14 Tequila Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo That’ll Impress Your Pals

If you happen to’re in search of tequila cocktails to serve at your Cinco de Mayo occasion which might be a bit extra thrilling than the usual marg, you have come to the precise place. Whether or not you are already a seasoned tequila fan or simply hoping to impress your folks with one thing new, this roundup is stuffed with distinctive tequila cocktail recipes that transcend lime and salt.

We’re speaking jalapeño-infused margaritas, cocktails made with guava nectar and black rimming salt, and one standout spiked with firewater bitters that’ll warmth issues up quick. (Scrappy’s Firewater Tincture or Bittermen’s Hellfire is our go-to — simply ask my dad, who brings it out at each occasion prefer it’s a celebration trick. It at all times is.)

And in case you’re trying to inventory your Cinco de Mayo bar cart with one thing a bit completely different this yr? We’ve received concepts. From jalapeño tequila (sure, you should purchase it pre-infused) to coconut water mixers and tamarind soda, right here’s degree issues up — plus just a few fast snack concepts to maintain the vibes robust and your friends fed.

Leap to the recipes ↓

What’s the Distinction Between Tequila and Mezcal?

We can’t bore you with a protracted agave dissertation, however right here’s the fast model: All mezcal is tequila, however not all tequila is mezcal.

“The important thing differentiator is that whereas mezcal might be constituted of many types of agave, tequila can solely be constituted of one: blue agave,” Autumn Chiklis, co-founder of The Pink Pig Tequila defined to us. (See our full deep-dive right here)

Tequila is made particularly from blue Weber agave and normally has a smoother, extra acquainted taste. Mezcal, however, might be constituted of quite a lot of agave varieties and is usually roasted in underground pits, giving it that signature smoky kick.

TL;DR: Use tequila if you would like vivid and clear, mezcal in case you’re going for earthy, smoky, and daring. We like swapping mezcal right into a margarita base after we need one thing that feels a bit extra intense — or utilizing a half-tequila, half-mezcal cut up to strike a steadiness.

How one can Infuse Tequila at Dwelling

Selfmade infused tequila = massive taste payoff, little or no effort. Simply add your ingredient of option to a bottle of blanco tequila, let it sit for 1–3 days, then pressure. Listed below are just a few enjoyable combos we love:

• Jalapeño slices + lime peel = spicy, vivid margarita base

• Pineapple chunks + cinnamon stick = nice in a bitter

• Mango slices + contemporary ginger = tropical vibes with a bit zing

• Strawberries + black peppercorns = an amazing base for a tequila spritz

Professional tip: Use a wide-mouth mason jar in case you’re experimenting with small batches.

Greatest Elements to Inventory for a Cinco de Mayo Bar Cart

If you wish to combine outdoors the margarita field, these elements will take your cocktail recreation up a notch:

• Jalapeño tequila (infused or store-bought — we just like the Casamigos’ Jalapeño Tequila)

• Guava nectar (for a straightforward sweet-tart base)

• Tamarind soda (nice with a squeeze of lime and a salted rim)

• Coconut water (easy, hydrating, and superb in a shaken tequila drink)

• Scrappy’s Firewater Bitters or Bittermen’s Hellfire Shrub (a single drop = immediate warmth)

• Black salt or Tajin (rim improve!)

• Citrus wheels + contemporary herbs (garnishes that really feel like effort, even when they’re not)

The place to Purchase Jalapeño Tequila (or How one can Make Your Personal)

You may completely purchase it — manufacturers like Casamigos, Tanteo, and 21 Seeds make stable jalapeño tequila that’s party-ready straight from the bottle. However if you wish to DIY, simply slice a jalapeño (seeds and all if you would like critical warmth), add it to a bottle of tequila, and let it sit for 1–2 days.

Scorching tip: Style it after 24 hours — you’ll be able to at all times infuse longer, however you can’t tone it down if it will get too spicy. And do not toss the infused peppers — they’re nice in tacos or nachos.

