Top 14 Mexican Cocktails

From refreshing citrus blends to smoky and spicy sips, Mexican cocktails offer something for everyone. These top 14 Mexican cocktails showcase iconic drinks and modern creations that are perfect for any occasion. Dive into this collection and discover the rich flavors of Mexico in every glass!

Margarita

The Margarita is a staple in Mexican cocktails. Originating in Mexico, it combines simple ingredients for a refreshing drink.

To make a classic Margarita, you’ll need:

• 2 oz blanco tequila
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup or triple sec
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rim your cocktail glass with salt. Use a lime wedge to wet the rim, then dip it into salt.
2. Fill a shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup (or triple sec).
4. Shake well until chilled.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge.

For variations, consider changing the sweetener. Use agave nectar or different types of orange liqueurs like Cointreau.

Different flavors can enhance the Margarita.

Fresh fruits like strawberries, mango, or pineapple can be muddled in the shaker for a fruity twist.

A Margarita can also be made frozen.

Blend the ingredients with ice instead of shaking. This results in a slushy version, perfect for hot days.

Enjoy your Margarita responsibly. It’s a simple but versatile drink.

Paloma

The Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail. It combines tequila with grapefruit juice or soda. This creates a refreshing citrus flavor perfect for warm weather.

To make a Paloma, you’ll need:

• 2 oz tequila
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice or grapefruit soda
• 0.5 oz fresh lime juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup or 1 tsp granulated sugar
• Pinch of salt
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass with salt by dipping it in water or lime juice, then in kosher salt.
2. Pour tequila, grapefruit juice or soda, lime juice, and simple syrup or sugar into the glass.
3. Add a pinch of salt and stir to combine.
4. Fill the glass with ice.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and lime wedge.

Using fresh ingredients enhances the flavor.

If grapefruit soda is hard to find, mix fresh grapefruit juice with soda water. This ensures a more vibrant and natural taste.

The simplicity of the Paloma makes it easy to prepare.

You can enjoy it at home or serve it at gatherings. This cocktail pairs well with salted nuts or tacos.

Michelada

A Michelada is a traditional Mexican cocktail. It combines beer with a variety of bold ingredients. It’s refreshing and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of Mexican lager
• 1 lime
• Salt or Tajin for the rim
• 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes of hot sauce
• 1/2 cup of Clamato juice (optional)
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Rim the Glass: Run a lime wedge around the edge of a tall glass. Dip the rim into salt or Tajin. Make sure it’s evenly coated.
2. Add Ice and Lime Juice: Fill the glass halfway with ice cubes. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the ice.
3. Add Sauces and Clamato Juice: Pour in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and Clamato juice. Mix gently.
4. Add Beer: Slowly pour the Mexican lager into the glass. Stir carefully to combine ingredients.

Tips:

• Use a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce to taste.
• Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Tequila Sunrise

The Tequila Sunrise is a classic Mexican cocktail. It combines the vibrant flavors of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. This drink was popularized in the 1970s and 1980s.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (preferably mid-range quality like Jose Cuervo)
• 4 oz fresh orange juice
• 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
• Ice cubes
• Garnish: orange wedge and maraschino cherry

Instructions

1. Fill your glass with ice: Use a tall or highball glass.
2. Add tequila and orange juice: Pour 2 oz of tequila into the glass. Add 4 oz of fresh orange juice. Stir gently.
3. Pour grenadine slowly: Slowly pour 1/2 oz of grenadine into the glass. The grenadine will settle at the bottom, creating the signature “sunrise” effect.
4. Garnish and serve: Use an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry to garnish your drink. Enjoy your Tequila Sunrise!

Mezcal Mule

The Mezcal Mule is a smoky twist on the classic Moscow Mule. You replace the traditional vodka with mezcal, giving the cocktail a unique, earthy flavor. This drink combines the refreshing taste of ginger beer with the distinct smokiness of mezcal.

Ingredients

• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 2 oz ginger beer
• Ice cubes
• Optional garnishes: cucumber slice, lime wedges, mint leaves

Instructions

1. Fill a rocks glass with ice cubes.
2. Add mezcal and lime juice to the glass.
3. Top with ginger beer and give it a quick stir.
4. Garnish: Add a cucumber slice or lime wedge. A sprig of mint also works well.

