Gloomy April showers are a thing of the past! Finally, it's May and everyone is ready to kick off the warm season with the first holiday of summer - Cinco de Mayo! Cinco de Mayo celebrations come in many forms … food, parades, fiestas, Mariachi bands, and of course - margaritas.
If you’re craving a creative twist for this lime-y tradition, follow these helpful guidelines and yummy recipes for a fabulously unforgettable fiesta!
Before You Start:
While there are dozens of ways to make a memorable margarita, there are some key concepts to make your margarita absolutely top notch. For example, by using only the freshest ingredients and properly garnishing your glass, you can be sure your favorite summer drink will be the hit of your Cinco de Mayo celebration!
- Using all fresh ingredients includes tossing that pre-made margarita mix right into la basura! Instead, try whipping up your own simple syrup for a truly authentic flavor. Don’t worry … making simple syrup is just as the name suggests - simple!
- Combine 1 cup of white or raw sugar with 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium to high heat. Use a whisk to dissolve the sugar and bring to a boil. Next, remove from heat to cool. Combine your concoction with your other margarita ingredients and enjoy. You’ll never want to purchase a pre-made bottle of that green slime again!
- Garnishing the rim of your margarita glass isn’t just for looks - the taste on the rim can actually make or break the entire cocktail!
- Whether you’re a fan of sweet sugar or lean more on the salty side, pour your preference onto a plate or into a shallow bowl. Next, rub a fresh lime wedge along the edge of the glass and dip the rim into your salt or sugar. Add ice and your ingredients into your beautifully prepared glass and you’re all set!
1) Bubbly Champagne Margarita
For a creative way to celebrate this Cinco de Mayo, host a brunch with some of your closest amigos! Brunches are typically served with a refreshing mimosa but keeping with the theme of Cinco de Mayo, a must-try drink on your menu should be this Bubbly Champagne Margarita!
Directions: Combine the tequila, lime juice, your homemade simple syrup, and orange liqueur in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake vigorously for about 15 - 30 seconds. Using a strainer, pour over ice into your prepared glass. Top your drink with champagne according to your taste ... however much you'd like! For a pop of color, add a couple of fresh raspberries or a slice of orange in with your lime garnish. Let's get bubbly!
2) Blended Watermelon Margarita
Nothing represents the sunny season more than a bright bowl of sweet, juicy watermelon wedges. But what if you squeeze those watermelon wedges into a frosty glass with some fresh lime juice and a splash of tequila? Now, that’s SUMMER!
Directions: First, cut up 1 cup of seedless watermelon into chunks. Toss the watermelon chunks in a blender with the tequila, and orange liqueur, and a handful of ice. Set your blender on high until all the ice and watermelon are smooth and frothy. Pour your radiantly red creation into a prepared glass and garnish with a lime. So refreshing ...
3) Cotton Candy Margarita
Some people claim to have a sweet tooth, while others have a whole mouth of them! Well, this Cotton Candy Margarita is especially for those extreme dessert lovers out there. This Cinco de Mayo, opt out of the traditional flan or Tres Leches and go with something a little more … fluffy!
Directions: Combine cotton candy, lime juice, tequila, orange liqueur, vodka, and ice into your cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 15 - 30 seconds. Use your strainer to pour over ice. Garnish with a poof of cotton candy and you have the perfect drink as a festive dessert. Sweet!
4) Blueberry Lavender Margarita
If your Cinco de Mayo plans include relaxing by the pool and doing literally nothing else, the Blueberry Lavender Margarita is the perfect drink for you. We suggest making it in a large pitcher ... so you won’t have to get up for refills!
Directions: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add the tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice, lemonade, crushed blueberries, and lavender syrup to the shaker. Shake vigorously and strain the mixture into your prepared glass. Garnish your glass with a lime wedge and a long, bendy straw for minimal arm-lifting effort. Put on your darkest sunglasses, kick up your feet, and practice saying, "Dejame solo!”
5) Jalapeño Grapefruit Margarita
What would Cinco de Mayo be without a little heat to spice up your margarita? If you like living on the culinary edge, get your tastebuds to do the Mexican Cha Cha with this Jalapeño Grapefruit Margarita.
Directions: In a separate glass, pour the tequila over your desired amount of sliced jalapeño and let it marinate for about 10 - 15 minutes (feel free to take this time to practice your Mariachi voice or snack on some guacamole). Strain the tequila into a cocktail shaker and add in the grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Vigorously shake for about 15 - 30 seconds. Rim your glass with the salt and chili powder, add ice, then strain the mixture into your glass. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and some lime. You might want to enjoy your drink next to a fire extinguisher … just in case!
Whether your plans include a fiesta, a siesta, or both - no Cinco de Mayo plans are truly complete without a tasty margarita in tow. With a recipe fit for every style, there's sure to be a flavor you and your friends to enjoy for every Cinco de Mayo to come!
After the party has settled down, remember that Mother's Day is right around the corner ... May 12th to be exact! If you're still stuck on what to get Mom, then give her the gift of ultimate relaxation with one of our Mother's Day Gift Sets. The deadline to order one of these bodacious boxes is May 7th, so get on it quick! Ándale!