Being in quarantine means I have a lot of time on my hands, and being a lover of tequila means I’ve been looking forward to Cinco de Mayo. I’ll be the first to admit that the celebration of Cinco de Mayo has been appropriated into a day of drinking here in the US. There’s no harm in celebrating Mexico’s culture and food, but we should at least understand why we are celebrating. There is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, but it is actually a commemoration of Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla against the French in 1861.
Over time, Cinco de Mayo has been primarily observed in the Mexican state of Puebla, where the battle occurred. Traditions include military parades, festivals, and even recreations of the battle. In the US, however, Cinco de Mayo has turned into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. Parades, Mexican folk dancing, mariachi music, and traditional food are just some of the ways the holiday is celebrated in the US.
This Cinco de Mayo we’ll all be in quarantine, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. Usually, when people think of Cinco de Mayo they think margaritas, but we want to step our tequila game up a notch. Here are 7 easy but delicious cocktails to liven up your Cinco celebration at home.
Charro Negro
I will say that tequila and cola didn’t sound like the best combination at first, but with the addition of lemon juice, the cocktail comes together in a surprising way. You can also salt the rim of your glass for additional flavor.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Tequila
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- Cola
Instructions:
- Put a few ice cubes in a highball glass
- Pour over the tequila and lemon juice
- Top with Cola
- Garnish with a lemon wedge
Matador
In my opinion, no cocktail can really go wrong with pineapple juice. If you’re a fan of fruity and refreshing the simplicity of the Matador is a sure win.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Silver or Blanco Tequila
- 3 oz Pineapple Juice
- ½ oz Lime Juice (preferably fresh)
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker
- Shake for 20-30 seconds
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
- Garnish with a lime peel
St. Rita
If I’m not adding a Grand Marnier floater to my margarita, I’m definitely adding a touch of St. Germain. The St. Rita replaces the sweetness of simple syrup and Triple Sec with St. Germain and is just as refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz White Tequila
- 1 oz St. Germain
- ¾ oz Lime Juice
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker
- Shake for 20-30 seconds
- Strain into a highball glass filled with ice
- Garnish with a lime wedge
The Bull
I’ve already been making shandys during quarantine, but adding tequila sounded like a nice kick. The Bull would also make for the perfect batched cocktail on a beach trip this summer.
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in a glass with ice
- Garnish with a lemon wedge
Juan Collins
This tequila-take on a classic Tom Collins uses tequila instead of gin and agave instead of simple. I’ve never been a big Tom Collins fan, but the balance of sweet and tart in the Juan Collins may change my mind.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz Tequila
- 1 oz Lemon Juice
- ½ oz Agave Nectar
- 2 oz Club Soda
Instructions:
- Combine tequila, lemon juice and agave nectar in a highball glass with ice
- Stir for 15-20 seconds until combined
- Top with soda wader
- Garnish with lemon wedge
Mexican Mule
Without losing any classic flavors, the addition of Cointreau in the Mexican Mule elevates the flavor of the cocktail and is a great alternative for fans of the Moscow Mule.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Tequila Blanco
- ½ oz Cointreau
- ½ oz Lime Juice
- 4 oz Ginger Beer
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients in copper mug (or cocktail glass)
- Stir for 15-20 until combined
- Garnish with lime wedge and/or jalapeno slice
Añejo Old Fashioned
This cocktail really speaks for itself. I sometimes crave the simplicity of an Old Fashioned but don’t want to drink whiskey. This take on an Old Fashioned is the perfect blend of both worlds and is also a great way to dress up any sipping tequila.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz Añejo Tequila
- 1 dash Angostura Bitters
- ¼ oz Agave Nectar
- Orange Peel
Instructions:
- Gently muddle agave nectar, orange peel, and bitters in an old fashioned glass
- Fill with ice
- Add the Añejo tequila
- Stir for 15-20 seconds and enjoy!