12 Festive Cocktails For A Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Forbes

02-05-2025

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated annually, in remembrance of Mexico's victory in Battle of Puebla in 1862.
While some may not be all that well-versed in the history when visiting their favorite local spots for celebrations on May 5, chances are they will be enjoying some delicious Mexican fare and cocktails.
Breakfast Margarita at SUPERBUENO in New York City.
At SUPERBUENO in New York City, (which scored second place on North America's 50 Best Bars list), this cocktail is made with mole amarillo marmalade, blanco tequila, St-Germain, lime, and salt.
'As a nod to London Legend Salvatore Calabrese's breakfast martini, we added the Breakfast Margarita to the menu this past fall. The martini version calls for orange marmalade so when adapting this for SUPERBUENO we decided to serve the margarita with a spoon of mole marmalade. For this spring, we've updated it to a mole amarillo marmalade that is made with costeño chile, yellow pepper, apricot, chayote, and raisin. This drink has a full depth of fruit, spice, and vegetal notes. It's a nice, updated version of a margarita that stays true to the classic while showcasing iconic Mexican ingredients," said Kip Moffitt, head bartender.
Fat Tuesday x 818 Tequila's Kenny 'Rita
At Fat Tuesday locations nationwide, the frozen cocktail brand and national bar chain is partnering with Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila for a Cinco de Mayo takeover. At its center is the Kenny 'Rita,Fat Tuesday's strawberry margarita, now with a signature floater of 818 Reposado.
"We can already tell that The Kenny' Rita is going to be a summer favorite at Fat Tuesdays and New Orleans Original Daiquiris nationwide. This new flavor is blended with our signature frozen strawberry margarita base and your choice of 818 Tequila Blanco or Reposado. Every sip is refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for enjoying all season long," said Alex Monahan, CEO of Fat Tuesday and New Orleans Original Daiquiris.
Sparkling Señorita at Liam's Den & Bubble Bar inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian ... More Resort inside the Palazzo Tower, Las Vegas.
At Liam's Den & Bubble Bar inside the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian Resort inside the Palazzo Tower, Las Vegas this cocktail is made with tequila, orange liquor, lime juice, agave, rimmed with sprinkles and topped with prosecco.
"In true Las Vegas fashion, we believe every cocktail deserves a little sparkle, especially on Cinco de Mayo. Our Sparkling Señorita cocktail takes a fiesta favorite and elevates it with a light, bubbly finish thanks to a splash of prosecco. The tequila, orange liqueur, lime and agave bring the classic flavor, while the champagne adds that crisp effervescence known for any celebration. It's bright, refreshing and a fun, elevated twist on a traditional favorite," said Gina Paul, founder.
Aguachile Margarita at Tia Carmen in Indian Wells, California.
At Tia Carmen in Indian Wells, California, this cocktail is made with Tromba blanco tequila, St Germain and aguachile.
"When I was developing the cocktails for Tia Carmen, I could see that Chef Angelo Sosa thought my approach was generally good, but wasn't really telling the story the restaurant. Chef said, 'Let me cook for you'.' I knew he didn't just mean dinner, and I understood straight away that we are telling a story. Dinner was incredible and one of my fondest memories with Chef to date. Utilizing the same aguachile that is utilized in the restaurant's food was a way to not only create a delicious drink that incorporates classic Mexican flavor into an iconic cocktail, but tell the story of Tía Carmen. Creativity is easy with Chef Sosa because he expects that once he has briefed you on the task, that you're capable of completing it and putting up something he will be excited to taste," said Mitch Bushell, cocktail developer for Tia Carmen.
Compadres at Mexican Sugar, with locations in Dallas and Houston.
At Mexican Sugar, with locations in Dallas and Houston, Compadres is a cocktail made for celebration – it is served in a custom glass repurposed from a Don Julio 1942 bottle and paired with a sidecar of the iconic tequila itself. This bold take on a margarita combines Don Julio Silver, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave for a bright, elevated sip with a luxurious finish.
Justin Beam, Director of Operations at Mexican Sugar, says: 'Cinco de Mayo is all about sharing moments with friends, and Compadres is our toast to that spirit. From the recycled 1942 bottle glass to the sidecar of Don Julio 1942, every detail brings people together for a one-of-a-kind experience you'll only find at Mexican Sugar.'
