Upscale Drinks: 7 Amazing Cocktails You Can Make at Home

Last Updated on April 25, 2025

May 5th is like any other day, but it is something special for those of us who love to celebrate with alcohol, especially with the classic skinny margarita. You could go to your local restaurant and grab a good margarita, but why not try something unique at home with friends and family? This is also a great date idea, according to dating coach for men, Blaine Anderson.

As a bartender, I like to come up with new drink recipes to give others options when it comes to their usual cocktails. That’s where upscale drinks come in. Whether you’re elevating your margarita game or experimenting with top-tier ingredients, upscale drinks are perfect for turning a simple night into a special occasion.

Holidays at home are fun, especially when you have a member who is a mixologist. So, if you are tired of the same fancy drinks every year and are looking for something new and exciting, try some of these upscale drinks for Cinco De Mayo. These upscale drinks will impress your guests, elevate your celebration, and add a touch of luxury to your evening.

Upscale Drinks You Should Try At Home

Mango Margarita

Margaritas are one of the most popular drinks for Cinco de Mayo. They come in different flavors like lime, strawberry, mango, blood orange, watermelon, etc; you don’t have to stick to just one. Margaritas are my favorite cocktail to make behind the bar because they give me the option to be creative. When you’re in the mood for tacos, I always recommend a good margarita. The drink I have designed for you is simple, but why not spice it up with a little mango, jalapenos, and Tajin

• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 oz. triple sec
• 2 oz. Blanco tequila
• 2 fresh jalapeños, plus another for garnish
• 1 mango spear (cut in half), plus another for garnish

To make the simple syrup, all you need is 1 cup of sugar to 1 cup of hot water. Combine the mixture, let it cool, and it is ready to be served.

In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapenos and mango. Add the simple syrup, lime juice, triple sec, and tequila. Top with ice cubes and shake. Grab a margarita glass, dip the rim in lime juice, and cover it with Tajinn.

If Tajin is not the flavor you are looking for, I always recommend a regular salted rim. Strain the margarita over fresh ice and garnish it with a mango spear and a jalapeño. Not a fan of mango or jalapeno? You could always use the fruit of your choice.

If you’re an expecting mother or somebody who does not drink, and is looking to join in on the fun. In a non-alcoholic version, you could eliminate the tequila and triple sec, add 1 oz. of agave syrup (which you could find at your local grocery store), and top with soda water. This gives it a refreshing taste.

Cinco De Rose

I love to drink wine on a special night out, or a girl’s night in, but I recommend a little wine by the poolside. A glass of sangria with a charcuterie board at the pool, a great book, and beautiful weather. All you are missing is a live band and a bar. This beautiful drink is perfect for the ladies on vacation looking to add a little tequila to their wine.

• 1 oz. strawberry puree
• 1 oz. Blanco tequila
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 4 oz. rose (splits)
• 1 lemon wheel for garnish
• 1 fresh strawberry for garnish

In a mixing tin, add the strawberry puree, lemon juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Fill with ice, box, and shake. Fill a wine glass with ice, pour in the mixture, then top off with rosé. Garnish with a lemon wheel and a fresh strawberry.

The great thing about this cocktail is the many variations; you could eliminate the tequila and add vodka. Instead of the rose, you could add Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, or Chardonnay. If you are looking to go toward the dryer side, sauvignon blanc is a great option. You could turn this drink into a white sangria and add 1 oz. of peach schnapps.

Mexican Mule

Moscow mules are a top seller at most places.s, I mean, everyone loves a good refreshing drink. But what is a mule without a copper mug? They don’t just look cool; they keep your drink cold, too. The name of this cocktail is based on the type of alcohol you add to the mug. For example, the Kentucky mule is bourbon, the Moscow mule is vodka, and you could only guess what is included in the Mexican mule. You guessed it, tequila! This drink is refreshing and simple, so if you are looking for an easy cocktail, this would be the one for you.

• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 2 fresh jalapenos for garnish
• 1 lime wheel for garnish
• 4 oz. ginger beer

In a copper mug, pour in the tequila and lime juice. Fill the mug with ice and top it with ginger beer. I like to use a ginger beer known as Q ginger beer. It has a touch of cayenne pepper, which gives it a nice little spice, perfect for Cinco de Mayo. Don’t forget your garnish: lime wheel and two fresh jalapenos.

If you are not a fan of ginger beer, like me, I recommend using Sprite or 7-Up as these are good substitutes for ginger beer in a mule.

Basil Berry Smash

Fruit doesn’t just go with brunch; it also goes with the tequila. It has been hard for me to enjoy the taste of tequila, so I like to avoid any drinks that include this type of alcohol., After trying this cocktail, I could say that maybe tequila is for me. So, if you are nervous about tequila, this, too, is the perfect drink for you. This cocktail combines the flavors of the berries so well that in the end, nd it might sneak up and have you dancing to “tequila!”

• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 2 oz. tequila
• 3 Fresh blackberries
• 3 Fresh raspberries
• 3 Fresh strawberries
• 2 whole basil Leaves
• 1 lemon wheel for garnish

In a mixing tin, combine the strawberries, blackberries, and raspberries, slap the basil leaves (this pulls out the flavor and aroma of the basil), and place them in the tin. Add the lemon juice, simple syrup, and tequila, fill with ice, and shake. With the same ice, pour the mixture into a rock glass and garnish with a lemon wheel. If you need to add a little carbonation to this cocktail, you could pour the ingredients into a highball glass and top it with soda water or Sprite.

Paloma

Cocktail drinks should be fun; that’s why vodka and cranberry, one of many upscale drinks, has a name like a Cape Codder. Or vodka and grapefruit with a salted rim, another of those upscale drinks, goes by the playful name Salty Dog.

As a bartender, we should know the names of these upscale drinks, but I can tell you that the first time I heard “Cape Codder,” I looked at a guest and questioned my job. These upscale drinks often surprise us. Take another one: it’s like a Paloma, made with tequila and grapefruit—one of those upscale drinks you don’t forget.

• 5 oz tequila
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 4 oz. grapefruit juice
• 1 fresh lime wheel

In a cocktail shaker with ice, pour the tequila and lime juice, box, and shake—this is one of our favorite upscale drinks to whip up quickly. Grab a cocktail glass and pour ingredients from the tin into the glass, top it with ice, and fill it with grapefruit juice for that signature upscale drinks vibe. If you need the extra carbonation, I always add soda water, which gives many upscale drinks that refreshing finish. Garnish with a lime wheel for a final upscale drinks touch. If you’re looking for more easy-to-make upscale drinks, check out our article on that topic as well!

Final Words…

The seven amazing recipes presented in this article not only offer a taste of sophistication but also provide an opportunity for creativity and personalization in mixology. From classic concoctions to innovative blends, these upscale drinks showcase the versatility of ingredients and the artistry behind crafting a perfect drink.

Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply seeking to elevate your at-home bar game, these upscale drinks serve as a guide to bring the ambiance of a high-end cocktail lounge right to your living room. Each recipe highlights the elegance and complexity that define upscale drinks, making them perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a refined solo sip. With the right tools and ingredients, these upscale drinks can transform any gathering into a memorable celebration of taste and style.