It's Cinco de Mayo time, and bars are sure to be packed with patrons seeking that little bit of Mexican spirit in their cocktails. Add these tequila-based and other Mexican-inspired cocktails to your bar menu for the day — or for any time you're looking for a fresh cocktail. Then sit back, relax and sip a cerveza as guests party, and you rake in profits.
Corzo Basilica Mexicana
Created by Jonathan Pogash.
1 ½ parts Corzo Reposado Tequila
½ part Green Chartreuse
¼ part agave nectar
1 thin slice jalapeno pepper
½ part fresh lime juice
3 large basil leaves
In a mixing glass, muddle the pepper and basil in the agave nectar and lime juice. Add remaining ingredients and shake well with ice. Strain over ice into a rocks glass. Garnish with a basil leaf “flag” and jalapeno pepper.
¡Carajo!
Courtesy of Cabo Blanco Tequila.
2 ounces Cabo Blanco Tequila
1 ounce Pacifico Beer
Fill with lemon-lime soda
Splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice
In the order above, add all ingredients to an ice-filled highball glass. Stir and garnish with a lemon wheel.
Three Amigos con Herradura
Courtesy of Herradura Tequila.
2 ounces Tequila Herradura Silver
2 ounces Sangrita
2 ounces lime juice
Serve separately in tall shot glasses to create the colors of the Mexican flag. Encourage guests to sip and enjoy.
Corazón Paloma
Courtesy of Corazon Tequila.
2 ounces Corazón Reposado Tequila
6 ounces fresh grapefruit soda (Fresca)
½ ounce lime juice
Rim a Collins glass with salt. Fill the glass with ice and add the tequila and lime juice. Top it off with grapefruit soda.
Cabo Wabo Colada
Served at ZOCALO Restaurant in Chicago.
1 ½ ounces Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila
1 ounce Midori
½ ounce coconut cream
1 ½ ounces coconut water
1 ounce limeade
Fill mixing glass with ice, add ingredients, shake and pour into a wine glass with coconut shavings and cherry garnish.
Spicy Mango Chelada
Courtesy of Monin Gourmet Flavorings.
8 ounces beer
1 ounce Monin Spicy Mango Syrup
3 lime wedges, squeezed and dropped
Fill a cayenne-pepper-rimmed glass with ice. Add ingredients in order listed and stir to mix. Garnish with a mango slice.
World’s Freshest Margarita
Courtesy of Milagro Tequila.
2 ounces Milagro Tequila
1 ounce agave nectar
1 ounce fresh lime juice
Combine ingredients with ice and shake. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass and garnish with a lime wheel. Salt optional.
Viva La Revolución
Courtesy of Roaring Lion.
3 ounces Jose Cuervo tequila
1 ounce Triple Sec
2 ounces limeade
2 ounces Roaring Lion
Grenadine
Pour and serve in a Highball glass and top with splash of grenadine.