Every 5th of May, people throw parties and restaurants have some kind of discount to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. For a little background on the day, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of the Mexican army’s defeat over the French at the Battle of Puebla 1862 as part of the Franco-Mexican War. (It is not to be confused with Mexican Independence Day, which is celebrated in September.) There were over twice as many soldiers for the French as there were for the Mexicans, yet the Mexican army came out victorious. The victory bolstered the resistance, and with the help of the US, the French withdrew in 1867. The day is celebrated every year in the Mexico state of Puebla, but other parts of the country celebrate as well. Cinco de Mayo is actually celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico as a celebration of the Mexican culture and heritage.
So if you’re looking to throw your own celebration, or are simply in the mood to try a delicious new drink, then I have a recommendation from 40 aprons for you. It’s a champagne margarita, and honestly, how can you go wrong?
Ingredients:
- 3 ounces tequila
- 2 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup, recipe follows
- ½ to 1 teaspoon orange liqueur
- Dry champagne or sparkling wine, to top
- Fresh lime juice, to rim
- Kosher salt, to rim
- Ice cubes
- Simple syrup:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
How to Make:
- Make simple syrup: combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat and whisk to dissolve sugar. Bring to a boil then remove from heat and cool. Store in an airtight container in the fridge, up to one month.
- To make a champagne margarita: Prepare your glass. Pour fresh lime juice in a shallow bowl or plate that’s just large enough to dip your margarita glass in and pour a layer of kosher salt in another shallow bowl or plate. Dip rim of glass in lime juice then in kosher salt, then add ice. Combine tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice and shake vigorously. Pour over ice into prepared glass and top with champagne–about 2-4 tablespoons will do it, but it’s totally up to your own taste!
So whether you are celebrating Cinco de Mayo or are just looking for a new drink to try, enjoy!
¡Salud!