Happy Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo (the 5th of May) is celebrated nationwide in the United States and regionally in Mexico, not notably in Puebla.  In the U.S., the date is observed as a celebration of Mexican heritage while in Puebla it commemorates the Mexican army's victory over French forces.


Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a fabulous Tequila Sunrise!

Ingredients

• 1 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger tequila
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ice cubes
• 1/2 (1.5 fluid ounce) jigger grenadine syrup
• 1 slice orange, for garnish
• 1 maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions

1. Stir or shake together tequila and orange juice. Fill a chilled 12 ounce glass with ice cubes; pour in orange juice mixture. Slowly pour in the grenadine, and allow it to settle to the bottom of the glass (be patient). Garnish with a slice of orange, and a maraschino cherry.

History of CINCO de MAYO

Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the fifth of May), commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

CELEBRATE CINCO de MAYO

In celebration of Cinco de Mayo, here is a receipe for Aguas de Frutas or Fresh Fruit Waters.  These drinks are common and very popular all over Mexico, made with crushed or blended fruit.  This recipe is extremely flavorful and refreshing.  Enjoy!!

Mexican Strawberry Water

Ingredients

• 4 cups strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup white sugar
• 8 cups cold water
• 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges (optional)
• 8 fresh mint sprigs (optional)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, mix together sliced strawberries, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
2. Remove the strawberry mixture from the refrigerator and pour into a blender. Blend on high until smooth. Pour the blended berry mixture through a wire mesh strainer set over a large mixing bowl; discard the pulp and seeds.
3. Add the remaining 7 cups cold water to the pureed strawberries and mix well. Place the Aqua de Fresa in the refrigerator to chill for several hours or pour over ice and serve immediately. Garnish with lime slices or mint leaves.