Did you know that more people in the United States celebrate Cinco de Mayo than people in Mexico? And it is not a celebration of Mexico’s independence but rather a celebration of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War? Mexico’s independence was actually declared 50 years before the Battle of Puebla. Many people (especially outside of Mexico) consider Cinco de Mayo more of a celebration of the Mexican culture and its people than a commemoration of a particular historical date.
Considering that the Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, it is appropriate that a day to celebrate Mexican heritage might also be the best excuse to break out the blender, fresh limes and your favorite tequila. While there are many variations to the traditional Margarita I still prefer mine made with fresh lime juice and poured over ice.
I have friends who only drink blended or frozen Margaritas and I’ve recently been introduced to a Beerarita! However you prefer your poison I have several great recipes that may help out your Cinco de Mayo celebration. While it is very easy to buy the pre-mixed Margarita in a bottle, I really do like to take the time to make my own as I can adjust sugars and ingredients as I see fit. It is also fun to play with seasonal ingredients if you are stepping away from the lime version and getting creative with fresh or frozen fruits.
Happy Cinco de Mayo and enjoy!
Traditional Lime Margarita Cocktail
- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz. Bauchant orange liqueur
- 2 oz. Patron Silver Tequila (I also use Corralejo Reposado and Sauza Blue Agave)
- Kosher Salt (optional)
- Lime slices for garnish (I like to cut into round wheels)
- Cocktail or large rocks glass
Add the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice. Shake well until the shaker gets frosty then strain into the cocktail or rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with the lime wheel. If you feel the Margarita is too tart feel free to add a dash of agave syrup to the mix before shaking!
Mango Frozen Margarita
- One 10-ounce bag frozen diced mango (you can change up the fruit and use strawberries, pineapple, raspberries, etc.)
- 2/3 cup Tequila (your choice but silver or Blanco is preferred)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (Bauchant, Cointreau, Triple Sec, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
Put the mango, tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur and sugar in a blender and blend until smooth. If you would prefer to use fresh fruit, please slice and freeze before using or you will have to add ice to the mixture to get it slushy. Any combination of fruit would be wonderful in this recipe!
Beer Margarita
- 12 oz. can of frozen limeade
- 12 oz. Tequila (your choice but silver or Blanco is preferred)
- 12 oz. water
- 12 oz. Corona, Victoria or Pacifico
- Lime slices for garnish
Pour limeade, Tequila, water and beer into a large pitcher and stir until the limeade is melted. It is very handy to use the empty limeade to measure the other ingredients! Pour over ice filled cocktail or rocks glasses and garnish with a wheel of lime.