Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Prissila Murillo

May 5th is like any other day, but it is something special for those of us who love to celebrate with alcohol, especially with the classic skinny margarita. You could go to your local restaurant and grab a good margarita but why not try something unique and at home with friends and family? This is also a great date idea according to dating coach for men, Blaine Anderson. As a bartender, I like to come up with new drink recipes to give others options when it comes to their usual cocktails.

Holidays at home are fun especially when you have a member that is a mixologist. So, if you are tired of the same fancy drinks every year and are looking for something new and exciting, try some of these upscale drinks for Cinco De Mayo.

Upscale Drinks You Should Try At Home

Mango Margarita

upscale drinks
Sip into sophistication with our Mango Margarita masterpiece

Margaritas are one of the most popular drinks for Cinco de Mayo. They come in different flavors like lime, strawberry, mango, blood orange, watermelon, etc; you don’t have to stick to just one. Margaritas are my favorite cocktail to make behind the bar because it gives me the option to be creative. When you’re in the mood for tacos I always recommend a good margarita. The drink I have designed for you is simple, but why not spice it up with a little mango, jalapenos, and Tajin

  • 1 oz. lime juice
  • 1 oz simple syrup
  • 1 oz. triple sec
  • 2 oz. Blanco tequila
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, plus another for garnish
  • 1 mango spear (cut in half), plus another for garnish

To make the simple syrup all you need is 1 cup of sugar to 1 cup of hot water, combine the mixture, let it cool and it is ready to be served.

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapenos and mango. Add the simple syrup, lime juice, triple sec, and tequila. Top with ice cubes and shake. Grab a margarita glass, dip the rim in lime juice, and cover it with tajin.

If tajin is not the flavor you are looking for, I always recommend a regular salted rim. Strain the margarita over fresh ice and garnish it with a mango spear and a jalapeño. Not a fan of mango or jalapeno? You could always use the fruit of your choice.

If you’re an expecting mother or somebody who does not drink and is looking to join in on the fun. In a non-alcoholic version, you could eliminate the tequila and triple sec, add 1 oz. of agave syrup (which you could find at your local grocery store), and top with soda water. This gives it a refreshing taste.

Cinco De Rose

upscale drinks
Elevate your evenings with upscale homemade drinks that redefine the art of relaxation

I love to drink wine on a special night out, or a girl’s night in, but I recommend a little wine by the poolside. A glass of sangria with a charcuterie board at the pool, a great book, and beautiful weather. All you are missing is a live band and a bar. This beautiful drink is perfect for the ladies on vacation looking to add a little tequila to their wine.

  • 1 oz. strawberry puree
  • 1 oz. Blanco tequila
  • 1 oz. lemon juice
  • 1 oz. simple syrup
  • 4 oz. rose (splits)
  • 1 lemon wheel for garnish
  • 1 fresh strawberry for garnish

In a mixing tin, add the strawberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Fill with ice, box, and shake. Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the mixture, then top off with rose. Garnish with a lemon wheel and fresh strawberry.

The great thing about this cocktail is the many variations, you could eliminate the tequila and add vodka. Instead of the rose, you could add Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, or Chardonnay. If you are looking to go toward the dryer side sauvignon blanc is a great option. You could turn this drink into a white sangria and add 1 oz. of peach schnapps.

Mexican Mule

upscale drinks
Elevate your at-home mixology with the tantalizing flavors of a Mexican Mule

Moscow mules are a top seller at most places, I mean everyone loves a good refreshing drink. But what is a mule without a copper mug? They don’t just look cool; they keep your drink cold too. The name of this cocktail is based on the type of alcohol you add to the mug. For example, the Kentucky mule is bourbon, the Moscow mule is vodka, and you could only guess what is included in the Mexican mule. You guessed it, tequila! This drink is refreshing and simple, so if you are looking for an easy cocktail this would be the one for you.

