Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the fifth of May) commemorates Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. In the United States, it features parades, mariachi music performances, street festivals, and cocktails made with tequila, said to be North America’s first distilled beverage. Instead of going out for pricey restaurant and bar drinks, create cocktails at home this year for a fraction of the price.
Better ingredients make better drinks, but there’s no need to buy premium tequila if it’s destined to be mixed. A good place to start is with 100 percent agave tequila from our list of best inexpensive tequilas. With a few other fresh ingredients, including seasonal fruits and simple syrup, a wide variety of fresh and tasty drinks can be concocted for a just a few dollars each.
TEQUILA PINEAPPLE PUNCH
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces reposado tequila 1 ounce pineapple juice 0.5 ounce lime juice 0.5 ounce simple syrup
Agave and pineapple have a lot of overlapping flavors, which means cocktails that include the two are an effortless hit. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake to chill, and strain into a new glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge (optional).
CLASSIC MARGARITA
Ingredients:2 ounces blanco tequila 1 ounce lime juice 0.5 ounce triple sec orange liqueur
When done correctly, a margarita is one of the most refreshing and delicious drinks on the planet. The trick is using simple, high-quality ingredients — not a mix. To make, shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a new glass over ice or straight up. Salting the rim is optional.
TEQUILA NEGRONI
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces reposado tequila 1 ounce red vermouth 1 ounce Campari Orange slice
Negronis are bittersweet and intended to prep the stomach for a meal or aid digestion after a meal. Swapping tequila for the gin in this classic cocktail is a tasty twist that is both familiar and exciting for cocktail lovers. To make, combine all liquid ingredients over ice in a glass, stir to combine, and chill. Garnish with an orange slice.
TOMMY’S MARGARITA
Ingredients: 2 ounces blanco tequila 1 ounce lime juice 0.5 ounce simple syrup
This twist on the popular drink is becoming more and more common and likely predates what we think of as the original, or Cadillac, margarita. Even fresher, if that’s possible, than the classic, this cheaper version (without orange liqueur) is likely to become a house favorite. Shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a new glass over ice or straight up, with or without salt.
SPICY SERRANO MARGARITA
Ingredients: Half serrano chili cut into slices 2 ounces blanco tequila 1 ounce lime juice 0.5 ounce simple syrup
Tequila and spice are natural friends in the flavor world. This margarita packs a punch with spicy serrano chili, or jalapeño for those who like a bit less heat. Muddle the chili in the bottom of a glass before filling with ice and all other ingredients, shake to combine, and transfer to a fresh glass. Garnish with a salt-and-pepper rim (optional).
Trending on Cheapism
CUCUMBER TEQUILA FIZZ
Ingredients: 10 cucumber slices 1.5 ounces blanco tequila 1 ounce lime juice 0.5 ounce simple syrup 3 ounces club soda
Enhance the refreshing quality of agave with this spa-like cooler. It’s a touch lighter in alcohol than many other drinks, making it a good option for a sultry day or epic party. Start by muddling six cucumber slices in the bottom of a glass. Fill with ice, tequila, lime, and simple syrup. Shake to combine and strain into a fresh glass with fresh ice and cucumber slices. Top with club soda.
TEQUILA SODA
Ingredients: 2 ounces blanco tequila 3 ounces club soda Lime wedge
Keeping it simple can suit those who are watching their caloric intake, avoiding sugar, or looking for a lighter beverage. Combine the ingredients in a tall glass over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
PALOMA
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces blanco tequila 1 ounce lime juice 3 ounces grapefruit soda Dash of salt
The most popular tequila drink in Mexico, the paloma may be the queen of all tequila cocktails. Layer the ingredients in a tall glass over ice, then top with a splash of grapefruit soda.
Sign up for our newsletter
TEQUILA OLD FASHIONED
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces añejo tequila 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters 0.5 ounce simple syrup Orange zest
This drink is a match made in heaven for those who enjoy strong stirred drinks and tequila. Both reposado and añejo tequilas work well in this sophisticated libation. Combine all ingredients in a glass, add one large ice cube, and stir to chill and slightly dilute. Garnish with orange zest.
BLOODY MARIA
Ingredients: 3 ounces bloody mary mix 1.5 ounces blanco tequila
Substitute neutral vodka with flavorful tequila in a bloody mary for a festive and bold drink. To make things easy, use a high-quality mix such as Tres Agaves ($9 at BevMo), which costs about the same as homemade. Combine all ingredients over ice, stir to combine, and garnish with vegetables of your choice.
TEQUILA TODDY
Ingredients: 1.5 ounces reposado tequila 1 ounce lemon juice 1 ounce agave syrup
Served warm, tequila makes a soothing drink when you feel slightly under the weather or simply need to take a chill off. Combine all ingredients in a mug and top with almost boiling hot water, stir, and enjoy.
TEQUILA STORM
Ingredients: 2 ounces reposado tequila 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters 3 ounces ginger beer Lime wedge
This riff on the classic Caribbean rum-soaked dark ‘n’ stormy cocktail substitutes reposado tequila for dark rum to make an equally sweet and spicy libation. Start by combining the tequila and bitters over ice in a tall glass, saving the ginger beer for last. Stir gently to combine and garnish with a lime wedge.
