Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Tequila and Chili-Based Cocktails

Cinco de Mayo is a special date celebrated with joy, especially in the United States, despite it being a Mexican holiday. But what exactly is commemorated on this date? Why is it celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico? How can we join the celebration in a unique way? Discover it while exploring the fascinating world of tequila and chili-based cocktails.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a historical event that took place in 1862 in Mexico. It was a confrontation between the Mexican army—led by General Ignacio Zaragoza—and the French forces, which were considered one of the most powerful armies in the world at that time. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, the Mexican army achieved victory over the French!

But why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated in the United States and not in Mexico?

Although Cinco de Mayo is an important date in Mexican history, the largest and most colorful celebration takes place in the United States. The main reason lies in the cultural influence and Mexican diaspora in US territory. Let’s just say that, in the United States, Cinco de Mayo has become an excuse to celebrate and honor Latino heritage and Mexican culture with parades, music, folk dances, and, of course, tacos and tequila!

Have a “Spicy” Cinco de Mayo 

This is a great opportunity to celebrate the “spiciness” of a battle and some good Mexican chilies, incorporating them into our cocktails!

Chilies are fruits of various species of plants in the genus Capsicum. They vary greatly in shape, size, color, and, of course, spiciness. As you know, they have been a fundamental ingredient in Mexican cuisine since ancient times. Whether green, fresh, chopped, cooked, roasted, dried, or in sauce, they are essential for accompanying dishes of Mexican cuisine, as they add flavor and depth.

According to the UNAM Foundation, there are 250 species of chilies in Mexico.

Perhaps the most famous chili around the world is the jalapeño. Did you know that, when allowed to ripen and smoke until it becomes dry and reddish, it turns into chipotle? The same happens with the chilaca chili: when it is allowed to dry, it becomes pasilla, and the difference in flavor is astonishing! 

Since we are talking about the Battle of Puebla, we must remember that the chili that bears its name, chile poblano, is famous for being the protagonist of chiles en nogada, one of Mexico’s most celebrated dishes. Another fun fact is that chili poblano becomes chile ancho once it dries. 

Other famous chilies include: chile de árbol, guajillo, pasilla, güero, habanero, serrano (these two are too spicy), and piquín, among others.

The truth is that each region of Mexico has its own preferred chili varieties, which adds even more richness to the country’s gastronomy.

Chilies: an incredibly versatile ingredient in mixology

Chilies are an incredibly versatile ingredient in mixology. They add an exciting spicy touch, color, aroma, and complexity to cocktails.

Some popular chilies for use in tequila-based cocktails include jalapeño, habanero, serrano, and poblano.

Both blanco and reposado tequilas have qualities that complement the spicy and earthy flavors of chilies. Altos Plata, with its fresh and slightly sweet flavor profile, balances the spiciness of chilies in a refreshing way. Meanwhile, Altos Reposado, aged in oak barrels, brings notes of vanilla and caramel that harmonize wonderfully with the heat of chilies.

In conclusion, this Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity to surprise your customers, friends, and family and enjoy delicious tequila in chili-based cocktails. Whether you choose a refreshing jalapeño margarita or a different cocktail, make sure to toast to the culture, history, and diversity that make this date so special.

Cheers, and happy Cinco de Mayo!

Spicy Drinks Recipes 




Pinche Cha Paloma

This paloma was created for the day after a night of partying, like in Mexico when we usually go for a beer with clamato and some sea food, both with spicy salsas. Of course it’s also inspired in part by the bloody mary, but the Mexican version—with Tajín, salsa and tequila. I love to serve this paloma at brunches and summer events. Try different garnishes depending on your theme or event, and experiment with different chiles.

— Carlos Andrés Ramírez, Global Advocacy Manager Altos Tequila

Ingredients

• 60 ml Altos Reposado
• 10 ml fresh lime juice
• 30 ml fresh grapefruit juice 
• 30 ml tomato juice
• 3 dashes of hot sauce
• 1 dash of celery bitters
•   Salt and ground chile mix, for rim


  
  

Method

Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice and toss.  Pour into tumbler rimmed with salt and ground chile mix. Garnish with celery stalk, slice of grapefruit and pickled chiles.

Spicy Watermelon

Very fruity and fresh, the tequila and watermelon are pushed forward by the lime and the slight spiciness of the Ancho Reyes.

Ingredients

• 40 ml Altos Plata
• 20 ml Ancho Reyes Verde
• 15 ml basil syrup
• 45 ml fresh watermelon juice 
• 20 ml fresh lime juice 

  
  

Method

Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain to a tumbler filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a small watermelon triangle and a basil leaf. 

Habanero Mango Margarita

Spicy habanero chiles are cooled by fresh mango notes, followed by the savory notes of the cilantro. These are flavors that we know go well together (think of any salsa). The finished product should be smooth and frosty. If you like the look of this drink but don’t like spicy flavors, skip the habaneros for a sweet tropical treat.

Ingredients

• 30 ml Altos Plata 
• 25 ml fresh lime juice 
• 15 ml agave syrup
• 1/4 cup ripe mango 
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
• 2 thin slices of habanero pepper


  
  

Method

Blend all ingredients together with ice until smooth, like a slushie. Garnish with mango slice and chile coins.