Cancun is best known for its beautiful beaches, over the top nightlife and waterfront resorts but it’s also home to some unique drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that you must try while vacationing in this Mexican paradise. Good thing After Dark’s VIP Party Packages include open bar, because we have a list you need to try!
Tequila- The liquor of choice in Mexico & it’s no surprise because tequila can only be made in a specific region; the western state of Jalisco, Mexico (which is also where you can find After Dark Puerto Vallarta)! Fun Fact: the drink itself is named after the city of Tequila. Tequila is generally divided into four main categories; blanco, reposado, anejo and extra-anejo and is distilled from the sugars of the blue agave plant. So, whether you’re having a margarita, tequila sunrise or a straight up shot with a slice of lime, make sure you grab some tequila while you’re in Mexico!
Mezcal- Prized for its smoky flavor similar to a peaty scotch, think of mezcal (or mes-cal like it’s pronounced) like tequila’s spicy cousin. While tequila must be made from the blue agave plant, mezcal can be made from any agave plant, it is usually produced in Oaxaca, although it can legally come from anywhere in Mexico.
Paloma- Looking for an alcoholic cocktail that is tasty and refreshing? This is it right here. Simple and fresh, the paloma is a tequila-based drink that is made with grapefruit soda or juice, tequila blanco and lime served on the rocks. The paloma is a perfect drink to sip on after a day partying in the Cancun sun!
Michelada- Is it a beer? Is it a cocktail? Is it a…beer cocktail? Yes, it is! This ‘beer cocktail’ is made with beer, tomato juice, lime juice, salt, chili, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce (in Mexico they call it salsa inglesa) mixed together and poured into a glass with a salt rim. With its savory flavor and spicy kick, think of it like the Mexican version of a Bloody Mary- the perfect drink to start off your day of partying (or to cure last night’s hangover) in Cancun!
Kahlua- Kahlua is so popular it has its own day (February 27- National Kahlua Day) but did you know that it also happens to be from Mexico? Made with arabica coffee beans grown in Veracruz, Kahlua is the base for many iconic cocktails like the B-52, White Russian and the popular yet sneaky Mind Eraser.
Beer- Corona and Dos Equis and Tecate and Pacifico, oh my! So many choices, so little time! No trip to Cancun is complete without a cerveza or two as Mexico is home to two of the largest beer conglomerates who produce some of the world’s most famous beers. While sipping a Corona on the beach is an essential Cancun experience, you can also find many other local and craft beers that you wouldn’t find back home.
Margarita- Just as Tequila is the liquor of choice in Mexico, the margarita is the cocktail of choice. Served either on the rocks or frozen, the margarita is a simple cocktail made with tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Whether you go for a classic, strawberry or kick it up with a jalapeño flavor, any margarita is a great margarita!
.. and yes the ice in your glass is perfectly ok to drink while on vacation in Cancun. It is imported and filtered at Cancun resorts, restaurants and hotels, so you have nothing to worry about!
Need a break from alcoholic beverages? Mexico is home to some amazing non-alcoholic drinks too!
Agua Fresca- If you’re looking for a sweet, cold refresher from the hot sun, order an agua fresca. Literally meaning “fresh water”, this drink is a simple blend of fruit, water, a bit of sugar and a squeeze of lime. Choose from the classic strawberry flavor or go exotic with an option like tamarindo or jamica.
Horchata- A simple, subtly sweet, and delicious beverage known for its creamy cinnamon flavor, is something you don’t want to leave Cancun without trying! This Mexican staple is a milky drink made from ground almonds, tiger nuts, or rice. We suggest drinking it cold with a side of tacos al pastor!
Mexican Coke- Even though you may think coca cola is made the same around the world, it’s actually made a bit different in Mexico and many swear it tastes better! Mexican coke is sweetened using cane sugar as opposed to high-fructose corn syrup. Order a bottle and see if you can taste the difference!
Well, there you have it: Our picks for the best drinks in town! Pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Make sure you book your VIP Party Package with After Dark & come drink in Cancun with us!
If Cancun isn’t your first choice, we’re serving up drinks (& VIP Party Packages) in Puerto Vallarta as well!
That’s all for now - Catch ya on the beach in Mexico!