  • 2 oz. tequila
  • 1 oz. lime juice
  • 2 fresh jalapenos for garnish
  • 1 lime wheel for garnish
  • 4 oz. ginger beer

In a copper mug, pour in the tequila and lime juice. Fill the mug with ice and top it with ginger beer. I like to use a ginger beer known as Q ginger beer. It has a touch of cayenne pepper which gives it a nice little spice, perfect for Cinco de Mayo. Don’t forget your garnish; lime wheel and two fresh jalapenos.

If you are not a fan of ginger beer, like myself, I recommend using Sprite or 7-up as these are good substitutes for ginger beer in a mule.

Basil Berry Smash

upscale drinks
A symphony of flavors that elevates your mixology game effortlessly

Fruit doesn’t just go with brunch; it also goes with the tequila. It has been hard for me to enjoy the taste of tequila so I like to avoid any drinks that include this type of alcohol, after trying this cocktail I could say that maybe tequila is for me. So, if you are nervous about tequila this, too, is the perfect drink for you. This cocktail combines the flavors of the berries so well that in the end it might sneak up and have you dancing to “tequila!”

  • 1 oz. lemon juice
  • 1 oz. simple syrup
  • 2 oz. tequila
  • 3 Fresh blackberries
  • 3 Fresh raspberries
  • 3 Fresh strawberries
  • 2 whole basil Leaves
  • 1 lemon wheel for garnish

In a mixing tin, combine the strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, slap the basil leaves (this pulls out the flavor and aroma of the basil), and place them in the tin. Add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and tequila, fill with ice, and shake. With the same ice, pour the mixture into a rock glass and garnish with a lemon wheel. If you need to add a little carbonation to this cocktail, you could pour the ingredients into a highball glass and top it with soda water or Sprite.

Paloma

upscale drinks
Crafted perfection in every refreshing pour

Cocktail drinks should be fun, that is why vodka and cranberry have a name like a cape codder, or vodka and grapefruit with a salted rim have a name like the salty dog. As a bartender, we should know the names of these upscale cocktails, but I can tell you the first time I heard a cape codder I looked at a guest and questioned my job. This cocktail is like that being named Paloma but includes tequila and grapefruit.

  • 5 oz tequila
  • 1 oz. lime juice
  • 4 oz. grapefruit juice
  • 1 fresh lime wheel

In a cocktail shaker with ice pour the tequila and lime juice, box, and shake. Grab a cocktail glass and pour ingredients from the tin into the glass, top it with ice, and fill it with grapefruit juice. If you need the extra carbonation, I always add soda water. Garnish with a lime wheel. If you’re looking for more easy-to-make cocktails check out our article on that topic as well!

Final Words…

The seven amazing recipes presented in this article not only offer a taste of sophistication but also provide an opportunity for creativity and personalization in mixology. From classic concoctions to innovative blends, these upscale cocktails showcase the versatility of ingredients and the artistry behind crafting a perfect drink. Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply seeking to elevate your at-home bar game, these recipes serve as a guide to bring the ambiance of a high-end cocktail lounge right to your living room.

What is a sophisticated drink for a woman?

Cosmopolitan
It has come to be associated with chic urban living and a flirtatious, feminine edge. The exquisite Cosmopolitan is a combination of Cointreau, vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice, and a citrus wheel garnish served in a martini glass and is one of the most stylish drinks to order for a woman.

What is a premium drink called?

In terms of marketing, any of the well-known alcoholic beverages, including Absolut, Bacardi, or Jack Daniels, is referred to as the premium. While Grey Goose and Amaro Montenegro may be considered “super-premium” brands, they can nevertheless be purchased in your typical bar.

What do millennials like to drink?

We don’t have too many preferences, but we do want options for our booze. On top of all that whiskey, there is a lot of vodka, rum, and tequila ingested. Millennials don’t want to drink what other people are drinking, whether it’s beer, wine, or liquor (even if Seth Rogan and Amy Schumer are throwing a nice party).

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Meet Kourtney, a writer specializing in sex and relationships. Known for her honest and insightful approach, she explores themes of intimacy and personal growth. Her work combines personal anecdotes, expert opinions, and practical advice, helping readers navigate the complexities of modern relationships and embrace their desires. Kourtney's writing serves as a guide for those seeking authentic and fulfilling connections.