summer sips series: part 2

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You’re Invited:

Cinco de Mayo Party

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2019

Time: Noon

Location: Your rooftop/deck/backyard (anywhere with some fresh air + sunshine!)

You’re powering through the work week, just when you receive a text message in your group chat asking about plans for Cinco de Mayo. (They know you are the go-to for all of your party plans!) Of course, you – the ever-ready host – already had a plan for the perfect party. You shoot back a text with details: “Everyone meet at my place by noon, bring a dish for a fun, pot-luck style party, and I’ll cover the drinks.”

You know that delicious cocktails are at the center of this exciting celebration, so the classic margarita won’t do! Mango and cayenne are the perfect sweet and spicy duo to give your drink bar a kick. You can’t stop there. Colorful décor, an upbeat playlist, and a few themed games will help keep this #SundayFunday going strong all afternoon long.

 

About “Summer Sips Series” — I always refer back to my golden party rules when considering which topics to cover, and this seasonal drink series definitely falls under rule #2 - start the party. While I’m certainly no bartender, I like to think I can mix up a pretty good drink. I enjoy researching flavor profiles and cocktail recipes, and in the summer, I love to experiment with various herbs (like rosemary) and flavored bitters (like orange). So, needless to say, I had a lot of fun in the test kitchen (aka my kitchen) mixing up these drinks, adding something new to the tried-and-true recipes, and tasting the fresh cocktails. Give one of these a try, and let me know what you think! Stay tuned for more this summer.

 
 

3 Ways to Spice Up Your Cinco de Mayo Drinks

Mango Tequila Sunrise - for something sweet and spicy

  • 2 oz your favorite tequila

  • 3 oz mango juice (blend fresh chopped mango, water, and sugar to taste)

  • 1/2 oz fresh lemon juice (I add this to keep the drink bright with citrus and even out the spice)

  • 1/4 oz grenadine

  • Cayenne pepper

  • 1 cup of ice

 This one is quick, easy, and it will get you back to the party in no time! Add your liquid ingredients and about ¼ teaspoon of cayenne to a shaker with 1 cup of ice. Shake until chilled. Pour your ingredients into a champagne glass. Next, slowly add about 1/4 oz of grenadine (until desired color) and let it settle at the bottom of the glass for that pretty hazy red sunrise look. Sprinkle some cayenne on top and add a piece of mango for garnish.

Mango Margarita Mimosa - for something bubbly, yet strong

  • 2 oz tequila

  • ½ oz simple syrup

  • ¾ cup of fresh chopped mango (3-4 large pieces)

  • 1/3 cup of water

  • ½ cup of champagne (or sparkling white wine)

  • 2 small limes

  • 1 ½ cups of ice

  • Salt

  • Cayenne pepper (optional)

Start by pouring a thin layer of salt onto a saucer and sprinkle cayenne pepper in to create the spicy salt mix (to taste). Rub water around the rim of the glass and dip the rim into the spicy salt mix. Add ½ cup of ice to the glass. Set this aside. Next, add your water, simple syrup, chopped mango and juice from 1 small lime to a blender. Blend the ingredients into a smooth liquid mixture. Add your blended liquid ingredients into a cocktail shaker and add 1 cup of ice. Shake until chilled. Pour the liquid mixture into your glass and top it with the champagne for a little bubble action. Add some extra chopped mango and lime on top for garnish!

Spicy Cilantro Cucumber Refresher - for something cool and crisp, with a kick

  • 1 oz tequila or vodka

  • 1 oz lime juice

  • 2 oz club soda

  • ½ cup of cilantro

  • 4-6 slices of cucumber

  • 1 jalapeño (add to taste)

  • 1 ½ cups of ice

Start by slicing your jalapeno and cucumber. Next, add your liquid ingredients and a ½ tablespoon of sliced jalapeno into a cocktail shaker with your choice of alcohol. Add 1/2 cup of ice and shake until chilled. Fill your glass with the remaining 1 cup of ice. Push cilantro leaves, cucumber, and more jalapeno slices around the wall of the glass. Strain the liquid into your glass. Top with club soda for a sparkling fizz. Garnish with a slice of lime!


I love this round of drinks because they are so quick to make. It’s easy to snag a Corona with lime or use classic margarita mix, but push yourself to shake up something fresh and fun for your party guests. I love getting together with friends to celebrate on Cinco de Mayo weekend. There is always such fun energy in the air (maybe it’s the tequila), but we always have a great time.

Enjoy responsibly!