On May 5, 1862 Mexican soldiers won a hard fought battle over the French in Puebla, Mexico. Since that day Cinco de Mayo (Fifth of May) has become a celebration of Mexican heritage, filled with parties, food, fun, cerveza and, of course, tequila. To help you plan your Cinco de Mayo party I've compiled a list of the best tequila and Mexican-inspired cocktails. Many of these cocktails feature tropical fruit mixers, a perfect springtime accent for the premium distilled spirits that the drinks are designed to show off. As always, party responsibly. Salud!
1. Mexi-tini
Photo Courtesy of: c Van Gogh Vodka
Orange is the premiere flavor of this Mexi-tini, which features orange-infused vodka, tequila and orange juice. The Mexi-tini is an easy flavored Martini that brings a little sunshine to the spring celebration of Cinco de Mayo.
2. Paloma
The Paloma is one of the more traditional mixed drinks enjoyed throughout Mexico. For the best Paloma, choose a high quality blanco or reposado tequila, which will be perfectly complimented by the sweet, tart grapefruit juice.3. Grenada
Take a Tequila Sunrise, replace the orange juice with grapefruit juice, and you'll have yourself one great Grenada. This tart, sweet citrus cocktail is a wonderful springtime drink and since this particular recipe it features one of the best small batch tequilas available (Tezon) it's perfect for Cinco de Mayo.4. Maya Magic
Photo Courtesy of: c Van Gogh Vodka
Okay, so there's no tequila in this cocktail but it is an absolutely delicious, fruity drink nonetheless. What it is is a mix of mango and pineapple vodkas, triple sec and cranberry juice. Think of it as a tropical Cosmopolitan, only I'll go out on a limb and say the Maya Magic is better.
5. Tamarind Margarita
Although I had never tasted tamarind before my first Tamarind Margarita, my first sip started an instant love affair with the fruit and, I'll admit, this is by far my favorite blended Margarita. It has tart, sweet and sour taste that is enhanced by only the best reposado tequilas.6. Toronha
Chill out on Cinco de Mayo with this flavor-filled frozen cocktail. Simply combine the delectable tequilas of Tezon (or other super-premium brand) with grapefruit, pomegranate and orange and you've created a blended fruit medley in a glass.7. Old Lay
You'll hear it from me time and again, gold is not where it's at when we're talking tequilas. However for those die hards for Tequila Shots who are emptying a bottle of Jose Cuevo Gold, here's a cocktail for you when you want to slow down. And, it's easy enough to shake up that you'll still be able to handle it, even after your third shot.8. Crouching Tiger
For those who are searching for an awesome tequila shot that doesn't prepare you for a horrible morning, take it easy with a Crouching Tiger. This simple shooter of tequila and lychee liqueur is like east meets south with a brief, flowery brush along the path to inebriation.9. Freddie Fuddpucker
Forget your Harvey Wallbanger for a day, for Cinco de Mayo transform it into a Freddie Fuddpucker instead. Pairing a good, full-agave-flavored tequila (as opposed to vodka) with the unique spiciness of Galliano is a nice change of pace with an earthiness that is perfect for spring celebrations.10. Dulce de Tequila
Get decadent, authentic Mexican by following your Cinco de Mayo dinner with Pan Dulce for dessert served alongside this candy-like cocktail. A Dulce de Tequila, with it's tequila, Cognac, Cointreau and agave nectar, is a great compliment for the traditional sugary bread.
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