If you're looking for tequila cocktails to serve at your Cinco de Mayo party that are a little more exciting than the standard marg, you've come to the right place. Whether you're already a seasoned tequila fan or just hoping to impress your friends with something new, this roundup is full of unique tequila cocktail recipes that go beyond lime and salt.
We’re talking jalapeño-infused margaritas, cocktails made with guava nectar and black rimming salt, and one standout spiked with firewater bitters that’ll heat things up fast. (Scrappy’s Firewater Tincture or Bittermen’s Hellfire is our go-to — just ask my dad, who brings it out at every party like it’s a party trick. It always is.)
And if you're looking to stock your Cinco de Mayo bar cart with something a little different this year? We’ve got ideas. From jalapeño tequila (yes, you can buy it pre-infused) to coconut water mixers and tamarind soda, here’s how to level things up — plus a few quick snack ideas to keep the vibes strong and your guests fed.
What’s the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?
We won't bore you with a long agave dissertation, but here’s the quick version: All mezcal is tequila, but not all tequila is mezcal.
“The key differentiator is that while mezcal can be made from many varieties of agave, tequila can only be made from one: blue agave,” Autumn Chiklis, co-founder of The Pink Pig Tequila explained to us. (See our full deep-dive here)
Tequila is made specifically from blue Weber agave and usually has a smoother, more familiar flavor. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of agave types and is typically roasted in underground pits, giving it that signature smoky kick.
TL;DR: Use tequila if you want bright and clean, mezcal if you're going for earthy, smoky, and bold. We like swapping mezcal into a margarita base when we want something that feels a little more intense — or using a half-tequila, half-mezcal split to strike a balance.
How to Infuse Tequila at Home
Homemade infused tequila = big flavor payoff, very little effort. Just add your ingredient of choice to a bottle of blanco tequila, let it sit for 1–3 days, then strain. Here are a few fun combos we love:
• Jalapeño slices + lime peel = spicy, bright margarita base
• Pineapple chunks + cinnamon stick = great in a sour
• Mango slices + fresh ginger = tropical vibes with a little zing
• Strawberries + black peppercorns = a great base for a tequila spritz
Pro tip: Use a wide-mouth mason jar if you're experimenting with small batches.
Best Ingredients to Stock for a Cinco de Mayo Bar Cart
If you want to mix outside the margarita box, these ingredients will take your cocktail game up a notch:
• Jalapeño tequila (infused or store-bought — we like the Casamigos’ Jalapeño Tequila)
• Guava nectar (for an easy sweet-tart base)
• Tamarind soda (great with a squeeze of lime and a salted rim)
• Coconut water (smooth, hydrating, and amazing in a shaken tequila drink)
• Scrappy’s Firewater Bitters or Bittermen's Hellfire Shrub (a single drop = instant heat)
• Black salt or Tajin (rim upgrade!)
• Citrus wheels + fresh herbs (garnishes that feel like effort, even if they’re not)
Where to Buy Jalapeño Tequila (or How to Make Your Own)
You can absolutely buy it — brands like Casamigos, Tanteo, and 21 Seeds make solid jalapeño tequila that’s party-ready straight from the bottle. But if you want to DIY, just slice a jalapeño (seeds and all if you want serious heat), add it to a bottle of tequila, and let it sit for 1–2 days.
Hot tip: Taste it after 24 hours — you can always infuse longer, but you can’t tone it down if it gets too spicy. And don't toss the infused peppers — they're great in tacos or nachos.
Creative Tequila Cocktail Recipes
Shake up your usual spread with these fun and bright cocktail recipes. We got ideas from top-shelf tequila brands, high-end cocktail bars, acclaimed chefs, and of course, our own Test Kitchen. These recipes are tested, delicious, and easy to scale up for a crowd.
Spicy & Bold
Jalapeño Diablo by Porchlight
Not your average spicy marg. This one brings the heat with jalapeño-infused tequila and a homemade ginger syrup, but cools it down just enough to keep you coming back for sip two (and three). This one is restaurant-quality (literally) as it comes from the cocktail bar, Porchlight in Manhattan.
Casamigos Spicy Jalapeño Margarita
Classic spicy marg vibes, but smoother — and just a touch elevated. If you’re hosting a group, this one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Water on the Smoke
The name alone sounds mysterious, but this one’s all about balance: mezcal, aperol, fresh citrus, and a little watermelon juice keep things interesting.
Charred red pepper & strawberry margarita
Roasted red pepper in a marg? Trust. It adds a savory depth that makes the strawberry pop even more. Great for impressing your most cocktail-savvy friends.
Fruity & Refreshing
Mango Marg-a-go-go
Bright, juicy, and just the right amount of tangy. This mango-forward marg made with Zarpado Blanco practically begs to be served poolside. A black salt rim is an easy way to add flair and a little something unexpected.
Espolón Guavabuena
Guava nectar meets Espolón Reposado for a punchy, slightly floral sip that tastes like vacation in a glass — no plane ticket required. A great choice if you want something more fizzy than an average margarita.
La Piña Margarita by Casamigos
Think smoky-sweet roasted pineapple, shaken into a golden hour-worthy margarita. It’s tropical, but make it classy.
Watermelon Margarita
Fresh watermelon juice + reposado tequila = dangerously easy to drink. Serve it with a salted rim and let people think you worked harder than you did.
Hibiscus margarita
Floral, tart, and bright magenta — if a regular margarita got dressed up for date night, this would be it.
Smoky & Sipping-Worthy
Smoky Casa Margarita
A mezcal-forward twist with orange, cinnamon, and a dramatic charred peel. It's bold, complex, and basically a cocktail in its going-out clothes. Another impressive, yet easy tequila cocktail from Casamigos.
Desert Bird Cocktail
This one’s giving tequila tiki — a little smoky, a little fruity, and 100% built for sipping under string lights or desert stars.
Smoked mandarin & ginger paloma
This Paloma brings major flavor energy: smoky citrus, fresh ginger, and that perfect grapefruit zip. A great pick if you want something bubbly but unexpected.
Smoky Pear & Ginger Margarita
Sweet pear, spicy ginger, and a mezcal kick. It's cozy but still refreshing — kind of like a knit dress for your taste buds
Unexpected Twists
Tequila manhattan
A moody, spirit-forward riff for the whiskey crowd. Swap the bourbon for añejo tequila and suddenly Manhattan feels like it belongs at every party.
Easy Cinco de Mayo Party Snacks
Pair your cocktails with these crowd-pleasing snacks straight from our Test Kitchen
Grilled Steak Nachos
Elote-Style Cotija Cheese Quesadillas
Guacamole with Tequila & Apples
Jalapeño-Marinated Chicken Tacos With Watermelon Salsa
Mexican Street Corn Salad
8-Layer Bean Dip
Ready to Shake (or Stir) Things Up?
Whether you're hosting a backyard bash or a cozy get-together, these unique tequila cocktails are sure to impress. From spicy jalapeño infusions to smoky mezcal twists, there's something for every palate.
Question for you: Which cocktail are you most excited to try this Cinco de Mayo? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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