7 Cocktails To Get the Party Started

1. Paloma

This is our favorite drink in the world. Combining grapefruit juice, soda, lime and tequila—this is basically the most refreshing cocktail ever invented. We personally like to make mine with just plain grapefruit juice, and no soda, but you do you.

Ingredients

1 lime wedge 
 Kosher salt (optional) 
 Ice 
 2 ounces blanco tequila 
 1 ounce fresh grapefruit juice 
 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 
 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup 
 1 ounce chilled club soda 
 1 lime wedge, for garnish 
Step
Moisten the outer rim of a highball glass with a lime wedge and coat lightly with salt. Fill the glass with ice. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then add the tequila, grapefruit and lime juices and Simple Syrup; shake well. Strain into the glass, stir in the club soda and garnish with a lime wedge.

2. Michelada

Another solid classic, these are best served at brunch. The drink basically a Bloody Mary, but with the added bonus of beer and Clamato juice. Make it with dark beer and lots of fresh lime juice and you’ll be in heaven

Ingredients

1 lime wedge and kosher salt 
 Ice 
 1 bottle (12 ounces) chilled dark Mexican beer, such as Modelo Negra 
 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 
 1/4 ounce fresh orange juice 
 2 or 3 dashes of chipotle pepper sauce 
 2 dashes of Maggi Seasoning Sauce or Worcestershire sauce

Step

Moisten half of the outer rim of a pint glass with the lime wedge and coat lightly with salt. Fill the glass with ice. Add the beer, lime juice, orange juice, chipotle sauce and Maggi Seasoning and stir.

3. Spiked Horchata 

This refreshing drink combines the fresh, simple, and sweet taste of the classic cinnamon Horchata with white rum and sherry for a sinful adult treat.

Ingredients

1 ½ ounces white rum 
½ ounce Spanish sherry 
4 ounces horchata

Step

Fill glass with ice. In shaker, add white rum, spanish sherry, and horchata. Shake vigorously, then strain over ice. Shave cinnamon stick on top.

4. Mezcalita

This basically sounds like a margarita, but it uses mezcal instead of the traditional tequila. Mezcal has a smoky flavor that adds a serious bite to this drink. This fresh mezcalita recipe is made with orange juice, lime juice, and of course, mezcal! It wouldn’t be complete without the spicy, salted rim.

Ingredients

For the spicy rim: Tajín Clásico Seasoning or a mix of 2 parts kosher salt and 1 part chili powder 
Lime wedges, for lining the rim and garnish 
1 ½ ounces mild mezcal 
2 ounces fresh orange juice 
1 ounce fresh lime juice 
3 dashes of orange bitters (optional, for extra orange flavor) 
1 Jalepeno
1 to 3 teaspoons orange liqueur, simple syrup or agave nectar (optional, if you prefer sweeter drinks)

Step

To prepare your glasses: Pour some Tajín (or mix your salt/chili powder) on a small, rimmed plate. Run a wedge of lime around the top of each glass. Dip the top of the glass into the salt blend at a 45-degree angle and roll it from side to side to catch the salt. Add ice cubes to your glass and set it aside. 
To prepare the drink: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the mezcal, orange juice, lime juice, orange bitters (if using) and sweetener (if using). Securely fasten the lid and shake well. Pour the mixture into your prepared glass and garnish with a lime wedge. Enjoy!

5. Coralina Margarita

Inspired by an ocean sunset, the Coralina Margarita combines the oaky notes of Patrón Reposado, perfectly balanced with the citrusy flavors of Patrón Citrónge Orange, together with red wine and hibiscus. Finally, a sugar-salt rim rounds out a truly unique commingling of these unique flavors.

Ingredients: 

1.75 oz. Patrón Reposado 
.75 oz. Patrón Citrónge Orange 
.75 oz. simple syrup 
1 oz. fresh lime juice 
.5 oz. red wine (Mexican, or other)

Step:

Combine Patrón Reposado, Patrón Citrónge Orange, simple syrup, and lime juice in a shaker tin. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe, then carefully float red wine on the surface of the cocktail.

6. Celebracion Punch

Mexican Pink is a color used throughout Mexico and one that now represents Mexico City. It’s also the inspiration for this cocktail. Its bright pink color isn’t the only thing vibrant about this punch. Its tropical guava notes with hints of ginger spice make for a refreshing communal drink meant to be shared in celebration.

Ingredients:

6 oz. Milagro Silver 
12 oz. pink guava nectar 
2 oz. ginger simple syrup 
3 oz. lime Juice 
Prosecco or club soda (optional)

Step:

Combine all ingredients in a punch bowl and mix. Top with club soda or Prosecco (optional).

7. Bloody Mary

The tomato-based cocktail has hundreds of variations, from heavy on the hot sauce to a splash of Guinness on top. It’s best to start with the classic recipe and work toward the way you like it, even if it’s topped with a shrimp skewer, a slice of bacon and a tiny cheeseburger. Crazy garnishes aside, there’s a reason this iconic beverage is a classic.

Ingredients

1 Lemon wedge 
1 Lime wedge 
2 oz Vodka 
4 oz Tomato juice 
2 dashes Tabasco sauce 
2 tsp Prepared horseradish 
2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 
1 pinch Celery salt 
1 pinch Ground black pepper 
1 pinch smoked paprika 
Garnish: Lime wedge 
Garnish: Green olives 
Garnish: Parsley sprig 
Garnish: Celery stalk

Step

Pour some celery salt onto a small plate. 
Rub the juicy side of the lemon or lime wedge along the lip of a pint glass. 
Roll the outer edge of the glass in celery salt until fully coated. 
Fill with ice and set aside. 
Squeeze the lemon and lime wedges into a shaker and drop them in. 
Add the remaining ingredients and ice and shake gently. 
Strain into the prepared glass. 
Garnish with a parsley sprig, 2 speared green olives and a lime wedge and a celery stalk (optional).