The Dirty Mexican is a creamy, slightly spicy cocktail with a rich chocolate kick and a smooth tequila finish. It’s one of those drinks that hits all the right notes—sweet, warming, and a little indulgent. I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I picked up along the way: don’t skip the cinnamon garnish—it brings everything together.
Dirty Mexican
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves: 1
Glassware: Rocks glass (or a margarita glass if you want to dress it up)
Ingredients
– 1.5 oz (45 ml) tequila (use a smooth, mid-range blanco or reposado)
– 1 oz (30 ml) chocolate liqueur (like Mozart or a good crème de cacao)
– 0.5 oz (15 ml) heavy cream (or a dairy-free alternative)
– Ice (enough to fill a shaker and your glass)
– A pinch of ground cinnamon (for garnish)
Method
- Chill your glass ahead of time in the freezer or by filling it with ice water while you prep.
- Fill a cocktail shaker about halfway with ice.
- Pour in the tequila, chocolate liqueur, and cream.
- Shake well—about 15 seconds—until the outside of the shaker feels cold. This helps the cream blend nicely and gives the drink a silky texture.
- Dump the ice water from your glass (if chilling that way), then fill it with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into your glass.
- Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon on top. It smells amazing and adds a cozy finish.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can mix the tequila and chocolate liqueur ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the cream and shake when ready to serve—this keeps the cream from separating or going off.
Storage Tips
This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh. Once mixed with cream, it doesn’t store well. But if you have leftover ingredients, keep them chilled and sealed for next time.
Helpful Tips
– Use a good-quality tequila. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but avoid the super cheap stuff—it’ll throw off the balance.
– Shake until you hear a softer sound—this means the ice has chilled and diluted the drink just right.
– If your cream is too thick, you can thin it slightly with a splash of milk or use half-and-half.
– Want to make it dairy-free? Use oat cream or coconut cream for a similar texture.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
– Don’t overshake—too much shaking can make the cream too frothy.
– Avoid using chocolate syrup instead of liqueur—it won’t give the same depth or alcohol balance.
– Skip the cinnamon if you’re not a fan, but don’t go overboard—it should complement, not overpower.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Tequila: Try mezcal for a smoky twist.
– Chocolate liqueur: Swap with coffee liqueur for a mocha-style drink.
– Cream: Use coconut cream for a tropical take or plant-based cream for a vegan option.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail is a great after-dinner drink. I thought I’d share one of my favorite after-cocktail pairings—try it with a square of dark chocolate or a small slice of chocolate cake.
Perfect Pairings
– Nachos: The creamy drink balances out spicy, cheesy nachos.
– Chocolate desserts: Brownies, truffles, or even a chocolate mousse work beautifully.
– Grilled meats: Especially with smoky or spicy marinades—it complements the drink’s bold flavors.
Variations to Try
Spicy Dirty Mexican
– Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker and muddle it gently before adding the other ingredients.
– Shake and strain as usual. This adds a subtle heat that builds with each sip.
Mocha Dirty Mexican
– Add a shot of cooled espresso to the mix.
– Shake with the other ingredients for a rich coffee-chocolate flavor.
Frozen Dirty Mexican
– Use crushed ice and blend everything together for a slushy-style drink.
– Top with cinnamon or shaved chocolate.
Virgin Dirty Mexican
– Use chocolate milk in place of the liqueur and cream.
– Skip the tequila, shake with ice, and serve over ice with a cinnamon garnish.
Q&A
Can I make it without tequila?
Yes! Just leave it out or replace with more chocolate milk for a booze-free version.
Is it vegan-friendly?
It can be! Just use plant-based cream and make sure your chocolate liqueur is vegan.
What’s the best chocolate liqueur?
Look for something rich and smooth. Mexican-style liqueurs with hints of spice or vanilla work especially well.
Can I serve this as dessert?
Absolutely. It’s rich and sweet enough to stand in for dessert—or to go alongside one.
How else can I garnish it?
Try a cinnamon stick, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even a chili-chocolate rim for extra flair.
When’s the best time to enjoy it?
Any time you’re craving something cozy and a little indulgent. It’s especially nice on cool evenings or festive get-togethers.
This has been my go-to cocktail for low-key evenings with friends. It’s easy to make, always a crowd-pleaser, and endlessly customizable. Whether you like it spicy, chilled, or with a hint of coffee, there’s a Dirty Mexican for everyone.
