Day of the Dead Drinks: Celebrate with this Authentic Recipes
Welcome to Olmeca Altos’ guide for Day of the Dead drinks! Whether you’re preparing to celebrate this beautiful Mexican holiday with family and friends or just want to explore authentic flavors, these tequila cocktails are the perfect way to honor Día de los Muertos. We’ll walk you through traditional flavors, festive drink recipes, and food pairings to make this holiday unforgettable.
Elevate Your Celebration with Our Day of the Dead Cocktails
Immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Dia de los Muertos with our curated selection of tequila-based concoctions. Each cocktail is a tribute to the rich flavors and cultural significance of this cherished celebration. From the fiery Spicy Paloma to the smoky allure of the Smoked Paloma, our drinks are meticulously crafted to elevate your Day of the Dead experience. Sip, savor, and toast to cherished memories with these authentic creations. Embrace the spirit of Dia de los Muertos in every exquisite sip.
Smoked Paloma
The first of our cocktails for this special date is the Smoked Paloma. Enjoy the alluring fusion of smoky and citrus notes in this unique cocktail. A testament to craftsmanship and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 250 g Grapefruit Peels
- 10 g Lapsang Souchong Tea Leaves
- 1 kg Sugar
- 250 ml Water
Instructions:
First be sure to use a cocktail mat to avoid spills and keep your work area spotless.
- Peel the grapefruits, setting aside the peels for the infusion.
- Juice the remaining grapefruits with a squeezer; this will be used in the cocktail.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and Lapsang Souchong tea leaves thoroughly, then add this mixture to the grapefruit peels.
- Allow the infusion to steep for an extended period, ideally overnight (approximately 24 hours), ensuring the flavors meld perfectly.
- Steep the Lapsang Souchong tea leaves in water for just one minute, extracting the smoky essence.
- Pour this tea-infused water into the grapefruit mixture, ensuring that the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Using a fine strainer like this, carefully remove the grapefruit peels, leaving behind a beautifully smoked essence.
- Bottle the resulting liquid and refrigerate; this exquisite concoction will maintain its quality for up to 10 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over ice with a garnish of grapefruit or lime for a smoky, vibrant drink.
Sunset Hummingbirds
A complex and exotic balance of spice, flowers and tequila, with a hint of heat.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml / 1 1/2 Parts Altos Reposado
- 15 ml / 1/2 Part Turmeric Ginger Syrup*
- 10 ml / 1/3 Part Ramazotti
- 20 ml / 2/3 Part Lemon Juice
- 2 Dashes Butterfly Pea Peychauds
Instructions:
- Using a small spoon, peel the ginger & turmeric
- Place all ingredients in a blender
- Blend until sugar has fully dissolved
- Strain liquid through fine strainer, compost pulps
- Bottle syrup & refrigerate. Shelf life 10 Days
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant drink pairs well with salty appetizers, amplifying its floral and spicy complexity.
Our Hot Paloma
Warm up to this new paloma inspired on a classic Hot Toddy. With a very floral nose and a perfect balance of citrus and tequila, the fruity and spicy garnish make it stand out!
Ingredients:
- 50ml / 1 2/3 Parts Altos Reposado
- 20ml / 2/3 Part runny honey
- 20ml / 2/3 Part Lemon Juice
- 60ml / 2 Parts Grapefruit Juice
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 2 dashes saline solution*
* Mix 25 grams of salt with 80 ml of water, then shake it up until dissolved. Add to a drop bottle.
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a saucepan & heat to 70 degree Celsius. Serve in a heat resistance cup. Garnish with a clove studded grapefruit (the clove can be put inside the glass in case you want to spice up things a bit).
Serving Suggestions
Garnish with clove-studded grapefruit for an aromatic twist, enhancing the drink’s warmth.
Day of the Dead Drinks
Significance of beverages in Day of the Dead celebrations
Beverages are central to Day of the Dead, symbolizing the joy of life and honoring loved ones. Traditional drinks, like atole or mezcal, are shared with family and friends, and these cocktails are perfect for toasting to tradition and loved ones.
Traditional vs. modern interpretations
Day of the Dead has inspired new takes on classic drinks. From traditional tequila-based sips to inventive, smoked infusions, these recipes balance old and new while maintaining the holiday’s spirit.
Most used ingredients and flavors
Ingredientes tradicionales mexicanos
Mexico’s flavors inspire every cocktail, including ingredients like tequila, mezcal, citrus, and agave syrup, which add depth and vibrancy to each drink.
Tequila and mezcal
Tequila, especially from Olmeca Altos, brings smooth, crafted notes that embody Mexico’s rich history and flavors, while mezcal adds a smoky complexity perfect for holiday cocktails.
Agave and citrus syrup
Agave syrup and fresh citrus, like lime and grapefruit, are essential. They balance sweetness with tartness, creating refreshing cocktails that are also deliciously smooth.
Incorporation of seasonal flavors
Seasonal flavors, including spices like cinnamon, ginger, and fruits like pomegranate and grapefruit, highlight the holiday’s warmth. These flavors make each drink memorable and full of seasonal spirit.
Combination of beverages with Day of the Dead foods
Complementary flavors between beverages and traditional dishes
The smoky and spicy notes in these cocktails pair well with traditional foods like tamales, mole, and pan de muerto, offering a flavorful harmony.
Suggestions for pairing cocktails with specific foods
Pair the Smoked Paloma with tacos al pastor, the Sunset Hummingbirds with spicy salsas, and the Hot Paloma with churros for a festive flavor match.
Other Cocktails for you to Enjoy on the Day of the Dead
For more Día de los Muertos-inspired cocktails, explore our other recipes with creative takes on classic tequila drinks!
- The Altos version of the Margarita Recipe.
- The Classic Margarita.
- Our version of the famous Paloma.
Olmeca Altos Celebrates the Day of the Dead with You
As you raise your glass to honor loved ones on Dia de los Muertos, Olmeca Altos stands proudly by your side. Our commitment to crafting exceptional tequila mirrors the depth of this cherished tradition. With every sip, you experience the essence of Mexico’s cultural heritage. Together, we toast to memories, celebrating life and legacy.
