Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While it is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has become a popular celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United States.
When it comes to beverages, there are certainly some typical Mexican drinks that are popular on Cinco de Mayo in the US. However, Americans also tend to drink many of their usual favorites on the holiday as well. Here is an overview of some of the top drinks people enjoy on Cinco de Mayo in America.
Mexican Beer
Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic beverages served for Cinco de Mayo in the United States. Mexican beers like Corona, Modelo, Pacifico, Dos Equis, and Tecate tend to see significant sales increases around the holiday. These Mexican lagers provide a taste of authentic Mexican flavor that pairs perfectly with Cinco de Mayo foods like tacos, nachos, quesadillas, and more.
Dos Equis and Tecate are both popular Mexican beer brands owned by Heineken. Corona is owned by Constellation Brands and Modelo and Pacifico are both owned by Anheuser-Busch InBev. Many bars and restaurants in the US promote Mexican beer buckets or sampler packs to allow patrons to sample several different brands.
Margaritas
Margaritas are the quintessential Cinco de Mayo cocktail. Made with tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, margaritas provide a tangy, refreshing blend of Mexican flavors. They are commonly served in restaurants in America on Cinco de Mayo, especially when they are offering Mexican food specials.
Frozen margaritas, served blended with ice, are also popular. Flavored margaritas add variety, with popular flavors like mango, strawberry, pineapple, watermelon. Top shelf tequila brands like Patrón and Don Julio are used for premium margaritas in many bars and restaurants as well.
Tequila Shots
Given tequila’s strong association with Mexico, it’s no surprise that tequila shots are commonly consumed on Cinco de Mayo in America. Patrón, Jose Cuervo, Sauza, and 1800 are among the top selling tequila brands in the US.
Tequila is typically made from the blue agave plant native to the region around Jalisco, Mexico. While it has a reputation as a party drink for shots and fruity cocktails, today there are also many sipping tequilas appreciated for their complex flavors and aromas.
Mexican Sodas
For non-alcoholic beverages, Mexican sodas offer classic Latin American flavors. Jarritos, for example, comes in fruit flavors like mandarin, lime, grapefruit, and tamarind. It uses cane sugar for sweetness rather than high fructose corn syrup, providing a richer, bolder taste. Other popular Mexican soda brands include Mexicana, Sidral Mundet, and Sangria Senorial.
Mexican Coke, made with cane sugar instead of corn syrup, has also become popular in America in recent years. The version of Coca-Cola produced in Mexico has developed a cult following among those who claim it tastes better than the American formulation.
Sangria
Sangria originated in Spain but is popular throughout Latin America. It is a wine punchmade from red wine along with chopped fruit, a sweetener like orange juice or honey, and often a splash of brandy. Sangria provides fruity, wine-based refreshment that pairs nicely with Mexican food.
Both red and white wine sangrias are commonly found in America around Cinco de Mayo. Restaurants may offer pitchers of house-made sangria. It’s also easy to make at home by mixing wine with sliced citrus, berries, peaches, apples, or other fruit.
Micheladas
A Michelada is a Mexican beer cocktail with lime juice, salt, and chili sauce or hot sauce like Cholula or Tapatio. It’s typically served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass with ice. The savory, mildly spicy Michelada is the perfect match for eating spicy Mexican foods.
Some popular Michelada variations include the chamoyada, prepared with a sauce made from pickled fruits; and the chelada, without hot sauce but with tomato juice for extra flavor. A blend of salty, sour, savory and sometimes spicy flavors, Micheladas offer an invigorating alternative to standard beer.
Mexican Hot Chocolate
Abuelita is a popular brand of traditional Mexican hot chocolate, made with cinnamon and vanilla for a spicy, aromatic flavor. It’s commonly served at Cinco de Mayo parties, especially as the weather turns warmer in early May. The rich hot chocolate also pairs deliciously with churros, Mexican fried dough strips dusted with cinnamon and sugar.
Horchata
Horchata is a classic Mexican drink made from rice, almonds, cinnamon, and vanilla. The rice and nuts provide a creamy, frothy texture and sweet flavor. Some versions also include coconut or melon. Dairy-free horchata offers a refreshing, not-too-sweet beverage that’s perfect for celebrating.
