Cinco de Mayo is a week away. Here are 5 drink ideas to liven up your party in an authentic way.
How do I know they’re “authentic”? I asked a real Mexican, my brother-in-law, who is from Monterrey and a skilled drink maker. Pour, stir, or shake these up and your friends will certainly be happy they came your way for the fiesta.
- Mezcalitas – a twist on the classic Margarita using mezcal (a popular, smoky distilled alcohol in Mexico and also found in the US) instead of tequila. Make a classic one or try a hibiscus one. Click here for Mezcalita recipes.
- Banderita – inspired by the colors of the Mexican flag, this drink is served in three small shots glasses lined up next to each other: red, white, green. This drink is not only fun, it’s super easy as it’s simply three shot glasses. One shot glass of lime juice, one shot glass of tequila (preferably use Don Julio 70, Siete Leguas, or Clase Azul Blanco) and one shot glass of sangrita. Click here for recipe for Banderita Recipe.
- Mexican Wine – the Mexcian wine industry is up and coming. It can be hard to find in the US, but quite good to drink. In particular, Mexico is known for its red wines that come from the Baja California’s region’s Guadalupe Valley. Though cooled by the coastal winds, the area needs grapes that can withstand the hot summers. Grapes that grow there are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, Zinfandel, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, and Nebbiolo. They also have white wines that include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier. These tend to be big wines as alcohol levels run high due to the warm environment. It is rumored that the President of Mexico drinks Baron Balch’e.
- Mexican Beer – stop your hand right there…don’t pick up the Corona! I know it’s advertised everywhere as a “Mexican” beer, but the Mexicans in America think the stuff is gringo. If you like light beer, try Sol, Pacifico or Dos Equis (XX) instead. Much better! Or, try Tecate beer from the north.
- Mexican Beer Drinks – If you want a twist on your beer, try these 3 easy to make drinks! Click here for Michelada recipes.
Michelada – tall glass rimmed with salt, one lime, one cold beer (Tecate is great for this!)
Michelada Cubana – spicy version of the classic Michelada
Clamato – the equivalent of the bloody mary version of the classic Michelada. Spicy, savoury, satisfying all in one
Pour some of these great drinks and serve some delicious Mexican food. These Baja Fish Tacos from Sweat Pea Chef (click here) are AMAZING! These Mexican black beans from Epicurious are super easy, quick, and big on flavor. Click here for the Mexican Black Bean Recipe.
Note: image is a personal photograph
