4 x Tequila Cocktails to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo!

 

What is Cinco de Mayo?

Cinco de Mayo, which is Spanish for Fifth of May, is also known as the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. A holiday that is celebrated in the US and parts of Mexico, honouring the 1862 victory of the outnumbered Mexican military over the French forces.

4 x Tequila Cocktails to Celebrate!

Who celebrates Cinco de Mayo?

The conflict began in 1861 when the president of Mexico stopped paying interest on the money he owed several countries, including France. In response, the French army invaded Mexico and tried to take over the country. Today, celebrations in Mexico are most widespread in Puebla itself – traditions include military parades, recreations of the Battle of Puebla and other festivities. It isn’t a federal holiday so the day is like most others for most people in Mexico.

Cinco de Mayo was first celebrated in the US in 1863 in Southern California. By the 1930s the holiday became an opportunity to celebrate Mexican identity. Mexican Americans celebrate by wearing festive dress and participating in parades. Tacos, guacamole and tequila drinks are centric to the festivities.

It isn’t widely celebrated outside of the US and Mexico but it is starting to become a part of the international calendar.

Common misconceptions about Cinco de Mayo

• Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day (which is actually on 19th September)
• Cinco de Mayo and Day of the Dead are the same day (on 2nd of November)
• Cinco de Mayo is a public holiday in the US & Mexico

Cinco de Mayo Tequila Cocktails

Types of Tequila

Blanco Tequila

• A clear tequila that is also known as “silver” or “plata” tequila
• Typically a blanco is unaged and exhibits strong agave flavours

Reposado Tequila

• A golden coloured tequila
• Aged for a minimum of 2 months but less than a year
• “Reposado” translates to “aged” or “rested”
• Typically aged in white oak and French oak which imparts woody notes and softens the tequila

Añejo Tequila

• Compared to reposado, añejo tequila is darker in color, more complex, richer, and smoother in flavour.
• Aged for a minimum of one year but less than three years
• Can only be aged in 600 litre barrels or less
• Typically aged in ex-whiskey barrels, French oak casks, or cognac barrels.
• “Añejo” means “old” in Spanish
• Typically a sipping tequila

Extra Añejo Tequila

• Dark in colour with a shade of mahogany
• Aged for a minimum of three years
• Can only be aged in 600 litre barrels or less
• Only recognised by the Mexican government since 2006
• Generally the more expensive type of tequila due to the long aging process
• The smoothest tequila, ideal for sipping

 

Recommended Tequilas