There’s more to Mexican cocktails than the margarita! Of course, the Classic Margarita is a thing of beauty (as are its endless variations). But if you’re looking for other options for Mexican drinks: there are so many to try! Make sure to have a big bottle of tequila at the ready. Just what is considered a Mexican cocktail? This list of favorites contains the following main categories of drinks:
Authentic Mexican drinks that are popular in Mexico, like the Paloma, margarita, chelada, and micheladaTequila spins on classic cocktails like the Mexican mule and Bloody Maria
And now…the top Mexican cocktails to try!
What tequila to use
Many of these Mexican cocktails use tequila…because it’s the national spirit! Made from the agave plant, tequila is made in the region around the Mexican city of Tequila in the state of Jalisco. Here are a few notes about the tequila to look for: Ingredients: Tequila, grapefruit, lime, simple syrup, soda water Variation: Mezcal Paloma Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime juice Ingredients: Mexican lager beer, lime juice, salsa juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce (like Cholula) Ingredients: Tequila, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, grapefruit soda Ingredients: Mexican lager beer, lime juice Ingredients: Tequila, lime juice, ginger beer And don’t forget that salt rim! It’s the perfect unique cocktail to impress a load of guests, or down as you inhale a basket of chips. Ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau, lime, dry vermouth Ingredients: Tequila, tomato juice, horseradish, lemon, Tabasco, Worcestershire, celery salt
Buy a good tequila! A cocktail is only as good as the alcohol you use. Look for a mid-price range tequila (or above): this is typically directly related to quality. Tequila blanco (or “new” tequila) has been aged less than 2 months and has a strong, straightforward flavor. Use in easy drinks like a Frozen Margarita.Tequila reposado (“rested” in Spanish) is aged longer, from 2 to 12 months. It has a more nuanced flavor, with notes of oak and vanilla. Use in classy drinks like the Classic Margarita or Cadillac Margarita.
More Latin style cocktails
Here are a few more great cocktails that come from Latin America: 5 from 1 review
1 ½ ounces* tequila blanco or reposado 1 ounce Cointreau ¾ ounce fresh lime juice Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim For the garnish: Lime wedge
For the Paloma
4 tablespoons tequila blanco 4 tablespoons fresh squeezed grapefruit juice 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice 1 tablespoon maple syrup or simple syrup 2 tablespoons soda water Flaky sea salt & grapefruit wedge, for the garnish
For the Mexican Mule
2 ounces tequila ½ ounce fresh lime juice 4 ounces ginger beer For the garnish: lime slice
Pisco Sour The magic meld of pisco and lime in this Peruvian sour gives it flavor like none other.Caiprinha Brazil’s national drink is uniquely refreshing! Made with cachaça and lime, it’s truly one of a kind.Classic Mojito Here’s a classic mojito recipe, perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is refreshing and just sweet enough.Classic Daiquiri The Classic Daiquiri is an easy classic from Cuba: it’s just rum, lime juice, and sweetener. Hemingway Daiquiri A sophisticated spin on the classic, this one features grapefruit and Maraschino liqueur.
