You can sip them, or you can slurp ‘em, chug them or even gulp ‘em, but one things is for sure: Latin Cocktails are one of Latin America’s most defining qualities and well-deserved at that. Not that Latinos are consumed by alcohol, no they just like to consume alcohol, but not every day. And while cerveza is the number one thirst quencher, Latin cocktails, from the famous Margarita to the lesser known Canelazo, are second to none.   

The Latin cocktail sums up the Latino culture in one, complete full sip: smooth, exotic, sultry, fresh, and colorful. Latin drinks should be a state of mind. It’s an adventure to satisfaction. So, if you’re looking for a little sizzle with a traditional drink, its likely that a Latin Cocktail will do you right.  So to experience this intrepid genre of cocktails, raid your nearest liquor cabinet and go on a Latin adventure of your own. Here are a few for the journey:

The Mojito, a classic, minty drink from Cuba, has grown quite popular amongst bar flies in the United States and Europe. Reportedly the Mojito was Ernest Hemmingway’s drink of choice. Refreshingly sweet and cool on your lips, a Mojito makes you feel as if you deserve to be sitting on a beach relaxing. Mix-up clear rum, a muddled concoction of fresh lime and mint leaves, simple syrup (sugar and water melted) and club soda with ice.

The oh-so-sophisticated Brazilian Caipirinha is another chart climber. As national drink of Brazil, the Caipirinha is a sassy drink designed for those who are sweet and sour. The prime ingredient, cachaca (distilled from sugarcane), tastes a bit like rum and with fresh lime, sugar and ice tossed in there, you’ll be left wondering where you can stock-up on cachcaca. (Psst..your local liquor store or on the web).

Then on your adventure you’ll stumble upon the Pisco sour. This drink spawns so much controversy that it must be good—and luckily it is. For decades, both Chile and Peru have fought over the birthrights to the Pisco sour, the sweet, Margarita-like drink. Both claim it as their national drink, but no one can actually settle on who really birthed this fantastic, sour baby. You see, Pisco is a type of brandy that is distilled from Muscat grapes in South America—grown in both Peru and Chile.  To make a sour, first make a simple syrup then blend together with two shots of Pisco, lime juice, one teaspoon of egg white and ice. Take an old-fashioned or highball glass, dip the rim in egg white, then sugar and you’ll know why no one would want to let this one get away.

For a little kick, go for the Mexican  Michelada, a shandy, or prepared beer. While there are many variations, sometimes its similar to a Bloody Mary, only containing beer instead of vodka. Other times a Michelada is a Mexican beer mixed with sauces and lime juice added. It origins date back to the 1940s, when mixing beer with hot sauce or salsa became the rage in Mexico. Of course, though you could always give a shot of tequila a try, being as it is Mexico’s national liquor and might go down a bit smoother than salsa and XX Dos Equis.

More than likely you’ve heard of the Pina Colada, but did you know that it is known as the official beverage of Puerto Rico? In case you haven’t tried one, give it a shot, and if you have, well, have another because this tropical creamy, rum-based pineapple smoothie is a delight. It’s a mix of light rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice blended with crushed ice.

So why we’re on the less exotic, a Cuba Libre (Spanish for Free Cuba) is your standard rum and cola except for one twist: lime. Mixed with lime juice, this Cuban-invented concoction is so refreshing and typically strong, that you’re likely to feel free all night long.

For a more unique, lesser known drink, try one of these peculiar concoctions:  

A traditional drink served-up warm, Ecuador’s Canelazo is made with aguardiente, sugar, cinnamon and naranjilla and tastes a little like spiced hot apple cider, minus the apple. It’s combo that will not only knock you down and back up again, but taste spicy and sweet all the while.

For something a bit easy, but still an obscure blend, mix-up some red wine with cola, and then picture yourself on the coast of that skinny little country called, Chile, where this drink called the Jote, originated from.

Caju Amigo is a Brazilian drink or often, shot made of cachaca and cashew juice. You chew-up a cashew, don’t swallow wait until you take a shot of straight cachaça, swallowing the nut and the liquor in the same gulp.