Celebrate Día de los Muertos with Traditional Cocktails: Mezcal and Tequila Recipes to Honor the Holiday
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a deeply rooted Mexican tradition, celebrating the lives of loved ones who have passed away. This holiday is filled with vibrant colors, music, art, and culinary traditions that capture the spirit and memories of those who came before us. Two of the most iconic spirits in Mexican culture, mezcal and tequila, play a central role in Día de los Muertos celebrations, often used to toast to ancestors and honor their memories.
To celebrate this rich tradition, The Roof at Park South is hosting Art of the Cocktail: Día de los Muertos on November 1st, where you’ll have the chance to learn how to make traditional Mexican cocktails. Here’s a look at why mezcal and tequila are essential to the holiday and a few classic cocktail recipes that capture the essence of Día de los Muertos.
Mezcal and Tequila: Essential Spirits of Día de los Muertos
Both mezcal and tequila are derived from the agave plant, an important symbol in Mexican culture that represents life, resilience, and tradition. Tequila, often smoother and slightly sweeter, is a more familiar spirit globally, but mezcal brings a smoky, earthy profile that carries the ancient essence of Mexican heritage. Mezcal’s production dates back centuries, involving artisanal techniques that have been passed down through generations, making it an ideal spirit for a holiday focused on honoring one’s ancestry.
On Día de los Muertos, it’s customary to offer mezcal or tequila to the departed, placing a glass on the altar or offering it in a toast as a way to invite the spirits to join in the festivities. Both spirits are celebrated not just for their taste but also for their cultural significance, and they bring warmth and flavor to any gathering.
Traditional Día de los Muertos Cocktail Recipes
These classic Mexican cocktails bring mezcal and tequila to life, capturing the flavors, traditions, and festive spirit of Día de los Muertos.
1. Mezcal Margarita
The Mezcal Margarita is a smoky twist on the classic margarita, a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy. It’s an excellent choice for Día de los Muertos, pairing mezcal’s earthy notes with fresh lime juice and a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients:
2 oz mezcal
1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
1 oz fresh lime juice
½ oz agave syrup
Salt for rimming (optional)
Instructions:
Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip in salt.
In a shaker, combine mezcal, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice. Shake well.
Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
Tasting Notes: Smoky, tart, and lightly sweetened, perfect for sipping.
2. Tequila Paloma
Known for its refreshing grapefruit flavor, the Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail that’s easy to make and enjoy. With tequila as the star, this cocktail is light, refreshing, and a perfect drink for toasting during Día de los Muertos.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila blanco
½ oz lime juice
Grapefruit soda (such as Jarritos or Squirt)
Salt for rimming (optional)
Instructions:
Rim a tall glass with salt, then fill with ice.
Add tequila and lime juice, then top with grapefruit soda.
Stir gently and garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime.
Tasting Notes: Refreshing and citrusy with a hint of sweetness from the grapefruit soda.
3. Oaxacan Old Fashioned
For those who appreciate a more robust, spirit-forward cocktail, the Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a refined choice that pairs the complexity of mezcal with the richness of agave syrup and bitters. This cocktail showcases the bold flavors of mezcal while staying true to the classic old-fashioned style.
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz mezcal
½ oz reposado tequila
1 tsp agave syrup
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, tequila, agave syrup, and bitters with ice. Stir until well-chilled.
Strain into an old-fashioned glass with a large ice cube.
Express an orange peel over the drink, then use it as garnish.
Tasting Notes: Bold, smoky, and lightly sweet with a citrus aroma.
4. Tequila Sunrise
This vibrant cocktail is known for its sunrise effect, created by the layering of orange juice and grenadine. It’s festive, colorful, and a great way to toast to the spirits in true Día de los Muertos fashion.
Ingredients:
2 oz tequila blanco
4 oz orange juice
½ oz grenadine
Instructions:
Fill a tall glass with ice and add the tequila and orange juice.
Slowly pour grenadine over the back of a spoon into the glass. It will sink to the bottom and gradually rise, creating a sunrise effect.
Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Tasting Notes: Sweet and fruity with a stunning presentation.
Join Us for Art of the Cocktail: Día de los Muertos on November 1
If you’re excited to explore these traditional cocktails and learn even more, join us for our Art of the Cocktail: Día de los Muertos event on November 1. This will be The Roof’s last official event of the season, offering a unique opportunity to experience the art of Mexican mixology and celebrate the Day of the Dead with a special evening of cocktails, shared bites, and good company.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, November 1
Time: 6 PM - 9 PM
Location: The Roof at Park South, 120 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016
Ticket Price: $45 per person (includes two drink tickets, shared appetizers, and access to the cocktail class)
Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or simply love to try new flavors, this event will bring the spirit of Día de los Muertos to life, offering a hands-on mixology experience with the finest small-batch Mexican spirits. Learn the art of crafting mezcal and tequila cocktails while enjoying an evening of festive Mexican ambiance.
Don’t miss out on the season’s final event—sign up now to secure your spot for an unforgettable Día de los Muertos celebration at The Roof at Park South.
Raise a glass to tradition, flavor, and friends, and let’s make this night one to remember.
