While many think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day, that’s actually a myth! Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory in The Battle of Puebla, during the Franco-Mexican War. The date of that victory was May 5, 1862, and we now celebrate every year on May 5. The holiday is a great opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture through traditional food and drinks. 

From poolside cocktails to perfect dinner pairings, here are our favorite drink recipes for your Cinco de Mayo menu.

Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita

A little sweet and a little spicy, this elevated margarita recipe will add a zing to your day.

You Will Need…

• 3 cups chopped pineapple plus 4 wedges for garnish (optional) 
• ½ cup fresh lime juice (squeezed from approximately 4 limes)
• 2 small jalapeños (1 seeded & coarsely chopped, 1 thinly sliced crosswise)
• ¼ cup agave syrup
• ¾ cup gold or silver tequila
• ¼ cup orange-flavored liqueur such as Grand Marnier™ or DeKuyper® Triple Sec
• Kosher salt
• Ice cubes

Directions

Spread salt on a plate. Dampen rims of 4 rocks glasses with water, then dip on salt plate to coat.

To the blender, add lime juice, tequila, liqueur, agave, and pineapple. Blend on high until smooth. 

Add chopped jalapeño; purée on high until incorporated. 

Add ice to prepared glasses; pour pineapple mixture over ice. Garnish with sliced jalapeño and pineapple wedges, if desired.

Monkeylada

Tropical piña coladas get a reduced-calorie makeover with bananas and lite coconut milk.

You Will Need…

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 1 cup diced fresh pineapple AND 1 cup pineapple juice (or sub in both these amounts from a 20 oz can Dole Pineapple Chunks in 100% Pineapple Juice!)
• ½ cup lite coconut milk, such as Stater Bros.® Brand
• ¾ cup light rum
• 3 cups ice cubes

Directions

In a blender, puree bananas, pineapple, juice, lite coconut milk, and ice. Then stir in rum. 

Divide among 4 glasses. We recommend martini or coupe glasses for a fun presentation! Garnish with pineapple wedges, if desired. 

Tangerine-Lime Sunrise

This mocktail recipe is perfect for the whole family. For a spirited version, just add your favorite liquor; we recommend tequila!

You Will Need…

• 1⅓ cups fresh or refrigerated orange juice
• ¼ cup grenadine
• 2 cups Stater Bros.® Tangerine Lime Sparkling Water
• 4 Stater Bros.® Maraschino Cherries
• 1 lime, sliced into 4 wheels (⅛-inch-thick)
• 4 oz. silver tequila (optional)
• Ice

Directions

Fill 4 cocktail glasses halfway with ice. We recommend martini glasses for an impressive, layered effect. 

To each glass, add ⅓ cup orange juice, then pour 1 tablespoon grenadine down the inside edge. Add 1 oz. tequila per glass, if using. 

Top with sparkling water; garnish with cherries and lime wheels.

Traditional Sangria

A make-ahead batch cocktail option perfect for pitchers, sangria lets you enjoy the party without getting stuck behind the bar.  

You Will Need…

• 1 orange, halved and sliced (¼-inch-thick), divided
• 1 lemon, sliced into wheels (¼-inch-thick)
• 2 cups fruit of your choice, cut into bite-sized pieces if large (we love a mix of berries and apples or tropical fruit)
• 1 bottle of dry red wine, such as Pinot Noir
• ¼ cup brandy (optional)
• ¾ cup fresh or refrigerated orange juice

Directions

In a pitcher, combine all ingredients except for half of the orange slices and the ice. Set aside the remaining orange slices in the refrigerator. Refrigerate sangria for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To serve, pour sangria into individual glasses — we recommend stemless wine glasses. Be sure to get a few pieces of fruit in each glass! Garnish with remaining orange slices.

Melon Sangria

This Melon Sangria recipe can be adapted to your family’s taste. Try swapping out the melons listed below with your favorites!

You Will Need…

• 1.5 liters (2 regular bottles or 1 large bottle) of sweet white wine, such as Riesling or Moscato 
• ½ cup orange-flavored liqueur such as Grand Marnier™ or DeKuyper® Triple Sec
• ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1½ cantaloupes, halved, seeded, and melon-balled — vary sizes for presentation
• 1 honeydew, halved, seeded, and melon-balled — vary sizes for presentation
• 2 small lemons, sliced
• 1-liter ginger ale such as Canada Dry™, chilled
• Fresh mint (optional)

Directions

To a pitcher, add wine, liqueur, lime juice, and sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Add lemon slices and melon balls. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, add ginger ale to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine. Then pour sangria with fruit into individual glasses, such as stemless wine glasses. Garnish with mint, if desired.

Now that you’ve planned your drink menu, don’t forget the food! May we recommend some fish tacos or beef nachos? Get ahead of the crowd and start planning your Cinco de Mayo menu today.