Mexico’s vibrant culture and rich culinary heritage are celebrated through its colorful and flavorful drinks. From spicy to sweet, these 18 refreshing Mexico drink recipes will transport you straight to the sun-kissed streets of Mexico City or the tranquil beaches of Tulum. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic margarita, a bold mezcal cocktail, or a soothing agua fresca, there’s something on this list to quench your thirst.
Get ready to experience the bold flavors and vibrant spirit of Mexico through these delicious drinks. From sweet treats like horchata with cinnamon and vanilla to spicy sippers like tamarind agua fresca, we’ve got you covered. So grab a glass, sit back, and let the fiesta begin!
Classic Margarita with Fresh Lime Juice
Elevate your cocktail game with this timeless recipe that combines the tanginess of fresh lime juice with the smoothness of tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila (100% agave recommended)
– 1 ounce triple sec or Cointreau
– 1/2 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt, for rimming glass
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for approximately 15-20 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge or wheel, if desired.
Cooking Time: None
Enjoy your refreshing Classic Margarita with Fresh Lime Juice!
Spicy Pineapple Mezcal Mule
Elevate your cocktail game with this sweet and spicy twist on the classic Moscow Mule. The combination of pineapple, jalapeño, and mezcal adds a smoky depth to the refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz ginger beer
• 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz pineapple juice
• 1/4 oz agave syrup
• Slice of jalapeño pepper
• Lime wheel, for garnish
• Ice
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add mezcal, ginger beer, lime juice, pineapple juice, and agave syrup.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Slice the jalapeño into thin rounds and add one slice to the drink.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Horchata with Cinnamon and Vanilla
Horchata is a traditional Mexican drink made from rice, cinnamon, and vanilla. This recipe adds an extra layer of flavor with the addition of creamy milk and sweet sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups long-grain white rice
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the rice again, then blend with 4 cups of fresh water until smooth.
3. In a large pot, combine the rice mixture, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes or until the mixture has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and stir in milk until well combined.
6. Strain the Horchata into a pitcher or individual glasses to serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Tamarind Agua Fresca
This Indian-inspired drink combines the tangy flavor of tamarind with sweet and refreshing notes, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup tamarind paste (or 1/4 cup freshly squeezed tamarind juice)
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 lime, juiced
– Ice cubes
– Fresh mint leaves or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine water and tamarind paste (or juice). Stir until the paste is fully dissolved.
2. Add sugar and stir until it’s completely dissolved.
3. Squeeze in lime juice and stir well.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint leaves or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required. Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Mexican Hot Chocolate with Chili
This rich and creamy hot chocolate gets a bold boost from the addition of chili peppers, giving it a unique and addictive flavor. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their drinks.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups milk (whole, low-fat or nonfat)
– 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground anise
– 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (or more to taste)
– 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, warm the milk over low heat.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and anise. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add the cayenne pepper and whisk until well combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes or until hot and creamy.
5. If desired, stir in heavy cream to give it an extra-rich texture.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Jamaica Hibiscus Iced Tea
Experience the vibrant flavors of Jamaica with this refreshing hibiscus iced tea, infused with the sweet and tangy essence of tropical fruits.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
– 4 cups water
– 2 cups pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the dried hibiscus flowers and let it steep for 10-15 minutes or until the mixture turns reddish-purple.
3. Strain the tea into a pitcher, discarding the solids.
4. Add pineapple juice and orange juice to the tea. Stir well to combine.
5. Chill the tea in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Serve the tea over ice cubes, sweeten with honey if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Enjoy your delicious Jamaica Hibiscus Iced Tea!
Avocado Lime Smoothie
Refresh your senses with this creamy and revitalizing smoothie, perfect for a hot summer day.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Ice cubes (as needed)
Instructions:
1. In a blender, combine the avocado, lime juice, pineapple chunks, and Greek yogurt.
2. Blend on high speed until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Add honey and blend until well combined.
4. Taste and adjust sweetness or tartness to your liking.
5. Add ice cubes if you prefer a thicker consistency, then blend until frosty.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes
Tequila Sunrise with Grenadine
This classic cocktail is a refreshing twist on the original Tequila Sunrise, adding a sweet and fruity touch with grenadine syrup. Perfect for warm weather or anytime you want to brighten up your day!
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz orange juice
– 1/2 oz grenadine syrup
– Splash of soda water
– Ice
– Orange slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a highball glass with ice.
2. Pour in the tequila and orange juice.
3. Add a splash of grenadine syrup.
4. Top with soda water.
5. Stir gently to combine.
6. Garnish with an orange slice.
Cooking Time: None! Just mix and serve.
Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca
Beat the heat with this light and revitalizing drink! This Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca is a perfect blend of cool cucumber, refreshing mint, and sweet sugar.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cucumber slices and mint leaves.
2. Add the water and stir to combine.
3. Let it infuse in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Just before serving, add the sugar and stir until dissolved.
