When it comes to pairing a cocktail with a Latin-American dinner, margaritas are most people's go-to drink. Sure, they're delicious and all, but it's safe to say you and your friends are missing out by not imbibing in other worldly creations. With interesting spirits like cachaca and pisco available everywhere, tequila margaritas are the most boring option to pick. Keep scrolling for nine Latin-inspired cocktail recipes you can try your hand at right at home — or order from your neighborhood bartender.
The caipirinha [1] is the Brazilian national cocktail, made with lime, brown sugar, and cachaca, the most popular distilled spirit in Brazil. If you haven't tried one yet, we beg you to do it immediately.
Caipirinha's sibling, the caipiroska [2], is made with the more accessible vodka, lime, and simple syrup.
The pisco sour [3] is a classic cocktail hailing from both Chile and Peru, usually comprised of pisco liquor, lime juice, and egg whites for a frothy top layer. The cocktail is so good, disputes often erupt about which country gets to claim its creation.
A mango mojito [4] will surely make you feel like you’ve jetted off to a tropical vacation, or at the very least, it’ll have you wanting to plan to do so, stat.
A cousin of the ever-popular margarita, a paloma [5] is also a tequila-based cocktail mixed with a grapefruit or citrus-flavored soda such as Fresca, served on the rocks with lime. So refreshing!
This pomegranate Cuba Libre [6] puts a unique spin on the all-too-ordinary rum and coke.
Two fan favorites mixed into one, a sangrita [7] puts a sweet twist on sangrias and margaritas with a perfect blend of red wine, lime juice, and tequila.
A cojito [8] jazzes up the classic mojito by adding, you guessed it, coconut rum. Yum!
Often served at holiday gatherings, the Chilean vaina [9] is made with ruby port, cognac or brandy, crème de cacao, egg yolk, and cinnamon.