What is Cinco de Mayo? Why do we celebrate this day with tequila cocktails? We reveal curiosities and recommend tequilas for this day.
Cinco de Mayo, first of all, is not Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16. It is simply a holiday commemorating the Battle of Puebla, which is a city and state of Mexico. There, on May 5, 1862, the Mexican forces of General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the troops of Emperor Napoleon III. This day is celebrated in Puebla, more than anywhere else in Mexico and the celebration is a month-long festival.
During Cinco de Mayo, called the Day of the Battle of Puebla, the battle is recreated and then a very colorful parade takes place in the streets of Puebla. By the way, the city is part of the world heritage and the fourth largest city in Mexico.
But in the United States, where Tequila is the most successful in the world, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated especially in California, since there is a significant Mexican population. It is very popular and it is also a pretext to taste tequila-based cocktails and commemorate this day.
Tequilas to celebrate Cinco de Mayo
In the following list we propose different types of tequila to enjoy alone or in cocktails.
Casa Noble Añejo: works great in cocktails for Cinco de Mayo or any other occasion and has a delicious vanilla taste, so tasting it neat or on the rocks is great.
El Tesoro Añejo: a rich tequila that provides a unique tasting experience. Fans of bourbon will like it as it was aged in ex-bourbon barrels. It works very well to start tasting and getting to know tequila.
Herradura Añejo: Herradura is an ideal choice to start tasting añejo style tequilas, and according to legend, Herradura was the first distillery to create reposado and extra añejo tequila. It is mellow, nuanced and full of ripe fruit and vanilla flavors.
Casamigos Añejo: has a full, rich flavor profile. It is younger than other añejo tequilas, but it is delicious, with flavors of buttery vanilla, spicy black pepper, vegetal sweetness and toffee. It all finishes with a combination of buttercream frosting, herbs and subtle spices.
Tapatío Blanco: Tapatío Blanco is clear with silver tones. Very herbal with hints of mint and anise, compensated with white pepper and spices such as cinnamon and clove. Its finish is long, spicy and sweet. One of the best representations of white tequila.
Tequila Centinela Añejo 3 Años: a tequila aged in bourbon barrels for three years, with an agave produced by Centinela and lasting eight years to mature. Centinela cooks the agave in clay ovens, a slow process that lasts 24 hours. Notes of earth and herbal from the agave, and cedar.
Tequila Cocktails to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo
Whirling Dervish cocktail
Ingredients
40 ml of Tequila Reposado
30 ml pear purée
25 ml lemon juice
2 fresh sage leaves, plus 2 for garnish
1 pinch of black pepper, and more for garnish
1 egg white
Type of glass: Old fashioned
Preparation: Add all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake dry to settle the egg white and create a good foam. Add ice to the shaker and shake again. Double filter into Old Fashioned glass with ice, and garnish with sage and pepper.
Pomelo Punch Cocktail by Jéremy Augier
Ingredients
60ml of rosé wine (cotes de provence)
30ml pink grapefruit juice
15ml tequila blanco 100% agave
15ml of agave syrup
1 lime wedge
Preparation
Cut the lime wedge in 4 and place it at the bottom of a highball glass.
Crush it with a pestle to extract the juice.
Add the other ingredients and mix with a spoon of sea bass to dissolve the agave syrup.
Fill the glass with ice cubes, mix again and add a straw.
Brandy Margarita
Ingredients
9 oz. Blanco tequila
3 oz. Brandy
12oz Margarita Texas Mix)
3 1/2 oz Orange Liqueur
Ice
Preparation: Put in blender with ice to make frozen drink. Makes one pitcher.
The Mayan Cocktail by Alex Valencia
Ingredients
2 oz Tequila infused coconut
1/2 oz corn purée
3/4 oz lime juice
1/2 oz agave syrup
5-6 drops habanero tincture
Method: Put all the ingredients into a shaker add ice and shake for 8-10 seconds
Glass: Margarita glass or cocktail glass.
Garnish: Coconut flakes on top.
*MAYAN PURÉE
Get the esquites and make boil it with water, add salt. Then blended and strain.
Alteña Spritz cocktail by Jesse Estes
Ingredients
1 oz Tequila Ocho Blanco
1/3 oz freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice
2 lemon wedges
1/4 oz passion fruit syrup
1/8 oz Campari
2 1/4 oz sparkling wine
1 1/3 oz ml soda water
Garnish: Rosemary sprig and grapefruit zest, for garnish
Glass: Wine glass
Preparation
Add all ingredients to wine glass over cubed ice (squeezing juice out of lemon wedges before adding to glass). Stir to combine the ingredients and chill the drink. Garnish with a long grapefruit zest and rosemary sprig.
Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.