Cinco Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo

May 1st, 2022

Get in the spirit with Cinco Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo! While Cinco de Mayo isn’t always celebrated in Mexico, we’d like to use the spotlight this “holiday” puts on Mexico to learn more about authentic traditions and celebrations. Learn about the spirit of the hummingbird, the origin of the margarita, the true history of Cinco de Mayo and more! Let’s celebrate the Mexican culture and craft that we love so dearly.

1. In the Heat of the Night: Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo

The complex flavours of this cocktail, such as jalapeño, agave, and orange liqueur; aren’t too overpowering and still allow our rich reposado to shine through. Jalapeños are native to Mexico and are named after Jalapa, a city in Mexico, where they were originally grown. Mexican chili peppers are also popular and celebrated around the world through cuisine. In fact, In 2030, Mexican exports of chili and pepper are projected to reach 2.1 billion U.S. dollars. 

In the Heat of the Night Ingredients:

1 ¾ oz cada día tequila reposado

¼ oz orange liqueur of choice

1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

½ oz agave syrup

1 inch of jalapeño

pinch of salt

pinch of cilantro + ½ pinch of parsley

tiny pinch of dried chili flakes

Click here for the full recipe & instructions

2. Colibri: Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo

The Colibri (Spanish for hummingbird) cocktail recipe is an elegant and herbaceous take on a Margarita. The silky mouthfeel is luscious and the bright citrusy notes refresh the palate, and the cocktail is inspired by the mystical sensation you get when you watch a glimpse of a hummingbird. 

Hummingbirds are a beacon of great strength, beauty, and iridescence. Mexico is the home to 58 different species of hummingbirds, but many are at risk of extinction. To help this species, Mexico has created more than a hundred urban gardens to try to attract hummingbirds after land development has increased over the years.

Celebrate the spirit of the hummingbird with this cocktail recipe.

Colibri Ingredients:

2 oz cada día tequila reposado

¾ oz dry curaçao orange

½ oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

½ oz lime leaf & cilantro simple syrup*

*Lime Leaf & Cilantro Simple Syrup Ingredients:

½ cup water

½ cup sugar

Handful of lime leaves torn to release oils

10 cilantro stems

Pinch of coriander seeds

Drop orange blossom water

1 oz vodka to preserve

Click here for the full recipe & instructions

3. Strawberry-Basil Margarita: Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo

No one knows the true story behind the creation of the classic Margarita. Perhaps it was created by Texas socialite Margaret Sames (aka Margarita). Story has it, she created it in 1948 at a house party. Maybe it was created and named after Rita Hayworth (aka Margarita Casino) in the 1940s after a performance in Tijuana. No matter the stories, the margarita is still one of the world’s favourite celebratory cocktails; A perfect cocktail for Cinco de Mayo celebrations!  

We couldn’t pass up an opportunity to celebrate with a margarita! Our strawberry-basil margarita cocktail recipe is a twist on a classic. It’s vibrant with layers of complexity and freshness. Simple and quick to whip up to enjoy this cocktail for Cinco de Mayo & beyond! 

Strawberry-Basil Margarita Ingredients:

2 oz cada día tequila reposado 

¾ oz orange liqueur

1 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

½  oz agave syrup

2 fresh strawberries

2 basil leaves

small pinch of salt

Click here for the full recipe & instructions

4. Buenos Dia: Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo

Verdita is traditionally sipped before sipping tequila in Mexico, and so we decided to pair all of the fresh, complex flavours together into one beautiful harmonious cocktail. The fourth cocktail in our Cinco Cocktails for Cinco de Mayo series is “Buenos Dia”.

In southern Mexico, it’s tradition to line up and sip Verdita, Tequila, then Sangrita (described as Verdita’s cousin). This mimics the colors of the Mexican flag, representing hope, purity, and blood (honouring those who have passed while fighting for Mexican independence). 

We love Verdita as it’s a bit more herbal, pairing exceptionally with cada dia’s tequila reposado. In this Buenos Día cocktail, the peppery and oaky barrel notes of the cada día tequila reposado round out the tropical freshness and heat of the verdita perfectly. This recipe pairs all of the fresh, complex flavours together into a beautiful harmonious cocktail. 

This exclusive cada día cocktail recipe is the perfect cocktail for Cinco de Mayo brunch instead of a green smoothie. It’s also an amazing stand-alone cocktail during the celebrations.

Buenos Día Ingredients:

2 oz cada día tequila reposado

1 ½ oz verdita*

¾ oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

¾ oz simple syrup

*Verdita Recipe (Big Batch)

1L pineapple juice

2-3 jalapenos

1 bunch of cilantro

1 bunch of mint

1 cucumber

Blend all in a blender and strain through a mesh strainer

Click here for the full recipe & instructions

5. Hibiscus Margarita: Cocktail for Cinco de Mayo

Margaritas and Cinco de Mayo; They go hand in hand! We’ve got a recipe that’ll help you enjoy all the celebrations! However, do you know the true history of Cinco de Mayo? Hibiscus symbolizes hope and passion, a nod to the battle of Puebla where passionate troops fought to defend their land.

You read that right. Cinco de Mayo is not a celebration of Mexico’s independence. Rather, in 1962 in Publa de Los Angeles, Mexico; 2,000 Mexican soldiers battled 6,000 French troops to defend their home. Mexico was victorious, and May 5 was later declared a national holiday.

In Puebla, Mexico traditions may include parades and recreations of the battle. However, for most of the country, May 5th isn’t celebrated. Offices, banks and stores are open, and people are going about their normal days.

Cinco de Mayo has been adopted by Canadians and Americans, and we’re on board with embracing an opportunity to respectfully celebrate and learn about Mexican culture! With your newfound cultural knowledge, grab your bottle of cada día and let’s craft a hibiscus margarita.

Hibiscus margarita Ingredients:

2 oz cada día tequila reposado

2 oz *hibiscus infusion

¾ oz orange liqueur

½ oz fresh-squeezed lime juice

½ oz agave syrup

Salt rimmer (optional)

*Hibiscus Infusion

½ cup dried hibiscus flowers

2 cup boiling water

Click here for the full recipe & instructions

We’ve made it! Cinco cocktails for Cinco de Mayo. We hope you’ve also enjoyed the fun facts along the way! In the the spirit of last minute guests, honouring tradition, and celebrating premium craft…Let’s live cada día! Try a bottle of the best during your Cinco de Mayo celebrations and tag us on social media @cadadiatequila. Sip. Savour. Celebrate.