Cinco de Mayo: A Celebration of Culture

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. The battle was a significant moment during the Franco-Mexican War, which began in 1861. The French forces, better equipped and larger in number, faced off against the smaller, less equipped Mexican army led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.

Despite being outnumbered and facing better-equipped troops, the Mexican forces managed to defeat the French at the Battle of Puebla. This victory was celebrated as a symbol of Mexican resilience and patriotism.

Cinco de Mayo is primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla in Mexico, where the battle took place, but it has also become a widely celebrated holiday in the United States, particularly among Mexican-American communities. In the U.S., Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, marked by parades, parties, traditional Mexican music, dance, and food.

One of the most popular celebratory drinks for Cinco de Mayo is the Margarita. It's a refreshing cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, usually served with ice in a salt-rimmed glass. The Margarita is iconic for its tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile, making it a perfect accompaniment to Mexican-inspired cuisine and festive celebrations.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Tasty Style

Pair a Classic Margarita with the Best Ever Guacamole (see recipes below).

Classic Margarita

Using Dulce Vida Tequila (One of Our Favorites)

Ingredients

• 2 oz Dulce Vida Tequila (blanco or reposado, depending on your preference)

• 1 oz fresh lime juice

• 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur

• Agave nectar or simple syrup (optional, to taste)

• Ice

• Salt (for rimming the glass)

• Lime wedge (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing your glass. Moisten the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge, then dip the rim into salt to coat it.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

3. Pour the Dulce Vida Tequila, fresh lime juice, and triple sec into the shaker.

4. If you prefer a sweeter Margarita, add a small amount of agave nectar or simple syrup to the shaker. Start with about 1/4 to 1/2 oz and adjust to taste.

5. Shake the ingredients vigorously until well-chilled, usually for about 15-20 seconds.

6. Strain the mixture into your prepared margarita glass filled with ice.

7. Garnish with a lime wedge on the rim of the glass.

8. Optionally, you can serve it straight up without ice if you prefer.

Best Ever Guacamole

The Perfect Complement to Your Classic Margarita

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados

• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced

• 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced

• 3 tbsp finely chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely diced

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced

• 1 lime, juiced

• Sea salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Slice the avocados in half, remove pit and scoop into a medium bowl.

2. Mash the avocado with a fork and make it as chunky or smooth as you’d like.

3. Add the remaining ingredients and stir together.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve guacamole with tortilla chips.