Shaking Things Up For Cinco De Mayo With These Cocktails

We are shaking things up for Cinco de Mayo with these cocktails. The annual fiesta takes place on a Friday this year so chances are, the tequila will be flowing even more freely and through the weekend. Margaritas are the signature cocktails of this annual celebration. There are so many ways to make them including sweet, with fruits like strawberries and mangos. In addition, they can be smoky and spicy with jalapenos and mezcal. Getting the right mix of sweet and tart is key.

The photo above is the Marky Marg using rapper/actor Mark Wahlberg's Flecha Azul Tequila. It's featured at On The Border restaurants nationwide. The tequila is additive free and the cocktail simply has lime juice, lime agave and triple sec.

A good margarita inspired cocktail isn't just about the balance of tart and sweet, it also relies heavily on the tequila. Not all are created equally. It's not just because there are silver, reposado and anejo to choose from. It's also about the distillation process where the spirit is refined. Take for instance the new PATRÓN EL CIELO. Makers say it is the first four-times distilled prestige tequila on the market. Unlike the sturdy, signature PATRÓN bottle, this one comes in sleek glass with gold designs said to be inspired but the volcanic tahona stone used to produce the tequila. PATRÓN also has a contest underway for an over the top experience at the Miami Grand Prix taking place this weekend. Their Pit Stop Party sounds like a blast.

There are so many great tequilas on the market that won't break the bank. The ones used in the recipes below all have great stories. But best of all, they really do have great flavor and are quality sprits. Consider stocking the bar with a few of these. In the meantime, we are shaking things up for Cinco de Mayo with these cocktails and easy to follow recipes. I've even include a Margarita Mocktail for those abstaining from alcohol. Cheers!

Perhaps a citrusy margarita is not your thing but you still want to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tequila. Try this martini from PATRÓN

Add all to a mixing glass, and stir with ice. Pour neat into a chilled Nick & Nora glass, garnish with orange twist. Glassware: Martini or nick & nora/cocktail glass.  Use cubed ice (for stirring) and garnish with an orange “bee” twist

The Fiero Margarita is a citrusy spin on the classic margarita. It uses Martini & Rossi’s Fiero, a low ABV aperitivo with a fiery color and zesty, fruity flavors . It's super easy for Cinco de Mayo.

Ingredients
· 1.5 oz Patron Silver
· .75 oz Martini & Rossi Fiero
· .75 oz fresh lime juice
· .5 oz simple syrup (1:1)

Shake ingredients with ice and strain into rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a lime wheel, and salt rim optional

This recipe comes from the folks at Gracias a Dios, a handmade, ultra-premium mezcal from Oaxaca with a deep commitment to family values and Mexican culture. Gracias a Dios, which translates to Thank God, uses eco-friendly practices that include water conservation, solar energy, and recyclable materials.

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake to combine and chill. Double strain into highball glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice

This recipe comes from Tequila Bribón, a 100% blue agave tequila made from fully matured 8- to 10-year-old agaves, all harvested by hand. Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, the brand has just released a sleek new label design that matches the quality of their ultra-premium spirit.

Born of the lush, volcanic soil of Mexico’s tequila valley, Próspero Tequila is designed by Stella Anguiano, one of the rare female Master Distillers in the country. Chief Creative Partner is non other than pop star Rita Ora. The two make a smooth and balanced tequila. It is as elegant as the bottles the spirit is packaged in. Cheers to girl power!

1 oz Próspero Blanco
1 oz Chambord
2 oz Grapefruit Juice

Combine all ingredients into a shaker. Add ice & shake vigorously for about 10 seconds, or until the shaker is cold. Pour into a Martini glass.

Margaritas can pack in some calories depending on the mixers. You can't beat a good "skinny" version like this one from Milagro tequila. The brand also has Batch & Bottle, a pre-mixed combination of silver tequila, tangy lime juice and the right amount of sweet if you prefer to just open a bottle and pour over ice.

Perhaps you're cutting back on alcohol, on a cleanse or just don't consume it. Then here is a non-alcoholic alternative to the margarita. It's from Waterloo Sparkling Water.

In a glass filled with ice, add orange juice, grapefruit juice and top with Waterloo Lemon-Lime. Stir well and garnish with lemon and lime wheels. If preferred, salt rim of glass in advance.

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