Best Drinks To Try While In Cancun
Cancun is best known for its beautiful beaches, over the top nightlife and waterfront resorts but it’s also home to some unique drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) that you must try while vacationing in this Mexican paradise. Good thing After Dark’s VIP Party Packages include open bar, because we have a list you need to try!
Tequila- The liquor of choice in Mexico & it’s no surprise because tequila can only be made in a specific region; the western state of Jalisco, Mexico (which is also where you can find After Dark Puerto Vallarta)! Fun Fact: the drink itself is named after the city of Tequila. Tequila is generally divided into four main categories; blanco, reposado, anejo and extra-anejo and is distilled from the sugars of the blue agave plant. So, whether you’re having a margarita, tequila sunrise or a straight up shot with a slice of lime, make sure you grab some tequila while you’re in Mexico!
Mezcal- Prized for its smoky flavor similar to a peaty scotch, think of mezcal (or mes-cal like it’s pronounced) like tequila’s spicy cousin. While tequila must be made from the blue agave plant, mezcal can be made from any agave plant, it is usually produced in Oaxaca, although it can legally come from anywhere in Mexico.
Paloma- Looking for an alcoholic cocktail that is tasty and refreshing? This is it right here. Simple and fresh, the paloma is a tequila-based drink that is made with grapefruit soda or juice, tequila blanco and lime served on the rocks. The paloma is a perfect drink to sip on after a day partying in the Cancun sun!
Michelada- Is it a beer? Is it a cocktail? Is it a…beer cocktail? Yes, it is! This ‘beer cocktail’ is made with beer, tomato juice, lime juice, salt, chili, soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce (in Mexico they call it salsa inglesa) mixed together and poured into a glass with a salt rim. With its savory flavor and spicy kick, think of it like the Mexican version of a Bloody Mary- the perfect drink to start off your day of partying (or to cure last night’s hangover) in Cancun!
Kahlua- Kahlua is so popular it has its own day (February 27- National Kahlua Day) but did you know that it also happens to be from Mexico? Made with arabica coffee beans grown in Veracruz, Kahlua is the base for many iconic cocktails like the B-52, White Russian and the popular yet sneaky Mind Eraser.
Beer- Corona and Dos Equis and Tecate and Pacifico, oh my! So many choices, so little time! No trip to Cancun is complete without a cerveza or two as Mexico is home to two of the largest beer conglomerates who produce some of the world’s most famous beers. While sipping a Corona on the beach is an essential Cancun experience, you can also find many other local and craft beers that you wouldn’t find back home.
Margarita- Just as Tequila is the liquor of choice in Mexico, the margarita is the cocktail of choice. Served either on the rocks or frozen, the margarita is a simple cocktail made with tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Whether you go for a classic, strawberry or kick it up with a jalapeño flavor, any margarita is a great margarita!
.. and yes the ice in your glass is perfectly ok to drink while on vacation in Cancun. It is imported and filtered at Cancun resorts, restaurants and hotels, so you have nothing to worry about!
Need a break from alcoholic beverages? Mexico is home to some amazing non-alcoholic drinks too!
Agua Fresca- If you’re looking for a sweet, cold refresher from the hot sun, order an agua fresca. Literally meaning “fresh water”, this drink is a simple blend of fruit, water, a bit of sugar and a squeeze of lime. Choose from the classic strawberry flavor or go exotic with an option like tamarindo or jamica.
Horchata- A simple, subtly sweet, and delicious beverage known for its creamy cinnamon flavor, is something you don’t want to leave Cancun without trying! This Mexican staple is a milky drink made from ground almonds, tiger nuts, or rice. We suggest drinking it cold with a side of tacos al pastor!
Mexican Coke- Even though you may think coca cola is made the same around the world, it’s actually made a bit different in Mexico and many swear it tastes better! Mexican coke is sweetened using cane sugar as opposed to high-fructose corn syrup. Order a bottle and see if you can taste the difference!
Well, there you have it: Our picks for the best drinks in town! Pack your bags and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. Make sure you book your VIP Party Package with After Dark & come drink in Cancun with us!
If Cancun isn’t your first choice, we’re serving up drinks (& VIP Party Packages) in Puerto Vallarta as well!
That’s all for now - Catch ya on the beach in Mexico!
