3 Spring Cocktails To Celebrate Your Favorite May Festivities At Home

Making spring cocktails at home is a great way to usher in a new month. And since May always arrives offering a fresh burst of energy after winter chills and shorter days, the world celebrates with diverse festivities and holidays held during this month. There are two particular standouts full of vibrant hues, rich culture, and community: Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby.

Cinco de Mayo, observed on May 5, has been associated with the historical day when the Mexican army defeated French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the U.S., marked with music, food, and dance.

The Kentucky Derby, held on the first Saturday of May at Churchill Downs, is an event centering on Southern culture, fashion, and charm. (Oh, and there’s a horse race. Let’s not forget.) Attendees wear extravagant hats, sip mixed drinks, and cheer on the horses in a tradition that dates back to 1875.

While you might not be able to attend a Mexican-themed parade or hit the racetrack in your Sunday best and matching fascinator, you can still enjoy the vibes right at home. Try these spring cocktails and enjoy a bit of fun and fantasy: 

This cocktail, which adds a fragrant kick with tequila, offers a rich flavor with hints of citrus, spice, and coffee.

To make this drink, you’ll blend 1 ounce of tequila — a great one to try is Herradura Reposado — with 1 ounce of Licor 43 (a Spanish liqueur), 1 1/2 ounces of fresh espresso, a half-ounce of vanilla syrup, and a dash of orange bitters.

Shake these ingredients over ice to chill and combine, then strain into a glass for a smooth finish. You can garnish with the fruit of your choice and add a dusting of nutmeg or cinnamon  dehydrated orange slice and a dusting of ground nutmeg or cinnamon on one half of the drink.

A refreshing option that matches the Kentucky Derby air of class and allure, this cocktail features 2 ounces of tequila (again, the Herradura Reposado hits here), 1 ounce of lime juice, and ½ to ¾ ounces of agave nectar. You can adjust to taste for sweetness.

Shake the ingredients with ice to chill and blend the flavors, and then strain over ice for a crisp finish. A half-salt rim and lime garnish add just the touch of delight needed — just like the most extravagant derby hat — balancing the drink’s citrus notes with subtle sweetness and a touch of savory edge from the white tequila.

This is a lovely twist on the classic julep that blends a half-ounce of whiskey with 3 ounces of champagne (try Champagne Telmont or sub with your favorite sparkling wine) to create a lighter, effervescent take on the cocktail.

In a glass, gently muddle a sugar cube and six to seven mint leaves with a splash of water, then combine with the whiskey and champagne over crushed ice. Stir gently. Add a lemon peel, strawberry, or get fancy with a mint bouquet for an aromatic finish.