It’s Almost Cinco De Mayo. Let’s, Have A Margarita!

America's favorite Mexican holiday occurs annually on May 5 when Mexicans recognize their county's victory over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.While the holiday is relatively minor in Mexico, Americans use the opportunity to commemorate the culture and heritage of our neighbors to the south. 

A fun fact: the margarita was created largely by accident. A bartender in Tijuana added tequila to what was supposed to be a Brandy Daisy cocktail. The result was an instant success and one of the most popular drinks on restaurant menus today. 

So how do you make the perfect margarita?
While there are plenty of variations, a classic margarita contains tequila, agave nectar and lime juice. Salt the rim of the glass for the perfect finishing touch. Expand on the classic by adding flavors like passion fruit, cucumber or even prickly pear for a truly unique approach to the margarita.

If margaritas aren't for you, try a Paloma instead. This refreshing cocktail blends tequila, lime juice, a pinch of salt and grapefruit soda. It's the perfect accompaniment to a hot summer day!

But if you really want to impress guests at your Cinco de Mayo party, serve a mezcal-based cocktail.

Like tequila, mezcal is produced using a wider variety of agave plants (tequila is made from blue agave) which are slow-roasted instead of steamed. As a result, mezcal tastes earthier and smokier than tequila. 

Today's mezcals are of better quality than in years past, and small-batch versions are becoming widely available in the U.S. Sip like a whiskey or include mezcal in a cocktail for remarkable flavor combination. 

If you don't want to go to the trouble of finding a good quality mezcal and crafting a cocktail for your Cinco de Mayo celebration, visit an Atlanta area restaurant like Twisted Taco that offers a wide variety of Mexican cocktails. You'll enjoy a delectable Mexican meal paired with a one-of-a-kind cocktail!