Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

 


Cinco de Mayo commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French in the Battle of Pubela in 1862 (not Mexican Independence Day, which is September 16). Over the years, Cinco de Mayo – sometimes called “Drinko de Cinco” - has become a beloved celebration in the United States, often associated with delicious food and drinks.

 

When it comes to celebrating, nothing quite beats a festive, delicious cocktail to get the party started. Whether you choose a classic margarita, a refreshing Paloma, or something a little more unique, there are plenty of cocktail options to impress your guests and add some extra flair to your festivities. ¡Salud!

 

Margarita

When you think of a Cinco de Mayo cocktail, it’s probably this one. The classic combination of the distinctive strength of tequila, the tang of lime, and the sweetness of orange liqueur makes the classic margarita one of the most popular cocktails in North America. Plus, it’s delicious and easy to make.

 

Ingredients

·       2 ounces blanco tequila

·       ½ ounce orange liqueur

·       1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

·       ½ ounce agave syrup

·       Garnish: lime wheel, kosher salt (optional)

 

Directions

1.     Add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, and agave syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice; shake until well-chilled.

2.     Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice.

3.     Garnish with a lime wheel and kosher salt rim (optional).

 

Paloma

Mexico’s favorite cocktail is great any day of the year—not just Cinco de Mayo. Combining tequila, lime juice, and grapefruit soda creates a refreshing, easy-to-make cooler.

 

Ingredients

·       2 ounces tequila

·       ½ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

·       Grapefruit soda, chilled

·       Garnish: lime wheel, salt rim (optional)

 

Directions

1.     Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a highball glass, and dip the rim in salt (optional).

2.     Add the tequila and lime juice to the glass;  fill with ice.

3.     Top with grapefruit soda; stir briefly and gently to combine.

4.     Garnish with a lime wheel.

 

Michelada

Beer is great, but a Michelada is even better! This classic livens up the flavor of Mexican lager with hot sauce, lime juice, and spices.

 

Ingredients

·       1 pinch salt

·       1 pinch cayenne pepper

·       1 lime wedge

·       ½ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

·       2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

·       2 dashes Tabasco sauce

·       1 pinch ground black pepper

·       1 pinch celery salt

·       1 bottle Mexican lager beer, chilled

·       Garnish: lime wedge

 

Directions

1.     Add the salt and cayenne pepper to a plate or shallow bowl. Rub the lime wedge along half the rim of the pint glass; dip the rim into the salt-cayenne mixture.

2.     Combine the lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, black pepper, and celery salt in the glass.

3.     Fill with the beer and garnish with a lime wedge.

 

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Named for the Mexican state where most mezcals hail, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a twist on its classic whiskey counterpart. The simple combination of reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura bitters helped kick off the mezcal craze in the U.S.

 

Ingredients

·       1-½ ounces reposado tequila

·       ½ ounce mezcal

·       1 barspoon agave nectar

·       2 dashes Angostura bitters

·       Garnish: flamed orange peel

 

Directions

1.     Add the tequila, mezcal, agave nectar and Angostura bitters to an Old Fashioned glass with one large ice cube; stir until well-chilled.

2.     Flame an orange peel over the top of the drink to express its oils; garnish with the peel.

 

Naked & Famous

This modern classic takes a mezcal-fueled spin by mixing the complex spirit with Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice, creating a refreshing and citrusy cocktail.

(Fun fact: The cocktail's name comes from the song "Tricky Kid" from the Tricky album Pre-Millenium Tension.)

 

Ingredients

·       ¾ ounce mezcal

·       ¾ ounce Aperol

·       ¾ ounce yellow Chartreuse

·       ¾ ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed

 

Directions

1.     Add all ingredients into a shaker with ice; shake until well-chilled.

2.     Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

 

 

However you choose to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, visit Universal Fine Wine & Spirits for all your beverage needs!  We are more than happy to help answer any of your questions or suggest traditional Meixcan cocktails for your festivities. Come in and talk to an employee, call us at 727-937-8330, or visit our website.

 

 


Sources

https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/cinco-de-mayo/g2418/tequila-drinks-recipes/

https://www.liquor.com/slideshows/essential-cinco-de-mayo-cocktails/

 

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