[Photographs: Jessica Leibowitz]

Cinco de Mayo is a great day to explore the versatility of tequila and try mixing up something new, reaching beyond basic margaritas to drinks that highlight tequila's spice and flavor. Here are ten Serious Eats-approved cocktail recipes ranging from light, refreshing highballs to intense, brooding drinks served up. (We couldn't help but include a few truly delicious margarita variations, too.)

Check out the drinks in the slideshow »

Go Straight to the Recipes

Vampira
Cinnamon-Tamarind Margarita
Paloma Brava
Santa Carla
Tangerine Ginger Margarita
In-Sandiary
All The King's Men
Ruirita
Siesta
Decolletage