Day of the Dead drinks: celebrate with this authentic recipes
Welcome to Olmeca Altos’ ultimate guide to drinks for the Day of the Dead! Whether you’re planning to mark this beautiful Mexican festival with loved ones or simply curious to experience genuine flavours, these tequila cocktails are a fantastic way to pay tribute to Día de los Muertos.
We’ll take you through traditional tastes, festive cocktail ideas, and perfect food pairings to ensure your celebration stands out.
Raise the Bar on Your Day of the Dead Celebrations
Dive into the colourful traditions of Día de los Muertos with our handpicked range of tequila-based drinks. Each cocktail is crafted as an homage to the deep flavours and cultural importance of this special event.
From the bold heat of the Spicy Paloma to the smoky sophistication of the Smoked Paloma, our recipes are designed to lift your Day of the Dead gathering to the next level. Enjoy, relish, and toast to treasured memories with these truly authentic creations. Let the spirit of Día de los Muertos shine through in every mouthful.
Smoked Paloma
Leading the pack of our special occasion cocktails is the Smoked Paloma. Experience the enchanting harmony of smoky and citrus flavours in this standout drink — a true celebration of craftsmanship and taste.
Ingredients:
- 50 ml / 2 parts of Olmeca Altos Reposado
- 250 g grapefruit peels
- 10 g Lapsang Souchong tea leaves
- 1 kg sugar
- 250 ml water
Instructions:
To start, it’s a good idea to lay down a cocktail mat to prevent any spills and keep your workspace tidy.
- Peel the grapefruits, setting the peels aside for the infusion.
- Squeeze the remaining grapefruits to extract their juice — this will be used later in the cocktail.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the sugar with the Lapsang Souchong tea leaves, then add this blend to the grapefruit peels.
- Let the mixture infuse for an extended period, ideally overnight (around 24 hours), to allow the flavours to fully develop.
- Meanwhile, brew the Lapsang Souchong tea leaves in water for just one minute to capture that signature smoky note.
- Add this smoky tea water to the grapefruit and sugar mixture, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Using a fine sieve, carefully strain out the grapefruit peels, leaving behind a beautifully infused smoked essence.
- Transfer the liquid into a bottle, add the tequila and and store it in the fridge — this exquisite mixture will keep at its best for up to 10 days.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve chilled over ice, garnished with a slice of grapefruit or lime, for a smoky yet refreshing drink.
Sunset Hummingbirds
A rich and exotic blend of spice, floral notes, and tequila, with just the right touch of warmth. This cocktail perfectly balances bold flavours with a delicate sweetness, making it a standout choice for those seeking something both vibrant and sophisticated.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml / 1½ parts of Olmeca Altos Reposado
- 15 ml / ½ part turmeric ginger syrup*
- 10 ml / ⅓ part Ramazotti
- 20 ml / ⅔ part lemon juice
- 2 dashes Butterfly Pea Peychaud’s bitters
Instructions:
- Using a small spoon, peel the ginger and turmeric carefully.
- Place all the ingredients into a blender.
- Blend until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, discarding the pulp (ideal for composting).
- Bottle the syrup and keep refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to 10 days.
Serving Suggestions:
This vibrant cocktail pairs beautifully with savoury snacks, enhancing its floral and spicy layers.
Our Hot Paloma
Warm yourself with this new take on the Paloma, inspired by the classic Hot Toddy. Boasting a wonderfully floral aroma and a flawless balance of citrus and tequila, the fruity and spicy garnish really makes it shine!
Ingredients:
- 50 ml / 1⅔ parts of Olmeca Altos Reposado
- 20 ml / ⅔ part runny honey
- 20 ml / ⅔ part lemon juice
- 60 ml / 2 parts grapefruit juice
- 3 dashes orange bitters
- 2 dashes saline solution*
*To prepare the saline solution: dissolve 25 grams of salt in 80 ml of water, shaking well. Store in a dropper bottle for easy use.
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and gently heat to 70°C. Serve in a heatproof glass. Garnish with a clove-studded grapefruit—if you fancy a little extra spice, drop the clove into the glass as well.
Serving Suggestions:
The clove-studded grapefruit adds an aromatic twist, perfectly complementing the warming qualities of the drink.
Day of the Dead Drinks
Drinks hold a special place in Day of the Dead celebrations, symbolising the joy of life and the remembrance of loved ones. Traditional beverages like atole or mezcal are shared among family and friends, and these cocktails provide an ideal way to raise a glass to both heritage and those we hold dear.
Día de los Muertos has inspired fresh interpretations of classic drinks. From time-honoured tequila-based sips to inventive smoky infusions, these recipes strike a balance between respecting tradition and embracing modern creativity, all while honouring the festival’s spirit.
Key Ingredients and Flavours
Mexican cocktails burst with vibrant flavours, built around a few key ingredients that bring each drink to life. At the heart of these creations is tequila—especially Olmeca Altos—which delivers smooth, expertly crafted notes that capture Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.
Alongside tequila, mezcal adds a distinctive smoky complexity, making it perfect for celebratory cocktails. To balance these spirits, agave syrup is combined with fresh citrus fruits, particularly limes and grapefruits. This pairing achieves an ideal harmony of sweetness and tang, resulting in cocktails that are both refreshing and silky smooth.
Finally, the inclusion of warming spices like cinnamon and ginger, together with seasonal fruits such as pomegranate and grapefruit, evokes the comforting and festive spirit of the holiday, ensuring every drink is memorable and full of character.
Pairing Drinks with Day of the Dead Foods
The smoky and spicy notes in these cocktails harmonise beautifully with classic dishes such as tamales, mole, and pan de muerto, creating a rich and flavourful experience. Try the Smoked Paloma alongside tacos al pastor, the Sunset Hummingbirds with spicy salsas, and the Hot Paloma served with churros for a truly festive flavour match.
For further inspiration, explore our other Día de los Muertos-themed cocktails featuring creative twists on classic tequila favourites:
- The Altos take on the Margarita
- The Classic Margarita
- Our unique rendition of the Paloma
Olmeca Altos Celebrates Día de los Muertos with You
As you raise your glass to honour your loved ones this Día de los Muertos, Olmeca Altos proudly stands with you. Our dedication to crafting exceptional tequila reflects the depth and meaning of this beloved tradition.
With every sip, you taste the heart of Mexico’s cultural heritage. Together, we toast to memories—celebrating life, legacy, and the bonds that endure.
