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With Cinco De Mayo right around the corner on May 5, is there any other choice than tequila to celebrate?  While this year’s celebrations may be a little different, there’s no reason you can’t have a fiesta at home with equally delicious cocktails. While you’re cheers-ing with your bubble or in a zoom-sphere, why not share a bit of history?Here are some fast facts and three recipes to elevate your Cinco De Mayo.

The real story of Cinco De Mayo

Today Cinco de Mayo is known for celebrating Mexican culture and heritage over good food and tasty cocktails with friends, but do you know its origins? The holiday actually holds a deeper history, one sparked by none other than money — and lots of it.

According to Brittanica, in 1861, after years of internal strife, Mexico was forced to default on debt payments and declare a moratorium on repaying foreign governments. To no surprise, France, Spain and Britain were none too pleased and sent naval forces to demand their money. While Britain and Spain managed to negotiate and left peacefully, France, under the rule of Napoleon III, saw it as an opportunity to establish a monarchy, and try to stake a claim in Mexican territory. Coming off the heels of his uncle selling French land to Thomas Jefferson during the Louisiana Purchase, Napoleon III was eager to gain a foothold.

A French fleet stormed Veracruz, causing Mexican troops to retreat. But it didn’t end there. With a seemingly false sense of confidence following Veracruz, thousands of French troops set out to attack Puebla de Los Angeles, a small town in east-central Mexico. However Mexican President, Benito Juárez, put a young general, Ignacio Zaragoza in charge. Zaragoza, leading a ragtag group of around 2,000 men managed to fortify the town and fight off the French, ultimately resulting in the French troops temporarily retreating. Although the second battle of Puebla occurred, where the French reigned supreme, they were eventually driven out years later with the help of the U.S military. The victory at Puebla became a symbol of Mexican resistance to foreign domination, and thus, Cinco De Mayo was born.

Whether you’re here for the history, or just the celebration, we have a cocktail for your needs.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator][vc_column_text]

RECIPES

Hornitos
Boldly born in 1950, Hornitos Reposado Tequila was created in honour of Mexican Independence Day (September 16) and is made using 100% blue agave grown in Mexico. With hints of herbal and green apple notes, it has a woody taste with a warm, slightly astringent finish that is the perfect companion for your favourite cocktail.

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Hornitos Jalisco Tea

• 1 part Hornitos Reposado Tequila
• 1 part Peach Schnapps Liqueur
• 1 part fresh lemon juice
• Iced Tea
• 1/2 part simple syrup
• Lemon wheel for garnish

Preparation:

• Build in Collins glass.
• Top with iced tea.
• Gently stir and garnish with lemon wheel.

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Hornitos Mexican Mule

• 1 part Hornitos Plata Tequila
• 2 parts ginger beer
• 1/2 part lime juice
• Lime wedges for garnish

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Espolon
Espolon Tequila, has a taste of authenticity made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, which is hand-harvested and a crucial step in maintaining the unique, high-quality taste found in each sip. Its crafted bottle makes it a perfect addition to any bar cart. The design was inspired by revolutionary Mexican artist, Jose Guadalupe Posada, who, through his ground-breaking politically charged art, brought new ways of thinking and spurred change.
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Espaloma

• 2oz Espolon Tequila
• 0.5oz Lime Juice
• 4oz Grapefruit Soda

Preparation

• Salt rim
• Combine and stir in a highball glass with ice
• Garnish with lime. Enjoy!

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