Cinco de Mayo, Elevated: 5 Fun and Flavorful Cocktails You Can Actually Make at Home
Cinco de Mayo isn’t just about tacos and tequila—it’s a vibrant celebration of culture, flavor, and community. Whether you’re hosting a backyard fiesta or simply enjoying a joyful moment with friends, the right drink can take your celebration from basic to unforgettable.
While many associate Cinco de Mayo with festive gatherings, its roots are deeply meaningful. The holiday commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, a powerful symbol of resilience against overwhelming odds. Although Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, mainly celebrated in Puebla, it gained major significance in the United States during the 1940s and the Chicano civil rights movement of the 1960s. Mexican-Americans embraced it as a proud expression of cultural identity and resistance to oppression.
Over time, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a lively celebration of Mexican-American culture, fueled by community pride and, yes, a little help from the beverage and restaurant industries in the 1980s and beyond. Today, it blends historical remembrance with modern expressions of music, food, and vibrant togetherness.
This year, I’ve teamed up with a few of the brands I absolutely love (and proudly represent!) to create five festive cocktails that go beyond the expected.
Oaxacan Ember
Smoky, bold, and effortlessly smooth, the Oaxan Ember is inspired by the rich traditions and rugged beauty of Oaxaca. This slow-sipping cocktail starts with Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, delivering deep earthy notes, then brightens with a splash of Naranja Orange Liqueur and a touch of Filthy Agave Nectar for just the right amount of sweetness. Scrappy’s Chocolate Bitters and a dash of orange bitters add a layered richness that lingers on the palate. Served over a single large ice cube and finished with a flamed orange peel, it’s a fiery yet refined way to light up your Cinco de Mayo celebration—or any evening that calls for something unforgettable.
Ingredients:
2 oz Los Siete Misterios Mezcal
.5 oz Naranja Orange Liqueur
.25 oz Filthy Agave Nector
2 dashes of Scrappy’s Chocolate bitters
1 dash of Orange bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions
Add mezcal, orange liqueur, agave, and chocolate bitters to a mixing glass filled with ice.
Stir until well chilled and properly diluted.
Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube or ice sphere.
Express an orange peel over the glass to release its oils, then drop it in as garnish.
For an extra smoky effect, lightly torch the orange peel before serving.
Paloma Sparkle & Jalapeño Lime Refresco
Say hello to Señorita—the award-winning, non-alcoholic, THC-infused cocktail crafted by renowned winemakers Joel Gott and Charles Bieler. Made with organic Mexican agave, real fruit juice, and premium Delta-9 hemp-derived THC, Señorita delivers a refreshing, light buzz—minus the hangover.
Sip on the Paloma Sparkle, bursting with Ruby Red grapefruit, lime, and pomelo, or turn up the heat with the Jalapeño Lime Refresco, blending zesty lime and a kick of jalapeño. Both are low-calorie, low-sugar, and crafted with Vertosa’s industry-leading emulsion for fast, smooth effects.
How to Serve:
Pour Señorita over ice in a stylish glass.
Garnish with fresh grapefruit wheels, jalapeño slices, or a sprig of mint.
For an extra festive touch, rim the glass with Tajín or chili salt before pouring.
Spicy Strawberry Basil Margarita
This bold, flavor-forward margarita brings together the best of two spirited worlds: the handcrafted elegance of Sweet Haven Tonics from New Ulm, Minnesota, and the devilishly daring Jose Cuervo Devil's Reserve Tequila.
Sweet Haven Tonics, founded by Leah Pekrul, began as a heartfelt holiday gift and blossomed into a beloved local brand. Their Strawberry Basil & Chili Tonic combines ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and a hint of chili, offering a unique blend that's both refreshing and invigorating.
On the other side, Jose Cuervo's Devil's Reserve is a mischievous twist on traditional tequila. Infused with a sweet heat and boasting a lower ABV of 30%, it's designed for those seeking flavor without overwhelming strength. The bottle's design, inspired by Mexican folk art, adds a visual flair to its fiery contents.
Ingredients & Instructions:
1 oz Strawberry Basil & Chili Sweet Haven Tonic
2 oz Devil’s Reserve Tequila
2 oz sparkling water
Salt for rim
Lime, strawberry, and basil leaf for garnish
Rim a rocks glass with salt.
In a mixing glass combine the tonic and tequila over ice.
Stir well until chilled.
Strain into a prepared glass and top with sparkling water.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime and garnish with a strawberry slice, lime wheel, and a basil leaf for an aromatic finish.
The Dark Side Margarita
Bold, luxurious, and unapologetically smooth, the Dark Side Margarita is a striking twist on a classic. It begins with Campo Bravo Reposado Tequila, a sustainably crafted spirit made by fifth-generation agave farmers in Amatitán, Jalisco. Campo Bravo is known for its commitment to tradition and quality, producing tequila that’s approachable yet full of character, with warm notes of vanilla, oak, and roasted agave. Floating on top is Cointreau Noir, an elegant blend of Cointreau’s iconic orange liqueur and fine cognac—created for moments when a simple orange liqueur just won’t do. The result is a cocktail with depth and dimension, where citrus, spice, and sweetness collide in the most seductive way.
Ingredients & Instructions:
2 oz Campo Bravo Reposado Tequila
2 oz Filthy Margarita
.75 oz Cointreau Noir
Orange peel for garnish
Combine Campo Bravo Tequila and Filthy Margarita in a rocks glass with ice.
Stir well until chilled.
Float Cointreau Noir on top by gently pouring it over the back of a spoon.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Citrus Spritz con Chloe
Bright, elegant, and effortlessly refreshing, the Citrus Spritz con Chloe is a sparkling sip of sunshine with a sophisticated twist. At its heart is Chloe Sauvignon Blanc, a crisp, vibrant white wine crafted under the direction of award-winning winemaker Georgetta Dane—one of the few women leading wine production at this level. Chloe Wines, owned by The Wine Group, is known for its beautifully balanced portfolio that celebrates bold elegance and modern femininity. This cocktail pairs Chloe’s tropical fruit and citrus notes with fresh orange and lime juice, finished with a fizzy splash of grapefruit soda and a fragrant garnish. It’s the kind of drink that turns any moment into something worth toasting.
Ingredients & Instructions:
3 oz Chloe Sauvignon Blanc
1 oz orange juice
0.5 oz lime juice
Grapefruit sparkling water or soda
Citrus slices and fresh mint, for garnish
In a mixing glass, combine Chloe Sauvignon Blanc, orange juice, and lime juice.
Stir gently to blend.
Pour into a wine glass filled with ice.
Top with grapefruit sparkling water or soda.
Garnish with citrus slices and a sprig of mint.