5. Fill glasses with ice and pour the Agua Fresca over the ice.
6. Stir gently and garnish with additional mint leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including infusion time)
Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca!
Mexican Mule with Ginger Beer
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing spin on the classic Moscow Mule, substituting ginger beer for traditional lime juice and adding a dash of tequila.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz tequila
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Ice
– Lime wheel (for garnish)
– Sprig of fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add tequila, ginger beer, and lime juice.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Add agave syrup and stir gently to dissolve.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of cilantro (if desired).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just mix and serve!)
Prickly Pear Margarita
A refreshing twist on the classic margarita, this prickly pear margarita combines the sweetness of cactus fruit with the tanginess of lime and tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 ounces tequila
– 1 ounce prickly pear puree
– 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
– 1/2 ounce agave syrup
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine tequila, prickly pear puree, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None! This is a cocktail recipe, not a cooking recipe.
Champurrado (Mexican Chocolate Atole)
Champurrado is a traditional Mexican atole that combines rich chocolate with sweet and spicy flavors. This comforting drink is perfect for cold winter days or anytime you need a pick-me-up.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground anise
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 ounces Mexican chocolate tablets (such as Ibarra or Abuelita), grated
– 1 cup boiling water
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, flour, and salt.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon, and anise. Whisk until smooth.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and add the vegetable oil, grated chocolate, and boiling water. Stir until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Michelada with Clamato and Lime
This classic Mexican cocktail gets a boost of flavor from the addition of Clamato, a savory tomato-based juice. The tangy lime adds a nice balance to the rich flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Clamato
– 1/2 cup beer (lager or pilsner work well)
– Juice of 1 lime (about 1-2 tablespoons)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wedges, for garnish
– Ice
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill the glass with ice.
3. Pour in the Clamato and beer.
4. Squeeze in the lime juice and drop the lime wedge into the glass.
5. Stir briefly to combine.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail, after all!)
Mango Chile Limeade
This recipe combines the sweetness of mango with the spiciness of chile peppers and the tanginess of lime, creating a unique and delicious twist on traditional limeade.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh chile peppers, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 cup sugar
– 4 cups water
– Ice cubes
– Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine mango, chile peppers, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add water to the pitcher and stir well to combine.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve the Mango Chile Limeade over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes (prep), 30 minutes (chilling)
Batida de Coco (Coconut Cocktail)
Batida de Coco, a refreshing and creamy cocktail originating from Brazil, is perfect for hot summer days. This simple yet flavorful drink combines the richness of coconut milk with the sweetness of condensed milk and the tanginess of lime juice.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz dark rum
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
– Juice of 1/2 lime (about 2 tbsp)
– Ice cubes
– Fresh lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add the dark rum, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk.
3. Squeeze in the lime juice.
4. Shake well for about 15-20 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice cubes.
6. Garnish with a fresh lime wedge.
Cooking Time: None, just mix and enjoy!
Mexican Coffee with Cinnamon and Kahlua
Elevate your morning coffee routine with this bold and aromatic recipe that combines the warmth of cinnamon, the richness of Kahlúa liqueur, and the spicy kick of Mexican coffee. Perfect for a chilly winter morning or a pick-me-up any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups strong brewed coffee
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– 1/2 ounce Kahlúa liqueur
– Whipped cream and cinnamon sticks for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brew a cup of strong coffee and pour it into a mug.
2. Add the ground cinnamon and stir until well combined.
3. Add the granulated sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Pour in the Kahlúa liqueur, stirring gently to combine.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spiciness as desired.
6. Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (just brew that coffee!)
Guava Paloma with Tequila
A twist on the classic Paloma cocktail, this recipe adds a sweet and tangy guava puree to balance out the smoky tequila.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz tequila
– 1 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/4 cup guava puree (see note)
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
3. Add tequila, grapefruit juice, and agave syrup to the shaker.
4. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
6. Add guava puree and stir gently.
7. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail)
Note: To make guava puree, blend 1 cup of ripe guavas with 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of water until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
Melon and Lime Agua Fresca
Beat the heat with this light and revitalizing drink, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick pick-me-up any time of the year. This agua fresca combines the sweetness of melon with the tanginess of lime for a refreshing and thirst-quenching treat.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cubed cantaloupe (or other sweet melon)
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 4 cups water
– 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
– Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine the cubed melon and freshly squeezed lime juice.
2. Add the water to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
3. If desired, add the honey or sugar and stir until dissolved.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the Agua Fresca over ice and garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (mostly chill time)
Summary
Discover the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these 18 refreshing drink recipes! From classic cocktails to fruity infusions and spicy twists, there’s something for every palate. Enjoy a Classic Margarita with fresh lime juice or try a Spicy Pineapple Mezcal Mule. Quench your thirst with Horchata, Tamarind Agua Fresca, or Jamaican Hibiscus Iced Tea. Sweet tooths will love the Avocado Lime Smoothie and Tequila Sunrise with Grenadine. Explore the diverse flavors of Mexico with these recipes and add a dash of fiesta to your day!