7 Refreshing Mexican Drinks -- Minus the Tequila

I know, I know: Why would you not want the tequila? The truth is, I do. A lot. My favorite food-related activity used to be enjoying chips, salsa, and guacamole, whilst sipping a delicious margarita—on the rocks, with salt, and make it strong. (So, like, the opposite of a mocktail.) But several years ago I developed a very unfortunate reaction to alcohol: insomnia. Crazy insomnia. I have three sips of wine at lunch on a Friday, and I don't start sawing logs until 5AM Saturday morning. It's pretty much the least fun thing ever, so it's been mocktails ever since.

At first it was a big fat bummer, but since then I've gotten really into creating mocktails that still manage to provide the fun factor that you're usually looking for in a cocktail. And thank goodness, I have nothing but positive reactions to Mexican food! So, with that in mind, break out the chips and salsa. I've rounded up some vibrant, colorful, and refreshing Mexican sippers that don't need tequila to fiesta.

1. Maragrita-ish Mocktail

Lime juice, honey, and slices of jalapeno are stirred together with tonic water for a drink that's as close to a classic margarita taste as I could get.

Margarita
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck.

2. Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Water)

Dried hibiscus petals are steeped with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice to make this bold, refreshing beverage.

Hibiscus tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa) also known as Karkad
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck.

3. Raspberry Hibiscus Iced Tea

Imagine agua de jamaica with less cinnamon and more lime and raspberry juice. Or rather, with some lime and raspberry juice.

Hibiscus iced tea
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck.

4. Agua de Fresca (Mexican Strawberry Water)

Sweetened strawberry puree is mixed with water and garnished with limes and mint for an easy, fruity drink.

agua fresca
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck.

5. Agua Fresca de Pepino (Cucumber Limeade)

A mixture of cucumber and lime juice gets sweetened for a drink that's more fresh than fruity.

cucumberlimewater
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck.

6. Cantaloupe Agua Fresca

If melons are your thing, all you need for this recipe is a few slices of cantaloupe, sugar, and water and you're in business.

cantaloupewater
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck.

7. Watermelon Lime Agua Fresca

Last but not least—it's not summer without some watermelon!

watermelon
Photo by Mackenzie Schieck.

Find dozens more delicious mocktail recipes.


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