15 Mexican Drinks Everyone Should Know (and Try!)
Updated: May 05, 2023These classic Mexican drinks go way beyond the margarita glass. Find recipes for hot and cold drinks, cocktails and non-alcoholic sippers. ¡Salud!
Margarita
OK, I know we said we were showcasing Mexican drinks that aren’t margaritas, but this recipe is too good not to share! Instead of using a store-bought sour mix, we make our own by combining fresh lemon and lime juice with sugar. You can even make flavored margaritas using this as a base. It’s a refreshing classic to pair with your favorite Mexican foods.
Michelada
This spicy beer cocktail couldn’t be easier to make. Simply mix your favorite Mexican lager with lime juice and the hot sauce of your choice. Add a few dashes of umami-rich Maggi sauce and Worcestershire and enjoy! For more ideas, check out this list of beer cocktails.
Paloma
If tequila is your jam but you don’t love the super-sweet flavor of a margarita, you’ll love its distant cousin, the paloma. Our recipe uses sparkling grapefruit soda and freshly squeezed lime juice to create a refreshing, tropical drink. Perfect for a hot summer day—just like our other summer drinks with tequila.
Horchata
Create this authentic Mexican beverage by blending white rice and almonds together. It’s thick and creamy, and the sugar and cinnamon give the drink a sweet, comforting finish. It tastes fantastic as-is, but you can also turn it into a cocktail by adding a splash of rum. Serve it at your next shindig along with our recipe for renegadas, a ridiculously delicious Mexican cinnamon cookie.
Bloody Maria
We love classic brunch cocktails, but this drink has a fun south-of-the-border spin that’s totally unique. Unlike vodka, which can get lost in the bold flavors of tomato and hot sauce, tequila really stands out in this drink. We also kick things up a notch by adding pickled jalapeno juice. Spicy!
Agua de Jamaica
Did you know you can make tea with dried hibiscus flowers? This tasty beverage has only four ingredients: hibiscus, water, sugar and lime zest. It’s as refreshing as iced tea on a hot day, but without any of the caffeine.
Red River Margarita
OK, this recipe might be a little more Tex-Mex than Mexican, but there’s no doubt that this Red River Margarita takes some spicy hints from Mexican cuisine. Try it with grapefruit or blood orange juice and don’t forget the jalapeños!
Cerveza Margaritas
Combine your favorite Mexican beer with, tequila, lime and more to make this riff on a margarita. Pair with one of our Mexican chicken recipes for the perfect summer meal.
The Rosada
This tequila drink was inspired by the paloma, but it uses fresh grapefruit juice instead of the bubbly soda version. To balance out the tart flavors, our friends at Gastronom sweeten the drink with a homemade rosemary simple syrup—which is really simple to make.
Champurrado
This thick and creamy Mexican hot chocolate recipe is so good, I’m tempted to serve it for dessert! Our friends at Mexico in my Kitchen use masa harina corn flour to thicken the chocolate and create the perfect texture for this non-alcoholic drink.
Mexican Ponche
Like most of our favorite warm drinks, this fruity punch is typically served at Christmastime, but we think it tastes delicious all year long! It’s slightly reminiscent of a sangria, except it’s served warm with whole fruit in the cup. You’ll love the combination of guava, apples, pears, oranges, tamarind and hibiscus. Serve each mug with a splash of rum or brandy, if you like.
The Carajillo
Serve this coffee cocktail hot or cold—your choice! In the summer, it’s a perfect way to use cold brew coffee. The recipe is super simple: coffee, orange zest and Licor 43, a Spanish-made liqueur with a vanilla and citrus flavor. If you can’t find the Licor 43, feel free to swap in brandy or whiskey.
Aguas Frescas
Hello, watermelon agua fresca! These non-alcoholic Mexican drinks are the ultimate refresher. All you need is the fruit of your choice, a touch of sweetener and some lime juice. Blend it up with water and garnish the drink with a few mint leaves.
Batidos
Cool down on a hot day with batidos. These Latin American milkshakes are made with fresh fruit, and they’re super easy to make at home. All you need is milk, a handful of your favorite fruit and a splash of vanilla extract. To make a dairy-free version, feel free to use non-dairy milk or water instead.
