LibbyCinco de Mayo is completely synonymous with the mighty margarita. As a Canadian, I’m stealing this Mexican tradition and welcoming friends and family back to the fold. Like inside! Excited to share space with friendly faces, and don adorable mini sombreros, this calls for a fresh take on an old classic.
Don Julio Blanco Tequila captains the ship for all three recipes. Made with 100% blue agave and an authentic process to distil, this premium spirit features crisp citrus notes, a lovely parallel to the classic margarita recipe.
KEEP IT CLASSIC FOR CINCO DE MAYO
Sweet, salty, smooth and fresh, this drink is a reliable choice, even the most novice bartender can mix up a delicious cocktail on the fly. Using premium ingredients is so crucial for this effortless drink.
1.5 ounces Don Julio Blanco Tequila
.75 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 oz Agave Nectar (or simple syrup)
Fresh lime wedge
Sea Salt or Tajin for rim
Combine Don Julio Blanco Tequila, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup/agave nectar into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well. Strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with fresh lime.
FRESH AND EFFORTLESS MARGARITA
Some palates may prefer a slightly more fruit-forward cocktail. It’s an easy variation on the classic, made easier with fresh pulpy juices from Slurp Mix. Follow the same classic Don Julio recipe but add 1oz of your favourite juicy mix. We suggest trying Cucumber Citrus or Grapefruit and Mint mixes, letting guests customize to their preference.
ORANGE INFLUENCE- JUST ADD COINTREAU
Made with Cointreau and tequila, this refreshing version is a citrus-forward cocktail classic.
1 ounce Cointreau
1.5 ounces Don Julio Blanco Tequila
.75 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
Fresh lime wedge
Dried orange wheel, for garnish
Sea Salt for rim
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled and blended, about 20 seconds. Pour into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with fresh lime.
IT’S NOT A PARTY UNLESS SOMEONE BROUGHT THE CHIPS
You should always have a steady fresh supply of food going when a party is in full tilt. I like to take a set it and forget approach to entertaining and just fill tables with food, letting the party dictate when to refresh. Crafting trays of nachos with all your veggies diced and ready to go means you’re one slap chop away from clinking glasses again.
Instead of going big-beefy styles serve tasty vegan nachos, no one will honestly know the difference and your plant-based buddies will be delighted. I am still obsessed with this dairy-free queso replacement by Mother Raw. It’s zesty and spicy, spreads beautifully and makes nachos an easy grate-free experience. Saddle with hot sauces and let guests dive in.
Amp up the menu with tacos. PC Mini Tortillas (lead photo) make for perfect handheld eats. We smoked a giant pork shoulder to create perfectly spiced and adorably sized tacos. Create a spread and let guests mingle and dress tacos, or create a batch for big buffet-style eats.
Please drink responsibly, and never, ever drink and drive.
All images by Libby Roach.