Today is Cinco de Mayo, a national Mexican holiday. This date is not to be confused with Mexican Inependence Day which is technically a bigger celebration in terms of Mexican holidays and falls on 16th September. Cinco de Mayo is observed to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5th, 1862. General Ignacio Zaragoza defeated the French troops securing a victory for Mexico resulting in rising sales of tequila, enchiladas and quesadillas on this day ever since.
I love proper Mexican food, due to the informal combination of spice, flavour and character. Chillies, salsa and a good guacamole combined with pork or chicken in a kick-ass mole served in a taco or a warm tortilla can be a thing of beauty.
But what should you have in your glass..?
As ever, there are lots of options. If you’re going alcohol-free, you should try the Jugo de Vampiro (vampire juice) from Thomasina Miers’ excellent book Mexican Food Made Simple. She takes two apples, two scrubbed clean carrots, two scrubbed clean beetroots and the juice of a lime…everything is cut into chunks and thrown into a juicer. Blend and serve immediately in chilled glasses. It’s absolutely delicious, and also very good for you.
I’m a big fan of sipping good tequila with a plate of spicy food in front of me. It’s a very underrated spirit, and certainly worth exploring. Look out for examples made from 100% agave, and you won’t be disappointed. Here are two to try this weekend.
Tapatio Blanco Tequila 110, 55% (Inverarity One to One, £31.99, 50cl). This is a very special, cask strength Tapatio. It’s incredibly approachable especially considering the ABV (alcohol by volume) and the fact that it’s had no cask ageing to soften the spirit. It also makes a seriously good margarita.
Fortaleza Tequila Reposado, 40% (Inverarity One to One, £66.99). This is quite simply one of the best tequilas on the market. If you have yet to be converted to this amazing beverage, this is the brand to convince you. It’s soft and approachable with notes of caramel, apples, herbs and spice. It’s complex and moreish, and certainly worth the money. Cheers!
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