The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico, and especially in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually September 16.
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo has become increasingly popular along the U.S.-Mexico border and in parts of the U.S. that have a high population of people with a Mexican heritage. In these areas the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, of food, music, beverage and customs unique to Mexico.
Tres Agaves bartender Cristian Lara prepares what he calls the perfect margarita - Photo by Sena Christian
Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also had a hand in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverages and festivities, with music playing a more visible role as well. Several cities throughout the U.S. hold parades and concerts during the week following up to May 5th, so that Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger holiday north of the border than it is to the south, and is being adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year.
Now we’d advise drinking your tequila straight-up…but if you fancy something a bit more jovial during your festivities today then Tres Agaves bartender Cristian Lara has what he considers to be the perfect Margarita.
Recipe for the perfect margarita:
1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice
1 oz. Tres Agaves house-made agave nectar
2 oz. 100 percent Blue Agave tequila
Squeeze out 1 ounce of lime juice and pour over ice in a large glass. Add 1 ounce of agave nectar and 2 ounces of 100 percent Blue Agave tequila. Cover and shake glass. Pour fresh ice into a new glass and pour in mixed drink.
Recipe Source: Cristian Lara, Tres Agaves Mexican Kitchen and Tequila Lounge
