Happy Cinco de Mayo, or as we like to call it, Cinco De Drinko! Yes, May 5th marks an important date in our social calendar. Contrary to popular belief, Cinco De Mayo is not the Mexican Independence Day, but rather, a 154-year-old tradition of celebrating Mexican culture in America. This bicultural celebration now involves the lighthearted sharing of margaritas, cervezas (beer) and endless guac and chips; but there is more to it the history than often meets the bar.
“Recent Mexican immigrants are often surprised at what a huge thing Cinco de Mayo has become here,” said Sánchez. “They do celebrate the holiday in Mexico, but it is only a big deal in Puebla.” In fact, Los Angeles is host to what is routinely described as the largest Cinco de Mayo party in the world, a multiday event known as Fiesta Broadway. The scale of these festivities even dwarfs those in Puebla, but don’t let that hold you back.
The evolution of Cinco de Mayo can be seen as a metaphor for Mexican-American assimilation. The first Cinco de Mayo celebrations date back to the 1860s when Mexicans in California commemorated the victory. About a century later, Chicano activists rediscovered the holiday and embraced it as a symbol of ethnic pride. Whatever way you decide to celebrate; we hope you’ll try these delicious drinks recipes with your friends and share in the festive season!
1800 Agave Margarita
1800 Agave Margarita2 oz. 1800 Silver Tequila
0.5 oz. Agave
0.5 oz. Fresh lime juice
Shake over ice or blend, garnish with a lime wedge
Cuervo Margarita
Cuervo Margarita1 part Jose Cuervo Especial Gold Tequila
3 parts Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix
½ cup crushed ice
Whip in blender and enjoy frozen in a salt-rimmed glass with a slice of lime
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Margarita “TiTo Rita”
Tito’s Handmade Vodka Margarita “TiTo Rita”1 1/2 oz. Tito’s Handmade Vodka
1/2 oz. Cointreau
1 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Shake, garnish with a lime
Don Julio Tequila Fresh Watermelon Margarita
Don Julio Tequila Fresh Watermelon Margarita1 Watermelon (sliced)
.25 oz Agave syrup (1-part agave nectar, 1-part water)
1.5 oz Don Julio Blanco Tequila
.5 oz Lime juice
In a shaker, muddle the watermelon and agave syrup.
Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice.
Shake well and double strain into a chilled Martini glass.
Garnish with a watermelon slice.
Tommy’s Margarita (Skinny)
Tommy’s Margarita (Skinny)2. ounces 100% agave tequila
1-ounce fresh lime juice
1-ounce agave syrup (1 part agave nectar + 1 part water)
Just shake these three ingredients with ice and strain into a cocktail glass or ice-filled rocks glass
