With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, it’s time to prepare for the festivities. A large part of Cinco de Mayo is gathering with friends and family and celebrating over a drink.
The Cinco de Mayo margarita is a signature drink, so let’s dive into a bit more information about this exquisite beverage.
A Bit About Cinco de Mayo
Although this holiday is simply an excuse to drink and party hard for many people, Cinco de Mayo has a rich history. Cinco de Mayo means the fifth of May, and it commemorates Mexico’s victory against France at the Battle of Puebla.
The Battle of Puebla occurred during the Franco-Mexican War, which lasted from 1861-1867. France invaded Mexico intending to establish a rule favorable to the French.
Ironically, Cinco de Mayo is a relatively minor holiday in Mexico, but many people in the US use it to honor Mexican heritage and culture.
One popular misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day. This is false – Cinco de Mayo honors the Battle of Puebla only. Before that battle, France was confident it would take Mexico. It sent 6,000 troops to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, but a force of 2,000 Mexican men defeated the French.
Although strategically insignificant, overcoming such odds fortified the desire for Mexican independence. In 1867, France withdrew from Mexico after much Mexican opposition and military and political aid from the United States to Mexico.
Where Did Margaritas Originate?
Nobody’s entirely sure what the origin of the margarita is, but there are a few common theories.
The first theory is that Mexican restaurant owner Carlos Herrera invented the margarita for a Ziegfeld showgirl in 1938. This showgirl, Marjorie King, was allergic to alcohol, but not tequila. However, King disliked taking straight shots of tequila. The story goes that Herrera mixed tequila with lime and salt to present King with the first-ever margarita.
Another theory is that the margarita originated from a cocktail known as the daisy. This drink involves grenadine, citrus juice, and alcohol and was incredibly popular in the 1930s and 1940s. In Spanish, margarita means daisy, so it’s thought that the Spanish version of the daisy transformed into a traditional margarita.
There are a few other theories regarding the origin of the margarita, some involving socialites, others involving singers and theater entertainers, but the exact origin is unknown.
Related: 10 Drinking Myths
Cinco de Mayo Margaritas
Margaritas are notoriously simple to make, so they’re perfect for parties such as Cinco de Mayo. You’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 oz tequila
- Ice cubes
- 1 oz Simple Syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water)
- 2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of salt, sugar, and lime (involves zest of one lime and 2 tablespoons salt and sugar)
- ½ to 1 teaspoon of orange liquor
You’ll want to combine all ingredients except #5 into a shaker. Shake until chilled and properly mixed. Then, take some chilled glasses and press them into the salt, sugar, and lime combination to line the glass with a classic lime-salt-sugar rim.
When selecting tequila, remember that not all tequilas are alike. Only tequila with 100% agave should be mixed into a cocktail. If the bottle doesn’t say that right in front, then there many diluting additives in it.
Pressed for time and looking for an outstanding margarita? Rancho La Gloria has you covered! Browse our selection of high-quality tequilas in time for Cinco de Mayo. We offer various flavors, including mango, peach, watermelon, and more.
Check out this Spicy Mango Gummy Margarita:
Related: How To Drink A Margarita
When Did Margaritas Become Popular for Cinco De Mayo?
Margaritas are slushy and tasty, so both bartenders and drinkers enjoy them. The frozen margarita machine was created by Mariano Martinez in the early 1970s, meaning margaritas became far easier to serve in restaurants.
Thus, restaurants that hosted Cinco de Mayo parties could easily serve up margaritas to meet customer demands.
Miller and Anheuser-Busch began creating marketing departments dedicated to promoting “Hispanic” drinks. They are in part why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated by people of all ethnicities in the US and why margaritas are connected to the holiday.
In the end, for many, Cinco de Mayo teaches us about Mexican history and culture. That may just mean serving some margaritas with it.
Related: The Best Ready-to-Drink Cocktails You Can Buy in 2021
Cinco de Mayo Tequila for Margaritas
Roca Patrón Silver
Although a bit pricier, this tequila is known for its extraction process. Roca uses a tahona stone to press agave, as it’s believed this adds flavor. You can buy Roca for $75 on Wine.com. This tequila adds a warm and spicy finish.
Don Julio Reposado Double Cask Lagavulin
If you’re looking to craft spicy margaritas, consider this variety of tequila. It bears a cinnamon and chocolate finish and a smoky infusion. In this edition in particular, the alcohol is finished in casks.
ElVelo Blanco
Blanco tequila is clear and unaged, making it a staple for margaritas. ElVelo is pure but also affordable, designed with cocktails in mind. Experts say to expect some hints of mint, grass, and stone fruit after drinking ElVelo Blanco.
Espolón Blanco
If you’re looking to party on a budget, espolón blanco is a great option for you. This tequila is excellent, both taste-wise and price-wise, and is known for its high sugar content.
Conclusion
Cinco de Mayo is a joyous holiday celebrating a significant battle in the war for Mexican independence. Today, it’s a time for many to gather, enjoy, and drink margaritas.
This Cinco de Mayo drink is notoriously easy to make, you’ll just need some high-quality tequila to go in it.
Rancho La Gloria makes delicious ready-to-drink Cinco de Mayo margaritas for those of us who’d rather enjoy the holiday than bartend. Choose from various flavors and surprise your guests with a margarita like no other. Learn more today!
Related: 10 Great Margarita Party Ideas