Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Most of us know it as another drinking holiday, where we enjoy margaritas, sip on Mexican beer and, for some of us, intake massive amounts of tequila. The real reason why the 5th of May is a day of celebration seems to be forgotten.

Here it is...best explained from the knowledgeable and talented Chef Jessica Jordan

CINCO DE MAYO::: the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This battle was significant because A) the Mexican soldiers (carrying household cutlery) were outnumbered by the well-equipped French army (not been defeated in 50 years) ...yet the Mexicans managed to crush them!!! B) no country in the Americas has EVER been invaded by a European military force since!

For those who want to steer away from the traditional

margarita today,but would still like to sip on the national

spirit of Mexico,here are a few recipes for alternatives

fromWith A Twist's mixologist, Troy.

Un hermoso beso " A Beautiful Kiss"

fresh watermelon, tequila, and fresh lime juice shaken and served up in a martini glass. Garnish with a fresh Watermelon wedge and Lime.

Una Margarita perfecta "A Perfect Margarita"

Tequila (preferably %100 agave blanco), cointreau, fresh squeezed lime juice. Served over ice with salt rim.

La Paloma "The Dove"

Tequila (preferably %100 agave reposado), fresh lime juice and grapefruit soda (Squirt works great). A simple, refreshing and bubbly take on the margarita. Served over rocks, rimmed salt is optional. Garnish with a lime.

Mango Margarita

Tequila (preferably %100 agave blanco), orange flavored liqueur (Grand Marnier), fresh lime juice and mango juice. Mango juice can be used from bottled mango's or concentrated mango juice. Served over ice and garnished with a fresh mango cube and lime.

Tequini

Tequila (preferably %100 agave reposado), orange juice, squeeze of fresh lime shaken and served in a martini glass. Then topped with grenadine and garnished with a lime wedge. This is an elegant and fun take on the Tequila Sunrise.

Ole

Tequila (preferably Gold), Triple sec (or Cointreau), fresh lime juice, splash of grenadine. Shaken and served in a martini glass. Garnished with a lime wedge.

El Caballero "The Gentleman"

Tequila (preferably %100 agave blanco), St. Germain (Elderberry liqueur), fresh lime juice. Shaken and served over ice and garnished with a lime.

Iced Mexuccino

Cafe Patron (coffee flavored tequila), Kahlua, Cream (either half and half or milk). Shaken and served over ice. This is a Cinco De Mayo take on the iced cappuccino.

Hope you all enjoy.

Salud!