Traditionally, Americans have seen Memorial Day as the start of summer, but why not use these recipes to kick off the season with a Cinco de Mayo fiesta?

Bring on the chips and salsa, the empanadas and the enchiladas - it's time for party! It's hard to imagine any more appropriate liquor for a Cinco de Mayo theme than tequila, and these cocktails make it easy to go beyond the traditional margaritas or tequila shots.

Jose Cuervo Tequila Sunrise

Forget the old-fashioned, super sweet tequila sunrise - this updated signature version has a tangy zing. Courtesy of TheBar.com.

• 1.5 oz. Jose Cuervo flavored tequila (Citrico, Oranjo, or Tropina)
• 4 oz. orange juice
• 1 splash cranberry juice

Mix the orange juice and tequila in a shaker with ice. Strain into an ice-filled highball glass, and finish with a splash of cranberry juice.

Toreador

• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. dark creme de cacao
• 1 oz. heavy cream
• 1/4 tsp. cocoa powder

Shake all ingredients in an ice-filled shaker, and strain into a chilled highball glass.

Viva Villa

Cross a margarita with a martini, and the result might be this incredibly simple cocktail.

• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. lemon juice

Rim a cocktail glass with lime and dip in superfine sugar. Combine the tequila, lemon and lime juices in a shaker filled with ice cubes and shake well. Strain into the prepared glass, and serve garnished with a lime wedge.

Paloma

• 2 oz. anejo tequila
• 1 1/2 oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 oz. grapefruit soda
• lemon-lime soda

Prepare a tall glass with a salted rim and fill with ice cubes. Build the drink, topping off with lemon-lime soda, and serve garnished with a lime wedge.

Doralto

• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. lemon juice
• 4 oz. tonic water
• 1 tsp. simple syrup
• dash of bitters

Combine tequila, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice, and shake to combine. Strain into a tall glass filled with ice, and top off with tonic water. Serve garnished with a fresh lime wheel.

Bravo Bull

It really doesn't get any easier than this to make a fantastic cocktail with Mexican flair.

• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. Kahlua

Mix both ingredients in an old-fashioned glass over cracked ice.

Salty Chihuahua

• 1 1/2 oz. tequila
• 5 oz. lemonade
• lime wedge

Rim an old-fashioned glass with lime and coarse salt, and fill glass with ice. Pour in tequila and add lemonade. Squeeze the lime wedge into the cocktail, drop in the lime, and stir lightly.

The Bull

This cocktail is a kissing cousin to the Michelada. It's light and refreshing, especially on a hot summer day, but watch out. It's easy to drink, but can have a very sneaky kick!

• 1 oz. tequila
• 1 beer, very cold (try a Mexican lager like Corona or Sol)
• lemonade

Combine the tequila and beer in a tall chilled glass or mug, and top off with lemonade - try starting with about two ounces, but adjust to taste.