Inventive Tequila Cocktail Recipes

Shake up your regular unfold with these enjoyable and vivid cocktail recipes. We received concepts from top-shelf tequila manufacturers, high-end cocktail bars, acclaimed cooks, and naturally, our personal Take a look at Kitchen. These recipes are examined, scrumptious, and straightforward to scale up for a crowd.

Spicy & Daring

Jalapeño Diablo by Porchlight

Not your common spicy marg. This one brings the warmth with jalapeño-infused tequila and a do-it-yourself ginger syrup, however cools it down simply sufficient to maintain you coming again for sip two (and three). This one is restaurant-quality (actually) because it comes from the cocktail bar, Porchlight in Manhattan.

Casamigos Spicy Jalapeño Margarita

Traditional spicy marg vibes, however smoother — and only a contact elevated. If you happen to’re internet hosting a bunch, this one’s a assured crowd-pleaser.

Water on the Smoke

The title alone sounds mysterious, however this one’s all about steadiness: mezcal, aperol, contemporary citrus, and a bit watermelon juice hold issues attention-grabbing.

Charred crimson pepper & strawberry margarita

Roasted crimson pepper in a marg? Belief. It provides a savory depth that makes the strawberry pop much more. Nice for impressing your most cocktail-savvy associates.

Fruity & Refreshing

Mango Marg-a-go-go

Vibrant, juicy, and simply the correct amount of tangy. This mango-forward marg made with Zarpado Blanco virtually begs to be served poolside. A black salt rim is a straightforward approach so as to add aptitude and a bit one thing sudden.

Espolón Guavabuena

Guava nectar meets Espolón Reposado for a punchy, barely floral sip that tastes like trip in a glass — no aircraft ticket required. A fantastic selection if you would like one thing extra fizzy than a median margarita.

La Piña Margarita by Casamigos

Suppose smoky-sweet roasted pineapple, shaken right into a golden hour-worthy margarita. It’s tropical, however make it elegant.

Watermelon Margarita

Recent watermelon juice + reposado tequila = dangerously simple to drink. Serve it with a salted rim and let individuals assume you labored more durable than you probably did.

Hibiscus margarita

Floral, tart, and vivid magenta — if an everyday margarita received dressed up for date night time, this might be it.

Smoky & Sipping-Worthy

Smoky Casa Margarita

A mezcal-forward twist with orange, cinnamon, and a dramatic charred peel. It is daring, advanced, and mainly a cocktail in its going-out garments. One other spectacular, but simple tequila cocktail from Casamigos.

Desert Hen Cocktail

This one’s giving tequila tiki — a bit smoky, a bit fruity, and 100% constructed for sipping beneath string lights or desert stars.

Smoked mandarin & ginger paloma

This Paloma brings main taste vitality: smoky citrus, contemporary ginger, and that excellent grapefruit zip. A fantastic choose if you would like one thing bubbly however sudden.

Smoky Pear & Ginger Margarita

Candy pear, spicy ginger, and a mezcal kick. It is cozy however nonetheless refreshing — form of like a knit gown to your style buds

Sudden Twists

Tequila manhattan

A moody, spirit-forward riff for the whiskey crowd. Swap the bourbon for añejo tequila and out of the blue Manhattan feels prefer it belongs at each occasion.

Straightforward Cinco de Mayo Get together Snacks

Pair your cocktails with these crowd-pleasing snacks straight from our Take a look at Kitchen

Grilled Steak Nachos

Elote-Model Cotija Cheese Quesadillas

Guacamole with Tequila & Apples

Jalapeño-Marinated Rooster Tacos With Watermelon Salsa

Mexican Avenue Corn Salad

8-Layer Bean Dip

Able to Shake (or Stir) Issues Up?

Whether or not you are internet hosting a yard bash or a comfy get-together, these distinctive tequila cocktails are certain to impress. From spicy jalapeño infusions to smoky mezcal twists, there’s one thing for each palate.

Query for you: Which cocktail are you most excited to do that Cinco de Mayo? Share your ideas within the feedback under!

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