Cinco de Mayo Cocktails with Dixie Vodka
The countdown to Cinco de Mayo has begun, and I could not be more excited. I always have a few fiestas to attend, and I love bringing the drinks. In particular, these three vodka cocktails join my cucumber mule and my watermelon basil spritzer in my warm-weather lineup.
All three are made with Dixie Vodka, which launched in South Carolina in 2014 and comes in flavors including Southern, Mint, Black Pepper and Citrus. What I like most is that it embodies quality and affordability. As a result, it works in everything from a spicy buck to a blended drink, the same range I love in my cranberry Moscow mule and cucumber gin gimlet.
If you are entertaining this Cinco de Mayo, these recipes are sure to be a hit. What’s more, they are not only quick but also easy to pair with a taco board and a bowl of spicy Velveeta queso. Cheers!
What Are These Cinco de Mayo Cocktails?
In essence, they are three simple vodka drinks with a little heat. The Spicy Buck is stirred with ginger beer, Dixie Days is shaken with grapefruit juice and jalapeño, and the Whistlin’ Watermelon is blended and served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
- Spicy Buck. 1.5 ounces Dixie Black Pepper Vodka, 4 ounces ginger beer, 1/4 teaspoon pickled jalapeño juice, a splash of soda, the juice of 1/4 lime, and a pickled jalapeño slice for garnish.
- Dixie Days. 2 ounces Dixie Citrus Vodka, 4 ounces red grapefruit juice, 1 slice of jalapeño, and soda to top.
- Whistlin’ Watermelon. 2 ounces Dixie Southern Vodka, 5 cups cut-up seedless watermelon, 2 cups ice, 3 ounces margarita mix, and salt for the rim.
Everything I Love for This Recipe
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Cocktail Shaker
For Dixie Days.
Blender
For the Whistlin’ Watermelon.
Jigger
For accurate pours.
Bar Spoon
For stirring the Spicy Buck.
Rocks Glasses
For the buck and Dixie Days.
Mason Jar Glasses
For the watermelon cocktail, as in the photo.
Citrus Juicer
For the lime.
Margarita Salt
For the rim.
Large Ice Cube Tray
Keeps drinks cold without watering them down.
Paring Knife
For jalapeño slices and watermelon wedges.
Small Cutting Board
For garnish prep.
Cocktail Napkins
A festive touch.
How To Make These Cinco de Mayo Cocktails
Spicy Buck
Combine the vodka, ginger beer, pickled jalapeño juice, a splash of soda and the lime juice over ice. Stir, then garnish with a pickled jalapeño slice. Makes one.
Dixie Days
Shake the vodka, grapefruit juice and jalapeño slice with ice. Pour into a glass and top with soda. Makes one.
Whistlin’ Watermelon
Put the vodka, watermelon, ice and margarita mix in a blender and blend. Serve in glasses with a salted rim. Serves two.
Spicy Buck
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Dixie Black Pepper Vodka
- 4 oz ginger beer
- 1/4 tsp pickled jalapeño juice
- 1 splash soda
- 1/4 lime juiced
- pickled jalapeño slice for garnish
Instructions
- Combine the vodka, ginger beer, pickled jalapeño juice, a splash of soda and the lime juice over ice.
- Stir, then garnish with a pickled jalapeño slice.
Notes
Dixie Days
Ingredients
- 2 oz Dixie Citrus Vodka
- 4 oz red grapefruit juice
- 1 slice jalapeño
- soda to top
Instructions
- Shake the vodka, grapefruit juice and jalapeño slice with ice.
- Pour into a glass and top with soda.
Notes
Whistlin’ Watermelon
Ingredients
- 2 oz Dixie Southern Vodka
- 5 cups watermelon cut up, seeds removed
- 2 cups ice
- 3 oz margarita mix
- salt for the rim
Instructions
- Put the vodka, watermelon, ice and margarita mix in a blender and blend.
- Serve in glasses with a salted rim.
Notes
KEEP HOSTING
More to pour from the bar — three cocktails worth shaking up next.
Recipe: Dixie Autumn Shandy Cocktail
Easy-drinking and refreshing with a laid-back vibe.
Pour a Glass →
Cocktail Recipe: Prairie Arnold Palmer using Prairie Organic Vodka
A standout pour worth shaking up for your next gathering.
Pour a Glass →
Pretty In Pink Cocktail Recipe Using Cathead Vodka
Berry-bright and beautifully colored — pretty in the glass.
Pour a Glass →Variations
Turn Down the Heat
Leave out the jalapeño.
Skip the Vodka
For a zero-proof option, pour raspberry lemonade or a tropical mocktail.
Go Tropical
Try my Leia pineapple cocktail.
Make a Pitcher
For a crowd, see my berry sangria.
When I Love Serving These Cocktails
Cinco de Mayo
The reason for the list.
Taco Tuesday
Furthermore, they pair with any taco night.
Summer Cookouts
Cold, bright and easy.
Pool Parties
The blended watermelon cocktail is made for hot days.
Girls’ Night In
Three drinks, three moods.
Game Day
Equally important, each takes minutes to make.
What To Serve With Them
Tacos and Wraps
Cilantro lime shrimp lettuce wraps or Pace chicken lettuce wraps.
Quesadillas
Spinach, onion and mushroom quesadillas.
Something Fresh
A watermelon summer board or a watermelon salad with balsamic vinaigrette.
Vegetables and Dip
An epic veggie tray.
Shelf Life & Storage Tips
- Serve right away. All three are best freshly made.
- Prep ahead. Cut the watermelon and slice the jalapeños before guests arrive.
- Keep mixers cold. Chill the ginger beer, soda and grapefruit juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vodka goes in which drink?
Black Pepper in the Spicy Buck, Citrus in Dixie Days, and Southern in the Whistlin’ Watermelon.
Are they spicy?
The Spicy Buck and Dixie Days have a little heat from jalapeño.
Do I need a blender?
Only for the Whistlin’ Watermelon.
Can I use another vodka?
You can, although the recipes were written for these flavors.
How many does each make?
The Spicy Buck and Dixie Days make one drink each; the Whistlin’ Watermelon serves two.
Final Thoughts
All things considered, these three cocktails cover every mood at the fiesta. Without a doubt, they are simple to make and fun to serve. As always, please drink responsibly. Cheers!
Recipes from Dixie Vodka.