Horchata is also sometimes served with a shot of espresso to make a Mexican-style iced latte. It’s a very popular non-alcoholic drink for the Mexican population in the US to enjoy on Cinco de Mayo and beyond.
Jamaica (Hibiscus Flower) Tea
Agua de Jamaica, or Jamaica flower tea, is a vibrantly colored pinkish-red beverage made from the dried hibiscus flower. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor and is often sweetened with sugar. The tea is high in vitamin C and served iced or hot.
Jamaica tea has a refreshingly fruity flavor that helps cut the spiciness of Mexican food. It’s another great non-alcoholic option for celebrating Cinco de Mayo.
Fruit Juices and Licuados
Fruit juices like orange juice, grapefruit juice, and limeade are very popular at Mexican restaurants and parties. Additionally, licuados are Mexican fruit smoothies made from fresh fruit blended with milk or water and sweetened to taste.
Common fruits used in licuados include mango, papaya, melon, pineapple, berries, banana, lime, and orange. These fresh, vibrant fruit drinks provide great options for children and non-drinkers to enjoy along with the rest of the festivities.
Mexican Coffee Drinks
Cafe de olla is a traditional Mexican coffee made with cinnamon and raw sugar called piloncillo that has molasses notes. It provides warmth and richness to finish off a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Sweet, frothy cafe con leche, Mexican-style latte, is also popular.
Mexican Brand Liquors
In addition to tequila, there are some other alcoholic drinks from Mexico that may be utilized for mixed drinks and shots. Kahlúa, the coffee-flavored liqueur, originated in Mexico and remains popular in cocktails like the White Russian. Damiana is an herbal liqueur from Oaxaca.
Mezcal has been growing in popularity in recent years as well. Like tequila, it is distilled from the agave plant, but brings a smokier, more robust flavor. Raicilla is another liquor from Jalisco made from various wild agaves.
Non-Mexican Party Drinks
While Mexican-inspired beverages tend to be highlighted, popular American party drinks still find their way into many Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Ever-present domestic beers like Bud Light, Coors Light, and Miller Lite remain go-tos for many party-goers.
Cocktails like whiskey and Coke, vodka cranberry, rum and cola, and vodka soda are also very common. Plus, wines like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon make appearances alongside the margaritas and sangria.
For something fizzy and fun, sparkling wines like Cava and Prosecco are nice options too. And canned seltzers from brands like White Claw and Truly have recently become very trendy party drinks as well.
Non-Alcoholic Party Options
Sodas, juices, flavored waters like La Croix and Bubly, and coffee drinks give non-drinkers plenty of tasty beverage choices. Red Bull, Monster and other energy drinks also make an appearance for those looking for some extra buzz without the booze.
Regional and Personal Favorites
Certain drinks are more prevalent in various regions while individuals also have their own personal go-to choices. On the West Coast, California wines and beers are very popular. Craft beers flourish in areas like Colorado, Oregon, and Michigan.
In some southwestern states, prickly pear cactus juices and fruit-flavored lemonades called “agua frescas” are favorites for putting a unique local spin on Cinco de Mayo beverages.
Ultimately people celebrate with drinks they enjoy rather than rigidly adhering to only Mexican beverages. The holiday is as much about gathering with friends and family as anything else.
Non-Alcoholic Alternatives Help Prevent Overconsumption
Having tasty non-alcoholic drinks helps prevent overconsumption of alcohol. Binge drinking on Cinco de Mayo has unfortunately become somewhat of a problem. Providing kids and non-drinkers with fun alternatives allows them to partake in the festivities.
Also, serving food absorbs some of the alcohol. Limiting drink specials and promotions can also encourage more responsible enjoyment for the occasion.
Conclusion
Americans celebrate Cinco de Mayo by drinking both authentic Mexican beverages and their usual party favorites. Tequila, margaritas, beer, and Mexican sodas and coffees are very popular. But mixed drinks, wine, seltzers and soft drinks make frequent appearances as well.
The holiday is ultimately about gathering with friends and family to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage. Any drinks that complement that festive spirit can fit into the mix for how Americans toast Cinco de Mayo.