The Best Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a drink in hand! Whether you’re celebrating small or hosting a big fiesta, these recipes are here to help.

Two orange cocktails garnished with orange slices served in green stem glasses with ice cubes, accompanied by citrus fruits and a cocktail shaker on a white background.

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Your ultimate guide to Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

Cinco de Mayo may be the perfect holiday. There’s no family obligations, the weather is idyllic and one of my favorite drinks (the margarita) takes a starring role.

The size of the celebration is up to you. I’ve enjoyed observing the day with a cocktail on the patio and surrounded by friends. You really can’t go wrong, as long as you have the proper provisions — AKA cocktails and snacks!

Cinco de Mayo is often mistaken for Mexican Independence Day, but is actually commemorative of the Mexican army’s victory over France on May 5, 1862 during the Franco-Mexican War, according to History.com. While it’s a minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become an observance of Mexican heritage and culture that is widely celebrated in the United States.

Leave the cheap tequila in the past and step up your celebrations! These tips, tricks and Cinco de Mayo cocktails are here to help.

Two vibrant orange cocktails with ice, garnished with dried citrus slices and served in textured glasses with red-sugar rims on a golden tray, surrounded by fresh lime and passion fruit.

Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo

Margaritas may not be the most popular cocktail in Mexico (that title goes to the Paloma), but they are certainly iconic!

Maybe it’s because they’re easy to make, and even easier to enjoy. It could be because they adapt easily to various flavors and can be made on the rocks or frozen for ultimate enjoyment. Or perhaps it’s because they’re just that good.

Whatever the reason, here are some of my favorite margaritas that would be right at home at any Cinco de Mayo fiesta:

Any good margarita starts with your margarita mix. Skip the store bought and make your own margarita mix for the freshest, zestiest flavor (thank to the fresh lime juice)! Don’t forget about the rim — margarita salt (or sugar) is great to have on hand for these tasty sippers and many of those below, too.

Quick tips for hosting

A drink station is an easy, interactive option that guests go crazy for! Set up a margarita bar and allow guests to customize drinks to their preferences. This is a great way to keep you from mixing drinks during a party and allow you time to mingle. Don’t forget to include zero-proof spirits (you can even make your own zero-proof spirits at home) for those that prefer not to consume alcohol.

While tequila is often top of mind when it comes to Mexican cocktails, offering other spirits is good practice so guests have some choices. There are plenty of drinks on this list that use other spirits, and even beer, for their booziness!

Level up your party with the glassware. These cactus margarita glasses would certainly fit the Cinco de Mayo vibe!

What to serve with Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

It wouldn’t be Cinco de Mayo without chips and salsa! If you want to really impress your guests, make your own tortilla chips and pair it with either tomatillo salsa or red salsa.

For something more substantial, add cheese! Queso fundido is gooey, melty deliciousness that everyone loves while totchos are a kid-friendly (really, everyone-friendly) twist on nachos.

Guacamole is a great option to have on hand for any vegetarian guests — plus, it’s delicious! Add a few frozen margarita bars and some Mexican chocolate filled donuts and you’re ready to go!