NXT 
Cinco de Mayo is around the corner (a week from today in fact!) and we need to get one thing straight: Cinco de Mayo is NOT the celebration of Mexican Independence — as many have been led to believe. It is a celebration in remembrance of when the French were defeated in Puebla. And in Mexico, Puebla is really the only place Cinco de Mayo is celebrated.
By no means is May 5th a national holiday here either, but it sure seems like it. People party in Phoenix, Minneapolis, Boise, Kill Devil Hills, Portland – all celebrating the Mexican defeat of the French army in Puebla, 1862. Who woulda thought! Viva Mexico!
Here in the states, the margarita reigns supreme as the most popular cocktail ordered, so we’ve decided to make make a week of it. Viva Puebla!
Growing up in San Diego, I do appreciate the Mexican culture, and with that we want to make sure you know how to order your margaritas the right way. Because there are many wrong ways.
- Keep it Traditional: Tequila, triple sec, lime juice and salt if you want. That’s it. Order that one. Forever.
- Hope they have good tequila, ask if you want to be safe.
- Ask for fresh lime or lemon juice, no mix.
- Most bars add sweet and sour to try and ruin the experience AND give you a hangover. Put an end to this.
- Never order it “skinny” unless you’re a girl (girls, we’re totally OK with this. Use the word classic instead.
- Blended is only OK if you are in the tropics and its before 11 am. So if you drink one blended, good work on getting yourself into that position.
- It’s OK to branch out in to the fancier fruit or futuristic concoctions if you are at a place that looks like they know what they are doing with good tequilas, expensive cocktail bar, etc. I love the carrot margarita at Flora Farm in Cabo San Lucas.
- If you’re in Mexico, order the cooler underground cousin of the margarita: The Paloma. Recipe coming soon…
We wont judge you if you’re planning to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, especially if you’re in Pueblo. But make sure you give your bartender a wink when you’re ordering your margarita the proper way. And if they balk, just get yourself a Modelo to be safe. Your margarita deserves respect, and to get the attention it deserves all year anyway.
Mr. Paloma, you’re up next…—Adam Warren