Mezcal Mule offers a versatile flavor profile.

Mezcal’s smokiness blends with the tang of lime and the spice of ginger beer. The optional garnishes enhance both taste and presentation.

Enjoy your Mezcal Mule in a traditional copper mug. This keeps the drink cool and enhances the experience. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Batanga

Batanga is a classic Mexican cocktail. It was created in the 1950s by Don Javier Delgado Corona. He was the owner of La Capilla bar in Tequila, Mexico.

To make a Batanga, rim the glass with salt. You can use various citrus zest for added flavor.

Use a highball or tall glass.

Squeeze the juice of half a lime into the glass. Fill the glass with large ice cubes.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces blanco tequila
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• Coca-Cola to top off the glass
• Salt for rimming the glass

Instructions:

1. Use a lime wedge to coat the rim of the glass.
2. Dip the rim in salt.
3. Add ice to the glass.
4. Pour in 2 ounces of blanco tequila.
5. Squeeze in the lime juice.
6. Top off with Coca-Cola.

Stir briefly to mix. Enjoy your Batanga cocktail.

Cantarito

The Cantarito is a refreshing, citrus-filled Mexican cocktail.

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila
• 1 oz agave nectar
• 1/2 oz lemon juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1/4 oz grapefruit juice
• 1/4 oz orange juice
• Dash of sea salt
• Grapefruit soda
• Tajín seasoning (for rim)
• Citrus wedges (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the cup:

• Soak a clay cantarito cup in cold water for 10 minutes.
• If using a glass, chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes.

Rim the cup:

• Rub a lime wedge around the rim.
• Dip the rim into Tajín seasoning on a small plate.

Mix the drink:

• In a shaker, add tequila, agave nectar, and all the fruit juices with ice.
• Shake well until chilled.

Assemble:

• Pour a dash of sea salt into the prepared cup.
• Strain the mixture from the shaker into the cup over fresh ice.
• Top off with grapefruit soda.
• Garnish with citrus wedges.

Enjoy your delightful cantarito cocktail!

Charro Negro

The Charro Negro is a popular Mexican cocktail. It is often enjoyed at celebrations. You can think of it as Mexico’s version of a Cuba Libre.

The main ingredients are tequila, cola, and lime juice. Sometimes, it includes a salted rim.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila
• 4 oz cola
• Juice of half a lime
• Salt (optional, for rim)
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Rim your glass with salt if desired.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Add the tequila.
4. Pour in the cola.
5. Squeeze lime juice into the glass.
6. Stir gently. Enjoy your Charro Negro.

Mexican Mule

The Mexican Mule is a refreshing cocktail. This drink is a variation of the classic Moscow Mule.

It substitutes tequila for vodka, giving it a unique twist.

Here’s what you need to make a Mexican Mule:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (100% blue agave is best)
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/3 oz rich sugar syrup (2 parts sugar to 1 part water)
• Ginger beer, to top
• Ice
• Lime wedge or slice, for garnish
• Optional: Jalapeño slices, mint leaves, orange slice

Instructions:

1. Fill a copper mug or cocktail glass with ice.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the ice.
3. Add the tequila to the mug.
4. Top with ginger beer. Stir gently to mix.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge, mint leaves, jalapeño slices, or an orange slice.

A copper mug is traditional. It enhances the cold, crisp nature of the cocktail.

Always use high-quality tequila for the best taste.

Elevate your drink with a splash of creativity. Jalapeño slices add a spicy kick. Orange slices introduce a sweet note.

Keep it simple. Use few ingredients. Focus on quality. Savor every sip of your Mexican Mule.

Chelada

A Chelada is a simple and refreshing Mexican cocktail. It’s perfect for those hot summer days. You’ll love its crisp and tangy taste.

Ingredients:

• Light Mexican beer (Modelo, Corona, or similar)
• 1 lime
• Salt or Tajín for rimming the glass
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Run a wedge of lime around the rim of your glass.
2. Dip the rim into salt or Tajín.
3. Squeeze fresh lime juice into the glass.
4. Fill the glass with ice cubes.
5. Pour the beer over the ice.