The Daisy at Scottsdale, Arizona-based The Americano.
At Scottsdale, Arizona-based The Americano, the Daisy is an unexpected take on a margarita. Corrido 110 Proof and Earl Grey-infused tequila meet the warmth of Oloroso sherry, layered with housemade sunflower seed orgeat and Gran Gala, which is brightened with lemon and black pepper bitters and finished with a mint sprig and salted sunflower and sesame brittle.
"The Daisy is a sunflower seed margarita meets a sherry cobbler, it's nutty, dry and refreshingly crisp. It plays with unexpected textures and flavors while staying grounded in something familiar. I wanted it to feel bright and surprising, with a savory edge that lingers just enough," said Tyler Miller, bar lead.
Daytime Friends at Commons Club Dallas at Virgin Hotels Dallas.
At Commons Club Dallas at Virgin Hotels Dallas, this beautiful cocktail is made with Cucumber & Jalapeño-infused Pantalones Blanco Tequila, Ancho Reyes Verde, triple sec, agave, and lime.
'Inspired by the legendary Texas artist and the classic Kenny Rogers song, Daytime Friends is a refreshing margarita with a subtle kick—perfect for sipping on a sunny Dallas afternoon or celebrating Cinco de Mayo," said Carolyn Favrot, Director of Food & Beverage.
The Sierra Verde cocktail at Elsie Rooftop in New York City.
The Sierra Verde cocktail at Elsie Rooftop in New York City is made with mezcal, cucumber-honeydew purée, fresh thyme, epazote bitters, amber agave, and lime.
"The idea behind Sierra Verde was to create something fresh and vibrant, but still grounded in classic flavors. The honeydew and cucumber bring a bright, juicy quality, while the thyme and epazote bitters add a subtle herbal edge that plays really nicely with the smoke from the mezcal. It's festive and seasonal without feeling over the top; a refreshing take that's perfect for the holiday," said Greg Lucas, Co-Founder of Liquid Lab NYC & Beverage Partner at Elsie Rooftop.
Go Mango at Spire Bar at Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
At Spire Bar at Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix, the Go Mango cocktail is a refreshing mezcal-based drink inspired by the essence of the Sonoran Desert. It's made with Montelobos Mezcal for smoky depth that blends with sweet mango, tangy lime, and a subtle kick of Tajin.
."Inspired by the bold flavors of the desert, the Go Mango is a true taste of Arizona — something fresh and unique that guests can raise a glass to," said Bertrand Daluzeau, Arizona Biltmore Director of Food & Beverage.
The Coconut Margarita at Tiny's Cantina in Park Slope, Brookyn.
In the picturesque Park Slope area of Brooklyn, New York, Tiny's Cantina celebrates Cinco de Mayo as the unofficial start of summer with a cocktail that captures the essence of the season —with a touch of luxury. The Coconut Margarita mixes smooth silver tequila with creamy coconut milk and a splash of fresh lime juice.
It's a beautiful balance of tart and tropical.
¡Ay, Paloma! at Bottagra in Hawthorne, New Jersey.
At Bottagra in Hawthorne, New Jersey, this Cinco de Mayo inspired cocktail is made with Don Julio 70 Tequila, Illegal Mezcal, Dirty Pelican Organic Elderflower Paloma (grapefruit, lime, agave, elderflower) and garnished with a full grapefruit slice and fresh mint sprigs. Lead Mixologist Tony Iorio says: 'Blending tequila and mezcal brings a subtle smokiness to this cocktail that embraces Mexican culture, and so we saw Cinco de Mayo as the perfect opportunity to bring these two spirits together in a Paloma with a twist!'
Jungle Bird at Americana Kitchen at Loews Coral Gables Hotel.
At Americana Kitchen at Loews Coral Gables Hotel, a blend of Coconut Cartel rum, Aperol, fresh pineapple and lime juices, plus simply syrup. Loews Coral Gables Hotel Director of Food & Beverage, Tareq Shaban, says, 'Instead of the traditional margarita, we're shaking up a bold, tropical cocktail ideal for a lively Cinco de Mayo celebration. Miami-made rum blends beautifully with zesty Aperol and bright punchy citrus for a refreshing and delicious way to toast to the holiday.'