plant and is cooked in pits to develop that signature smokey flavor. Feel free to swap your favorite mezcal into any of these co*cktail recipes (we're pretty big fans of our mezcal margaritas, TBH).
You definitely need some food to go with those co*cktails, so be sure to check out our best Cinco de Mayo party recipes next!
1
Classic Paloma
Though the margarita has become a staple of American bars, the margarita's pink-hued cousin, the Paloma, is heralded by many in Mexico as the better co*cktail. It's beloved not just for its bittersweet, citrusy grapefruit flavor but also for its simplicity. Not counting ice, all you need is 4 ingredients: tequila, lime juice, salt, and grapefruit soda.
Get the Classic Paloma recipe.
2
Salted & Spiced Watermelon Margaritas
This clever recipe combines everything magical about margaritas (tequila, lime juice, triple sec, and a salt rim), with a kick of heat from fresh jalapeños and a refreshing sweetness from the watermelon juice. Salt accentuates watermelon's sweet taste and accentuates the tangy margarita base too. Make this for Cinco de Mayo and then all summer long.
Get the .
3
Ranch Water
A sort of effervescent, less-sweet version of a margarita, only 3 ingredients are required for ranch eater: tequila, lime juice, and seltzer. (Preferably Topo Chico; some claim it’s not a real Ranch Water without it!) We like adding a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau for a little added sweetness and citrus flavor too.
Get the Ranch Water recipe.
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4
Blackberry Margarita
Here at Delish, we love to riff on the standard margarita to match the season or the holiday. Now, we offer a new-for-the-summer tequila co*cktail: the blackberry margarita. Juicy fresh blackberries are in season in July and August in most of the U.S. and have a balanced sweet, tart, and tangy flavor. What’s the best way to get all of the fresh berry flavor into a margarita? A blackberry syrup that you're going to want to keep on hand all summer long.
Get the Blackberry Margarita recipe.
5
Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas
Infusing alcohol is one of our favorite ways to get creative with co*cktails, and it works especially well with jalapeños. A long steep in tequila allows the fresh verdant flavor of the pepper to come through, along with that signature spice. To balance the heat, we recommend the addition of sliced cucumber to cool things down (but don't worry, they're still plenty hot!).
Get the Spicy Jalapeño Margaritas recipe.
6
Spiked Coconut Limeade
To unlock the delicious concentrated flavor found in citrus skins, we made an oleo saccharum for this co*cktail. Let us explain: Granulated sugar draws the flavorful essential oils out of citrus peels as they sit at room temperature. We love watching the sugar transform into a beautiful syrup, perfect for flavoring seltzer, co*cktails, or desserts.
Get the Spiked Coconut Limeade recipe.
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7
Classic Margarita
The margarita, now one of the most popular co*cktails in the world, is thought to have started out as the variation on another prohibition-era drink called the "Daisy." Spanish for "daisy," the marg swapped in tequila for the requisite brandy and lime juice for lemon juice, and a classic was born.
Get the Classic Margaritas recipe.
8
Pineapple Margarita
When we’re feeling the beach vibes, we reach for a pineapple margarita. Fresh and fruity with the perfect kick of tequila, this margarita will take you straight to the shore, frosty glass in hand, in less time than it takes to squeeze those limes.
Get the Pineapple Margarita recipe.
9
Strawberry Mezcal Margarita
Chances are, you'll have a mezcal-lover at your Cinco De Mayo party. And while we love a traditional margarita, but why not give it a modern and fruity twist with strawberries and mezcal? With an earthy, slightly smoky flavor, mezcal brings a uniquely savory quality to the typically tequila-based margarita. Add some fresh strawberries, and you have the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and a hint of smokiness. If you're looking for a way to shake up your classic summer co*cktail, this is a must-have.
Get the Strawberry Mezcal Margarita recipe.
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10
Frozen Paloma
Nothing says summer like pomegranate and grapefruit... and tequila! This super-yummy, fruity Paloma slush gets a kick thanks to spicy chili powder-salt rim. Garnish with fresh ruby red grapefruit wedges for a presentation that’ll prove to your neighbors you’re this summer’s backyard party master.
Get the Frozen Paloma recipe.
11
Mimosa Margaritas
A classic bubbly mimosa + a sweet tart margarita—there might not be a more perfect brunch co*cktail.
Get the Mimosa Margarita recipe.
12
Tequila Sunrise
PSA: You don't have to be on vacation to enjoy a tequila sunrise. These orange juice, grenadine, and vodka sippers are great any time!
Get the Tequila Sunrise recipe.
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13
Skinny Margarita
Margaritas are pretty slimmed down (or “skinny”) already, ingredients-wise, so all we’re doing here is removing some of the refined sugar and replacing it with more natural ingredients. Because orange liqueurs like Cointreau or triple sec are traditionally used to add sweetness and a little extra citrus flavor to a margarita, we’re going with orange juice (fresh is best) and agave instead. This means not only are these “skinny margs” lower in calories, they’ve also got slightly less alcohol (meaning you can enjoy more of them 😉). Win win!
Get the Skinny Margarita recipe.
14
Frozen Watermelon Margarita
This recipe requires a little forethought. Chop up some fresh watermelon and throw it in the freezer the night before you make the margs—this ensures the drinks are perfectly slushy and ICE cold. (If you forgot, don't fret! Two hours in the freezer should do the trick.)
Get the Frozen Watermelon Margarita recipe.
15
Pink Señoritas
Like a margarita with a softer, cuter side, the Señorita ditches limes for pink lemonade and lemon juice.
Get the Pink Señoritas recipe.
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16
Frozen Strawberry Margarita
This fruit-forward margarita works best with frozen strawberries, so it doesn't get watered down! We love adding fresh basil for some sweet anise-y flavor, but other fresh herbs like mint or even cilantro can kick up the flavor of this sunny co*cktail.
Get the Frozen Strawberry Margarita recipe.
17
Mezcal Margarita
Those who love mezcal really love mezcal, and we think this refreshing co*cktail is one of the best ways to enjoy this unique spirit for those of you who want a smokier take on these tequila-based co*cktails. With an earthy, slightly smoky flavor, mezcal brings a uniquely savory quality to the typically tequila-based margarita. To spice things up, we add a colorful salt rim spiked with grapefruit zest and red pepper flakes. Tweak the mixture to your preference with different citrus (orange would also be delicious!) or other spices.
Get the Mezcal Margarita recipe.
18
Tequila Sunset
We're suckers for any tequila co*cktail, but this recipe might get us more excited than a margarita, which says A LOT. If you wish a tequila sunrise was more tart than sweet, you'll love this Tequila Sunset (which uses grapefruit juice for the traditional orange juice). We love the grenadine for color, but if you don't have on hand skip it—the flavor still works.
Get the Tequila Sunset recipe.
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19
Cadillac Margarita
A Cadillac margarita is basically a higher-end margarita made with a high-quality tequila (typically a reposado) and Grand Marnier. Reposado tequila will have notes of oak and vanilla, making this margarita really stand out.
Get the Cadillac Margarita recipe.
20
Peach Margarita
There are a bunch of ways to infuse a drink with fruit like steeping some actual fruit in the alcohol itself or making a syrup out of berries or fruit juice. In this case, we have packed peachy goodness into this margarita with two ingredients: peach schnapps and peach puree.
Get the Peach Margarita recipe.
