Sips & Sites & Bites

Cinco de Mayo is one of those holidays where the vibe really matters. It’s less about historical accuracy and more about gathering friends, turning up the music, and sipping something that tastes like sunshine and smoke. This year, we’re leaning into it … hard … with a trio of cocktail recipes from the Mezcal maestros at Del Maguey.

Known for their Single Village Mezcals and commitment to traditional Oaxacan methods, Del Maguey doesn’t mess around when it comes to flavor. Whether you’re new to Mezcal or a longtime lover of its earthy, smoky soul, these cocktails are built to impress without requiring a degree in mixology.

1. Vida Rita – A Smoky, Citrus-Forward Classic

Let’s start with a twist on the classic margarita, featuring VIDA Puebla, a mezcal that’s all about balance … light smoke, a touch of green herbs, and a clean finish. It’s the kind of bottle that could easily become your go-to for cocktails.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 parts VIDA Puebla
• 0.75 part Lime Juice
• 0.75 part Agave Syrup
• 1 large Orange Twist

How to Make It:

Shake it all up and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Top it off with that orange twist. Bright, smoky, slightly sweet … this one sips like a backyard party with the good kind of chaos.

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2. Naked & Famous – Bold, Balanced, and Almost Too Easy

This one’s for the cocktail nerds (and their grateful friends). The Naked & Famous is a modern classic that combines Del Maguey Chichicapa with herbal Chartreuse, bitter-sweet Aperol, and a splash of lime juice. It’s equal parts bold and refreshing, and the color alone is reason enough to pour one.

What You’ll Need:

• ¾ oz Del Maguey Chichicapa
• ¾ oz Chartreuse amarillo
• ¾ oz Aperol
• ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• Lime slice or twist (optional but photogenic)

How to Make It:

Shake it like you mean it …15 seconds, icy and hard. Strain into a chilled coupe or whatever elegant glass you can get your hands on. Garnish with lime if you’re feeling fancy (you are).

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3. VIDA Negroni – Mezcal Takes the Wheel

If you’re more stirred than shaken, this smoky remix of the Negroni is calling your name. It swaps the usual gin for VIDA Puebla, and the result is a slow-sipper that hits all the right notes: bitter, boozy, citrusy, and just weird enough to be interesting.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 parts VIDA Puebla
• 1 part Sweet Vermouth
• 1 part Campari
• Wide Orange Peel

How to Make It:

Stir everything over ice until it’s cold and just a little diluted. Strain into a rocks glass over one large cube or go coupe-style if you want to keep it sleek. Spritz that orange peel over the top and drop it in.

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Whether you’re building out a Cinco de Mayo bar cart or just looking for something different to sip this weekend, these Del Maguey cocktails are a celebration in every sense. They’re easy enough to mix at home, but interesting enough to keep your guests asking, “Wait, what is this?”

So light the candles, slice the limes, and maybe keep a second bottle on standby—you’re gonna need it.

Salud.