Famous drinks in Mexico City

Ten drinks that separate Mexico City's actual bars from a resort-only tequila shot list.

1. 1. Blanco tequila

   Agave spirit

   Unaged tequila for mixing and for tasting. The cleanest view of the agave.

2. 2. Mezcal

   Agave spirit

   Often smokier, village-labelled, and served neat with orange and salt in tasting rooms.

3. 3. Mexican lager

   Beer

   The everyday chela with tacos. Light, cold, and high volume.

4. 4. Michelada

   Beer cocktail

   Beer with lime, salt, sauces, and spice. A brunch and hangover language of its own.

5. 5. Margarita

   Cocktail

   Tequila, citrus, orange liqueur. Tourist menus print it; good bars still make it properly.

6. 6. Paloma

   Highball

   Tequila and grapefruit soda. Often more common among locals than a frozen margarita.

7. 7. Reposado tequila

   Agave spirit

   Short barrel time. A cantina sipping pour.

8. 8. Raicilla and other agave spirits

   Agave spirit

   Smaller denominations that specialist CDMX bars use to go beyond tequila versus mezcal.

9. 9. Pulque

   Fermented agave

   An older fermented drink revived in city pulquerias, viscous and far from a tequila shot.

10. 10. Ponche and seasonal punches

    Punch

    Especially around holidays. Fruit, spices, and a spirit base.