Cinco de Mayo is around the corner, and even though it’s not exactly an American holiday, we’re happy to be celebrating stateside, and you’re not celebrating properly if you’re not sipping a margarita. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of delicious, creative margaritas (and Mexican food!) in the Valley, so we’re here to share our top margarita picks for your best Cinco de Mayo yet.  

Chata Margarita at Barrio Cafe

Phoenix

Barrio Cafe is well known for its authentic, carefully crafted Mexican food curated by James Beard award winning Chef Silvana, but their margaritas are not to be overlooked — especially the Chata margarita that incorporates horchata, Crema 1921 tequila and Kahlua for a creamy, sweet margarita unlike anything else we’ve ever tasted.

Zipparita at Zipps

Various Locations

While the Zipparita may not be the most elevated cocktail on the list, it’s high alcohol content, variety of flavor options and incredible taste make it a musty-try, and why not give it a shot on Cinco de Mayo when fellow partygoers are distracted by tried and true Mexican food restaurants? Trust us, there’s a reason the potent, $3.50, blended wonder has achieved legend status amongst college students and tequila enthusiasts alike (and that they limit it to three drinks per visit!).

Roaring Fork

Old Town Scottsdale

Roaring Fork is well known for its delicious selection of margaritas, but the Huckleberry Frozen Margarita brings a fruity twist to the classic favorite with its huckleberry swirl of flavor. The frozen drink also includes tequila (duh!), triple sec and fresh lime juice.

Hot Mango at Modern Margarita

North Phoenix

Modern Margarita, as the name might suggest, has perfected nearly every variation of the margarita, but the Hot Mango is perfect with a lot of sweet and just enough spicy, crafted with Milagro Silver, Ancho Reyes, Mango Puree, Jalapeno Agave and House Sour. Even better? You can opt for the fish bowl size and share with a group.

Holy Grail at Taco Guild

Central Phoenix

Taco Guild’s hip atmosphere alone would probably make its margaritas shine, but fortunately the one-of-a-kind concept also brings quality to every aspect of its dining experience and the drinks are certainly no exception (just ask to take a look at their book of tequila options!). And while you can’t go wrong with any of their drinks, we’re partial to the Holy Grail, which features barrel aged Herradura Reposado, orange, lime and agave — putting an extra citrus twist on the beloved classic.

Watermelon Lime Snow Cone Margarita at Diego Pops

Old Town Scottsdale

Nothing says summer like a snow cone, and a snow cone margarita? Even better. This refreshing, nostalgic take on the classic margarita features Don Julio Blanco tequila, watermelon liqueur, triple sec, muddled watermelon, sweet and sour and lime.

Blanco Tacos + Tequila

Phoenix and Central Scottsdale

Blanco Tacos + Tequila lives up to the tequila in its name with its selection of nearly ten different margaritas — ranging from classic to skinny to a 25-ounce wonder. However, our top pick is the Smashed Watermelon featuring a complex flavor profile including blanco tequila, watermelon and chile lime salt.

Cinco de Mayo calls for good eats too, so head to one of these taco shops when you need some fuel! And don’t forget to show us how you party it up this Cinco de Mayo using #FrayLife and #PHXFray.