The Basics
Many classic Mexican drinks have a few things in common. You’ll find ingredients like grapefruit juice, lime juice, and related fruit-flavored sodas added to the mix. Mezcal and tequila take center stage, drawing attention to the heritage behind these cocktails.
While you can stick to classic recipes, feel free to try these new takes, both of which have a bit of a twist to make the Margarita and Paloma even more interesting and tasty than usual.
Margarita
If you’ve been to a Mexican restaurant, you’re probably already familiar with the Margarita. Served in a tall, round glass and topped with a rim of salt, the Rule of Three Margarita features fruit flavors, ice, and plenty of tequila.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 1 oz Lime juice
- 1 oz Agave syrup
- Garnish: Lime wheel and pink sea salt (half the rim only)
- 2 parts Agave nectar light
- 1 part Water
Margaritas are typically made with tequila, so this version, which features Mezcal Rosaluna, is a nice twist on the classic drink.
INSTRUCTIONS
Dip the rim of a chilled glass in water and then in pink sea salt, making sure to only salt half of the rim. Pour the ingredients (minus the garnish) into a chilled shaker glass and mix them well. Strain and pour into the chilled and salted glass, top with the lime wheel, and enjoy.
Paloma
The Paloma is a cocktail that many people aren’t familiar with. With its roots deep in Mexico and starring Mezcal Rosaluna alongside lime and grapefruit soda, this slightly tangy concoction pairs perfectly with everything from various types of Mexican food to those salty snacks that you’re drawn to after a long workday.
If you’re looking for a slight twist on the classic Paloma, then consider making the Pink Moon Paloma. It consists of grapefruit and lime juice instead of soda, making for a slightly tarter, less bubbly cocktail.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 0.5 oz Lime juice
- 0.5 oz Agave syrup
- 1 pinch of Sea salt
- Seltzer to top
- Garnish: Torched rosemary sprig
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill a glass with ice and reach for your shaker. Pour all of the ingredients (minus the rosemary) into the shaker and mix them well. Strain them into the ice-filled glass, add a little seltzer, and then top with a rosemary sprig.
The Spicy Little Somethings
You’re no doubt familiar with the Bloody Mary. A mix of alcohol, tomato juice, and often garnished with a small stick of celery. It’s an American classic that’s a little sweet and very savory. Mexican versions of this drink, including the michelada and the Bloody Maria, are similar but have a spicy twist that makes them unforgettable.
Michelada
What’s the secret to a good Michelada? Mezcal Rosaluna, of course. This drink is a mix of Michelada beer, a shot of Mezcal, and the ingredients that make it spicy—Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.
Add in soy sauce to give it a salty tang, and of course, the clamato juice that’s a highlight of the drink. A little bit of lime juice (and some wedges for garnish) finishes off the drink.
Bloody Maria
The Bloody Maria is an interesting twist on the Bloody Mary. Mostly made of tomato juice, the Bloody Maria consists of tequila or Mezcal instead of the classic vodka.
Adding in some spicy ingredients, like hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and a little lemon and lime juice, this drink is quite tasty indeed—and a little spicy and savory, of course.
The Secret Weapons
Some drinks are exclusively Mexican. They have no origins elsewhere and aren’t a twist on anything in particular (except for the Mezcalita, perhaps). If you want something that’s both unique and tasty, check these drinks out.
Carajillo
A drink made of hot coffee with some extra spice, the carajillo is ideal for those cold winter days. Start with hot espresso, add in Mezcal Rosaluna, Licor 43, and a little bit of sugar. Although tradition dictates that you drink this after your dinner, feel free to indulge at any time.
Mezcalita
A twist on the classic Margarita, and slightly similar to the Screwdriver because of the orange juice, this tasty cocktail will quickly find its way onto the menu of your next girls’ night in.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Fresh orange juice
- 1.5 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
Garnish: Lime wheel and Tajín Clásico Seasoning (half the rim only)
By combining orange juice with lime juice (and some Mezcal Rosaluna, naturally), this drink is both a little sweet and a little sour. You’ll love it at first sip!
INSTRUCTIONS
Dip the rim of your glass into water and then layer Tajín Clásico Seasoning over half the rim. Pour the orange juice, Mezcal, and lime juice into an ice-filled glass. Stir well and garnish with lime.
Try Them All!
Ready to find out which of these timeless Mexican drinks are your favorites?
Start with one and work your way down the list, making mental notes of the ones you enjoyed. Then, add them to your cocktail rotation, so you can share them with friends. After all, it’d be downright selfish to keep them all to yourself.
Sources:
Classic Paloma Cocktail | Delish
18 Delicious Mexican Drinks: Alcohol & Non-Alcohol Options | The Kitchen Community
