Cinco de Mayo: Top Drinks to Try!

Are you ready to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? From classic Mexican beverages to a few new options to try, no one will be thirsty during this year’s celebration.

The most seasoned of Cinco de Mayo partakers know that there is an entire arsenal of Mexican beverages (alcoholic and non!) to indulge in, many of which are pleasant enough to incorporate in your everyday life. If you find yourself wanting to venture out and try some of the more exotic drinks here are a few simple ideas to get you stepping in the right direction!

Café de Olla

Mely Martinez of Mexico in my Kitchen talks reminiscently of how this beverage brings her back to time spent with her Abuela (Grandma). This coffee beverage is spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with a dark sugar called Piloncillo that has a flavor profile resembling rum.  If you are looking for some coffee suggestions look no further!

Aguas Frescas

The versatility of Aguas Frescas is nearly unrivaled in the fact that you can perfect this beverage to your own liking! Aguas Frescas put simply is just a blend of your favorite fruit, water, sugar, and topped off with lime juice.

A good blend for Aguas Frescas is using a 2:1 ratio of fruit and water adding sugar to taste. For a taste that is even more refreshing, you can substitute the fruit with cucumbers and lime juice, topping it off with a dash of tajin!

Horchata

Horchata is a slightly nutty, slightly sweet beverage with an overlapping cinnamon flavor that refreshes your palate in between trips to the taco bar! What’s great about Horchata is that you can find many pre-made or powdered variations at your local supermarket, but My Latina Table has a great recipe that only has eight ingredients and no preservatives! Horchata is one of those flexible drinks that you can mix a little Kahlua or Amaretto if you’re looking for an aperitif.

Charro negro

Typically, when someone thinks of Tequila (Such as Casamigos) the immediate thought is Margaritas or shots with lime and salt. Those are both great ways to partake in Cinco de Mayo but here is another use for Tequila!

The Charro negro or black cowboy is made with tequila, coke (Mexican coke is ideal and can be found in glass bottles in most supermarkets, but regular Coke can work in a pinch), served over ice, a squeeze of lime and a dash of salt.

Paloma

The Paloma is similar to the Charro Negro but instead of coke, you would use Grapefruit Jarritos. On the off chance that you can’t get your hands on Jarritos, you can always use Fresca or San Pellegrino Pompelmo.

A good Paloma is made in large batches with halved citrus fruits, squeezed, tossed in, and mixed up then served over ice. A refreshing drink to enjoy on your porch for Cinco de Mayo.

Michelada

The Michelada is one of those drinks that everyone makes differently and more than likely you will never get the exact same taste every single time. A Michelada put simply is tomato juice and beer with the addition of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce which may be the reasoning behind the Michelada’s nickname the Mexican Bloody Mary.  Some variations rim the glass with lime juice and tajin, others add liquid smoke. Just like the Aguas Frescas, you can tailor it to fit your taste buds.

If Margaritas are your choice drink then check out these fruity variations! 

What will you be drinking for Cinco de Mayo? Do you have a favorite beverage or do you want to try something new?