In case you’re searching for tequila cocktails to serve at your Cinco de Mayo get together which are just a little extra thrilling than the usual marg, you’ve got come to the fitting place. Whether or not you are already a seasoned tequila fan or simply hoping to impress your mates 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 get together prefer it’s a celebration trick. It all the time is.)
And when you’re seeking to inventory your Cinco de Mayo bar cart with one thing just a little totally different this 12 months? We’ve acquired concepts. From jalapeño tequila (sure, you should buy it pre-infused) to coconut water mixers and tamarind soda, right here’s stage issues up — plus a number of fast snack concepts to maintain the vibes sturdy and your company fed.
Leap to the recipes ↓
What’s the Distinction Between Tequila and Mezcal?
We cannot bore you with an extended agave dissertation, however right here’s the short model: All mezcal is tequila, however not all tequila is mezcal.
“The important thing differentiator is that whereas mezcal could be made out of many types of agave, tequila can solely be made out 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, could be made out of quite a lot of agave sorts and is often roasted in underground pits, giving it that signature smoky kick.
TL;DR: Use tequila if you’d like vibrant and clear, mezcal when you’re going for earthy, smoky, and daring. We like swapping mezcal right into a margarita base after we need one thing that feels just a little extra intense — or utilizing a half-tequila, half-mezcal cut up to strike a steadiness.
Easy methods to Infuse Tequila at House
Home made infused tequila = large 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 here are a number of enjoyable combos we love:
• Jalapeño slices + lime peel = spicy, vibrant margarita base
• Pineapple chunks + cinnamon stick = nice in a bitter
• Mango slices + contemporary ginger = tropical vibes with just a little zing
• Strawberries + black peppercorns = an incredible base for a tequila spritz
Professional tip: Use a wide-mouth mason jar when you’re experimenting with small batches.
Finest Components to Inventory for a Cinco de Mayo Bar Cart
If you wish to combine exterior the margarita field, these substances 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 (clean, hydrating, and superb in a shaken tequila drink)
• Scrappy’s Firewater Bitters or Bittermen’s Hellfire Shrub (a single drop = instantaneous 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 Easy methods to Make Your Personal)
You may completely purchase it — manufacturers like Casamigos, Tanteo, and 21 Seeds make strong 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’d like severe warmth), add it to a bottle of tequila, and let it sit for 1–2 days.
Scorching tip: Style it after 24 hours — you may all the time 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 normal unfold with these enjoyable and vibrant cocktail recipes. We acquired concepts from top-shelf tequila manufacturers, high-end cocktail bars, acclaimed cooks, and naturally, our personal Check Kitchen. These recipes are examined, scrumptious, and simple 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
Basic spicy marg vibes, however smoother — and only a contact elevated. In case you’re internet hosting a gaggle, this one’s a assured crowd-pleaser.
Water on the Smoke
The identify alone sounds mysterious, however this one’s all about steadiness: mezcal, aperol, contemporary citrus, and just a little watermelon juice maintain issues attention-grabbing.
Charred purple pepper & strawberry margarita
Roasted purple pepper in a marg? Belief. It provides a savory depth that makes the strawberry pop much more. Nice for impressing your most cocktail-savvy buddies.
Fruity & Refreshing
Mango Marg-a-go-go
Vivid, 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 manner so as to add aptitude and just a little one thing surprising.
Espolón Guavabuena
Guava nectar meets Espolón Reposado for a punchy, barely floral sip that tastes like trip in a glass — no airplane ticket required. A fantastic selection if you’d like one thing extra fizzy than a mean 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 stylish.
Watermelon Margarita
Recent watermelon juice + reposado tequila = dangerously simple to drink. Serve it with a salted rim and let folks assume you labored tougher than you probably did.
Hibiscus margarita
Floral, tart, and vibrant magenta — if an everyday margarita acquired dressed up for date night time, this could 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 principally a cocktail in its going-out garments. One other spectacular, but simple tequila cocktail from Casamigos.
Desert Chicken Cocktail
This one’s giving tequila tiki — just a little smoky, just a little fruity, and 100% constructed for sipping beneath string lights or desert stars.
Smoked mandarin & ginger paloma
This Paloma brings main taste power: smoky citrus, contemporary ginger, and that excellent grapefruit zip. A fantastic decide if you’d like one thing bubbly however surprising.
Smoky Pear & Ginger Margarita
Candy pear, spicy ginger, and a mezcal kick. It is cozy however nonetheless refreshing — form of like a knit costume in your style buds
Surprising Twists
Tequila manhattan
A moody, spirit-forward riff for the whiskey crowd. Swap the bourbon for añejo tequila and abruptly Manhattan feels prefer it belongs at each get together.
Straightforward Cinco de Mayo Social gathering Snacks
Pair your cocktails with these crowd-pleasing snacks straight from our Check Kitchen
Grilled Steak Nachos
Elote-Fashion Cotija Cheese Quesadillas
Guacamole with Tequila & Apples
Jalapeño-Marinated Rooster Tacos With Watermelon Salsa
Mexican Road 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 comfortable 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 beneath!
