Best Cinco de Mayo Fiesta ft. Margs, Tequila, Mezcal & More

When you look at the calendar and see Cinco de Mayo fast approaching, you may find your liquor shelf lacking some festivity—namely, tequila and/or mezcal. Have no fear! We are here to arm you with everything you need to know about tequila and mezcal so you can celebrate properly. 

What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila?

Both mezcal and tequila are agave-based Mexican spirits that follow similar preparation and distilling methods. Mezcal is often considered a “smoky tequila,” but tequila is actually a form of mezcal, not the other way around.

Mezcal and tequila are distinct in two key ways: the species of agave plant from which they originate and the sugar extraction method.

The first distinction: the agave plant itself. Approximately 30 of the 200 agave plant species—spiny-leaved plants that could be confused for cacti—have carbohydrate-rich stems that are used to make mezcal. Tequila, on the other hand, is officially derived from only one agave species: the blue agave.

The second mezcal/tequila distinction: how the heart of the agave is turned into sugar. For tequila, the starchy heart—or piña—of the blue agave is typically steamed to extract the fermentable sugars from their starchy, pineapple-looking stems. In contrast, after agave piñas are harvested for mezcal production, they are roasted underground and then crushed by a large stone before they are fermented. Traditional roasting and crushing is done by a mezcalero and his oxen, mules, or bulls.

Choosing Tequila by Age

With that covered, let’s go a little deeper into tequila, as it tends to be the crowd favorite when making margaritas. Maybe you’re looking for a tequila to sip on, or maybe you want to pick the perfect match for a margarita. Either way, you want to know your tequila by age.

When you’re picking a tequila, be sure to look for 100% agave for a true tasting experience. Some tequilas are not 100% agave and may have additional sugars or additives in the bottle.

A Quick Guide to Tequila by Age

• Blanco: With aging that usually does not exceed two months, blanco tequila can be crisp and clean when well done, such as the Casamigos Blanco.
• Reposado: A good age for mixing with margaritas and other drinks, reposado tequilas are aged two months to one year in oak barrels. Patron Reposado fits the bill for a sipper or an elevated cocktail.
• Anejo: One to three years in oak barrels for anejo tequilas often bring out the agave and other flavors. Don Julio has made a name for itself for a reason, and their anejo does not disappoint.
• Extra Anejo: Anything over three years of oak aging falls into the extra anejo category, and this is where collectibles and creativity can come into play. You’ll find such an ultimate experience with Tears of Llorona Extra Viejo.

As for mezcal, smokiness does not have to be the only characteristic. Even though that smokiness may be the most recognized mezcal characteristic in the United States, the spirit has a broad range of flavor profiles: vegetable, citrus, vanilla, chocolate, and a host of others.

Crafting the Perfect Margarita

Now that we’ve explored the differences between mezcal and tequila, let’s turn our attention to the star of the Cinco de Mayo celebration: the margarita! Whether you prefer the smoky depth of mezcal or the crispness of tequila, there’s a margarita recipe to suit your taste.

Classic Margarita with Tequila

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces tequila
• 1 ounce triple sec
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Instructions:

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip the rim into salt.
• Fill the glass with ice.
• In a shaker, combine tequila, triple sec, and lime juice with ice.
• Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

Smoky Mezcal Margarita

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces mezcal
• 1 ounce triple sec
• 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
• Tajín seasoning for rimming the glass
• Lime wheel for garnish

Instructions:

• Run a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and dip the rim into Tajín seasoning.
• Fill the glass with ice.
• In a shaker, combine mezcal, triple sec, and lime juice with ice.
• Shake well and strain into the prepared glass.
• Garnish with a lime wheel.

Beyond the Margarita: Other Cinco de Mayo Cocktails

You may be looking for a little more adventure this year. If that’s the case, consider a few alternatives to the classic Cinco de Mayo margarita with these festive drinks:

• Paloma
• Tequila Daisy
• Blueberry Margarita
• Picante de la Casa
• Oaxaca Old Fashioned

More in the mood for beer with a twist? We’ve got you covered with this ultimate beergarita recipe.

Cinco de Mayo Salsa and Guacamole Recipes

Now that you’re all set on the beverage front, let’s get your munchies in order. Kick your Cinco de Mayo into gear using these three classic snack recipes:

Fresh Salsa Recipe

• Soak 1/2 cup chopped white onion in cold water for 15 minutes, then drain.
• Toss onion with 3 diced tomatoes, 1 diced seeded jalapeño, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/3 cup chopped cilantro.
• Add lime juice and salt to taste.

Salsa Verde Recipe

• Toss 1 pound husked tomatillos, 1 jalapeño, and 2 unpeeled garlic cloves with olive oil and salt.
• Broil until charred, then let cool.
• Peel the garlic and puree it with the tomatillos, jalapeño, 2 scallions, and 1/2 cup cilantro.
• Add lime juice and salt to taste.

Chunky Guacamole Recipe

• Mash 3 avocados.
• Stir in 1/4 cup diced white onion, 1/2 cup diced plum tomato, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 diced seeded jalapeño.
• Add lime juice and salt to taste.

Need more ideas to pair with your Cinco de Mayo drinks? We don’t blame you; it’s only right to be prepared with a serious spread for snacking. Start with these recipes, and go down the rabbit hole of Cinco de Mayo munchies.

Let the fiesta begin!