This cocktail is easy to make. The lime and salt balance the beer’s flavors. You can enjoy it anytime.

Try experimenting with different types of Mexican beer. Some people prefer it with less lime or more salt. Adjust to your taste.

You can garnish with a lime wedge. It adds a nice touch. Enjoy your Chelada with friends or at a barbecue.

Añejo Old Fashioned

The Añejo Old Fashioned is a refined twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. It uses añejo tequila instead of traditional whiskey. The aged tequila brings rich flavors, making this cocktail special.

Ingredients

• 2 oz añejo tequila
• 0.25 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
• 2-3 dashes orange bitters
• Orange peel for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions

Prepare your glass:

• Over a double old fashioned glass, use a vegetable peeler to remove two strips of orange zest.
• Express the oil from the zest into the glass and set aside the zest for garnish.

Mix the cocktail:

• In a mixing glass, combine the añejo tequila, agave nectar, and orange bitters.
• Fill the glass with ice cubes.
• Stir the mixture well for about 30 seconds. This chills the drink and dilutes it slightly for a smoother taste.

Serve:

• Strain the mixture into the old fashioned glass over a large ice cube.
• Garnish with the orange peel.

The añejo tequila gives this cocktail a unique flavor. Expect notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. This drink balances sweetness and bitterness gracefully.

By using fresh ingredients and quality añejo tequila, you can create an impressive cocktail. Perfect for those who enjoy a bold, yet smooth drink with a distinct twist.

Mezcal Negroni

The Mezcal Negroni is a modern twist on the classic Negroni cocktail. This drink uses mezcal instead of gin, giving it a smoky flavor with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Mezcal
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1 oz Campari

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
3. Stir for about 30 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass or an Old Fashioned glass over ice.
5. Garnish with an orange twist.

Tips

• For a more intense flavor, increase the mezcal portion slightly.
• Serve this cocktail before dinner as an aperitif.
• Adjust the ice to control dilution. More ice will keep the drink colder longer with less dilution.

Rosarita

The Rosarita is a captivating Mexican cocktail that tantalizes the taste buds. This drink combines vibrant flavors and is enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 fl oz. Patrón Reposado tequila
• 3/4 fl oz. Grand Marnier or other cognac orange liqueur
• 1/2 fl oz. cranberry juice (sweetened)
• 1/2 fl oz. lime juice
• Ice cubes

Steps

1. Shake Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes.
2. Fine Strain: Shake vigorously and fine strain into a chilled glass.
3. Serve: Serve immediately, preferably without ice to enjoy the pure flavors.

A twist on the traditional margarita, the Rosarita offers a sweet yet tangy experience. The blend of tequila and cranberry juice creates a unique profile.

You can garnish with a lime wheel for added zest. This addition also enhances the visual appeal of your Rosarita.

Indulge in this Rosarita cocktail and explore a delightful Mexican beverage.

Carajillo (Made With Licor 43 And Espresso)

The Carajillo combines the smooth, vanilla flavors of Licor 43 with the bold taste of espresso. It’s a popular Mexican cocktail that’s both simple to prepare and delightful to sip.

Ingredients

• Licor 43: 1.5 to 2 ounces
• Espresso: 2 ounces, freshly brewed
• Ice: Enough to half-fill an Old Fashioned glass

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Glass and Ice:

• Half-fill an Old Fashioned glass with ice.

Add Licor 43:

• Pour 1.5 to 2 ounces of Licor 43 over the ice.

Brew Espresso:

• Brew 2 ounces of fresh espresso.

Combine and Stir:

• Slowly pour the espresso over the Licor 43, ideally over the back of a spoon to create a layered effect.
• Serve the drink with a cocktail stirrer.

Enjoy Your Carajillo

This layered cocktail offers a visually appealing and flavorful mix of sweet and strong. Adjust the ratio of Licor 43 and espresso to taste.

The Licor 43 adds a sweet vanilla-citrus note, while the espresso brings a rich coffee taste.

Use clear ice if possible. Clear ice enhances the drink’s presentation.