Cinco de Mayo (or in Spanish “Fifth of May”) is a yearly celebration commemorating Mexico’s victory over France in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla. Americans all across the country celebrate this holiday with fiestas, Mexican food, drinks and events. For those of you scouring the internet for last minute ideas, look no further! Below is a list of some of our favorite Mexican drinks with recipes, pricing, tasting notes and even food pairing recommendations! So grab a bottle and a sombrero and get your fiesta on!
Most Popular Mexican Beers in America
Mexico is known for their pristine white sand beaches, their crystal clear waters, tacos and sun, but they also make some pretty awesome cervezas too! Check out the 6 most popular Mexican beers in America below.
Type | Size | Average Price | Tasting Notes | Pairings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Dos Equis | 6pk 12oz bottles | $8.98 | Flavorful and light, golden style pilsner with notes of malt and spice | Steak dishes, tacos and fajitas |
6pk 12oz bottles | $9.72 | Crisp and clean with notes of fruit, honey and hops | Pairs best with sand between your toes and ocean views but also goes well with ceviche and tortilla chips and salsa! | |
Pacifico | 6pk 12oz bottles | $9.99 | Light and refreshing with subtle floral notes followed by some grain and corn with a touch of salinity | Grilled shrimp, or Elote (Mexican corn) |
Modelo | 6pk 12oz bottles | $9.99 | Rich, full flavored pilsner with herbal and honey notes | Drink with grilled chorizo |
Tecate | 6pk 12oz bottles | $9.89 | Slightly bitter golden lager with a crisp, malty finish | Pair with nachos |
Victoria | 6 pk 12oz bottles | $11.99 | Medium bodied Vienna-style lager with rich malty sweetness | Goes great with guacamole |
Cocktails to Drink on Cinco de Mayo
Paloma: The National Drink of Mexico
If you haven't tried a Paloma, today is the perfect day to enjoy this ultra refreshing Mexican cocktail! With a simple recipe, slight effervescence and citrusy flavor, there is nothing we don't love about this beverage!
Type | Ingredients | Method | Garnish |
|---|---|---|---|
Classic Paloma | Combine ingredients in Collins glass with ice. | Grapefruit peel or wedge and salt rim | |
Paloma Variation | Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. Top with club soda. | Grapefruit peel or wedge and salt rim |
Margarita: One of the World’s Most Popular Cocktails
And with good reason! Margaritas are super simple to make with literally hundreds of variations available. Below we have a list of recipes from classic to a few of our favorite adaptations. There’s really only one rule when it comes to crafting cocktails and that’s balance. If you follow this simple recipe you can change out any of the ingredients for different flavors.
A cocktail is simply spirit + sugar + water + bitters. You’ll want to keep the ratios basically the same, but change out different components for desired flavors. Try subbing mezcal for tequila for a smokey version. Like a little spice? Infuse the tequila with jalapeños or muddle them in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. Get funky with fruit. Toss ingredients in a blender with some ice and watermelon or mango for a frozen delight. Craving a little salt or sugar? Add some to the rim!
There are also so many options when it comes to serving and garnishing. You can serve a margarita straight or without ice. It can be shaken and poured over fresh or infused ice. It can be blended with ice and served frozen.
As you can see, the possibilities are endless! Try these recipes or get creative and mix your own! Either way, just remember to have fun! Salud!
Type | Ingredients | Method | Garnish |
|---|---|---|---|
Classic Margarita | Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. | Lime wedge Optional: sugar or salt rim | |
Frozen Strawberry | Combine all ingredients with ice in blender. Blend until smooth and enjoy | Strawberry or lime wedge | |
Ginger Margarita | Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. | Lime wheel and candied ginger | |
Blackberry Margarita | Muddle blackberries in shaker. Add other ingredients and shake with ice. Double strain over ice. | Fresh blackberries and lime wheel | |
Prickly Pear Margarita | Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into glass. | Pear slice or lime wedge |
Non-Alcoholic Bottled Mexican Drinks
Jarritos Soda
Founded in 1950 by Don Fransisco “El Güero” Hill, Jarritos is an all natural soda flavored with fruit juice. Jarritos began exporting to the United States in 1988 where it quickly became the top selling Mexican soda in Hispanic markets. Fun facts: Their flavors were originally not labeled. Consumers just knew the flavor by the color of liquid inside the bottle. The name Jarritos means “goat shoes” in German and “little jugs” in Spanish. (Aquas frescas were originally served in clay jugs to keep them cooler in the Mexican heat.) There are currently 14 flavors available.
Topo Chico
This brand of sparkling mineral water is bottled in Monterrey, Mexico since 1985. Topo Chico is widely available in several flavors and is known for it’s legendary crisp clean taste.
Mexican Coke
Okay, if you’re a fan of carbonated sodas and haven’t yet tried a Mexican Coca-Cola, you must go get one! Mexican Coke or “Mexicoke” is produced and imported from Mexico. The major difference is that it is sweetened with real sugar instead of high-fructose corn syrup and boy does this make a difference. Once I tried the real deal, I cannot go back! You can readily find the product in most local groceries for around $6 per 4 pack of 12 oz glass bottles but they are often available cheaper if you buy the cans in bulk.
Type | Size | Average Price | Flavors Available |
|---|---|---|---|
Jarritos Soda | 12pk 12.5oz bottles | $10.86 | Jamaican, Mexican Cola, Grapefruit, Tamarind, Strawberry, Mandarine, Lime, Guava, Fruit Punch, Passion Fruit, Manzana, Lemon Lime, Watermelon, Mango and Pineapple |
Topo Chico | 4pk 12oz bottles | $4.78 | Original Mineral Water, Twist of Lime, Twist of Grapefruit, Twist of Tangerine |
Mexican Coke | 4pk 12oz bottles | $5.99 | Coca Cola |