4 Unexpected Cinco de Mayo Cocktails (No Tequila Required)
Cinco de Mayo is a celebration marked by festive gatherings, great food, and of course, great cocktails. While the holiday itself commemorates the Mexican army’s victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, it has since evolved (especially in the U.S.) into a broader celebration of Mexican culture, community, and cuisine. Part of that cuisine includes a familiar lineup of adult drinks, including margaritas, palomas, and ice-cold Mexican lagers.
At Mad River Distillers, we appreciate those Cinco de Mayo classics, but we also like to take a slightly different approach by incorporating traditional Mexican flavors and ingredients—like agave, citrus, tamarind, and beer—into cocktails built around our rye whiskey and rum. These drinks are inspired by popular Cinco de Mayo cocktails, but bring something unexpected to the equation. If you’re looking to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with something a little different this year, these four cocktails offer a fresh perspective (with no tequila required).
MAD MARGE
Our riff on a classic margarita, the Mad Marge swaps tequila for our First Run Rum, resulting in a cocktail that’s bright, citrus-forward, and incredibly refreshing. Fresh squeezed orange juice adds a layer of natural sweetness, while a hint of mexican citrus seasoning brings a subtle savory kick. It’s a familiar format with a distinctly different base.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1 1/2 oz. of First Run Rum
- 1 1/2 oz. of fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 oz. of Orange Curacao
- 1 oz. of lime juice
- 1/2 oz. of Orgeat syrup
- mexican citrus seasoning
- orange slice
Instructions:
Prep your glass by dipping the rim of the glass in lime juice, then in the Mexican citrus seasoning (we used La Anita Clasico Seasoning). Set the glass aside. In a shaker, add the First Run Rum, orange juice, lime juice, Orange Curacao and Orgeat syrup. Add ice to the shaker, and shake for about 30 seconds. Add ice to your glass. Strain the contents of the shaker into the glass. Take the slice of orange and dip it into the Mexican citrus seasoning. As a garnish, add the spiced orange wedge to the rim of your glass.
WHITE RUM MICHELADA
A refreshing and savory option, the White Rum Michelada builds on the classic beer-based cocktail by incorporating the clean and versatile Rum 44 with a light Mexican lager. Tomato juice, citrus, and spice round out the drink, creating a layered, flavorful and thirst-quenching cocktail that’s perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
- 1.5 oz. of Rum 44
- 1/2 oz. of fresh lime juice
- 4 oz. of tomato juice
- light beer
- 2 dashes of Worcestershire Sauce
- 2 dashes of hot sauce
- pinch of black pepper
Instructions:
Rim a pint glass with Tajin or similar seasoning. Add all ingredients to the glass. Fill with ice, and stir to incorporate the ingredients, then top with your choice of light beer.
CATCHER IN THE RYE
A spirit-forward cocktail with a subtle nod to agave, the Catcher In The Rye brings together the spice of rye whiskey with the earthy sweetness of agave syrup. While agave is most commonly associated with tequila and mezcal, its use as a sweetener adds depth and balance to cocktails.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-2 oz. of Revolution Rye
-2 oz. of grapefruit juice
-a dash of agave nectar
-3 sage leaves
-1 lime wedge
Instructions:
Muddle lime and 2 sage leaves in a rocks glass. Add ice, muddled ingredients, Revolution Rye, grapefruit juice and agave nectar to a shaker, and shake until frosty. Pour into a rocks glass, and garnish with a sage leaf.
DALAT GARDENS
The Dalat Gardens cocktail highlights tamarind, a tangy, slightly sweet ingredient that plays a prominent role in many Mexican beverages and dishes. Using tamarind syrup, this cocktail strikes a balance between tart and rich, pairing beautifully with the depth of our Revolution Rye Whiskey. Tamarind’s unique flavor profile makes it an ideal way to add complexity to a drink, offering something a little unexpected while still feeling rooted in traditional flavors.
Ingredients - Yields 1 Cocktail:
-1.5 oz. of Revolution Rye
-1/2 oz. of Liquid Alchemist Tamarind Syrup
-1/2 oz. of Honey Simple Syrup
-1/4 oz. of lemon
-1/4 oz. of lime
-1 full dropper of Bennett Exorcism Bitters
-Fever-Tree premium Indian Tonic Water
Instructions:
To make this from home, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake and strain over fresh ice, then top with Fever-Tree premium Indian Tonic Water. Garnish with fresh herbs (such as mint, lemon balm, and thai basil), as well as a lemon and lime wheel.
While rye whiskey and rum may not be traditional spirits in Cinco de Mayo cocktails, a great Mexican-inspired cocktail doesn’t require tequila. By drawing inspiration from the ingredients and flavors that define Mexican cuisine, it’s possible to create drinks that feel just as festive, while offering something new. Whether you’re mixing up a citrus-forward sipper, a savory Michelada, or something a little more spirit-driven, these cocktails are a great way to add a fresh perspective to your Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Cheers!
Written and published by Brianne Lucas on April 26, 2026.
