A CINCO DE MAYO Agave Spirits Primer & Recipes via CT Bartender Khalid Williams

Cinco de Mayo is….

A holiday celebrated primarily in the city of Puebla, Mexico, and in the United States to honor the  victory over Napoleon army in the battle of Puebla.

The Mexican natives were outnumbered, but formed to strong resistance and one that battle in “David versus Goliath” style .

It’s the perfect expression of how rich the LatinX tapestry is in the US

Cinco de Mayo is NOT….

Mexican independence 

An excuse to dress stupidly

Cinco de Drinko

Tequila 3-Minute MasterClass

These are the major facts you need to know so you can understand agave spirits and get the most enjoyment out of them.

• Mezcal: Tequila as Whiskey:Bourbon

• Mezcal is the all encompassing designation of agave spirits from designated areas in Mexico.

• Mezcal is NOT a Tequila, but ALL TEQUILA IS MEZCAL. 

• Mezcal is primarily from Oaxaca.

• Tequila is primarily from Jalisco.

• Mezcal is made from roasted agave; and is almost always Smokey in flavor.

• Try it with tropical flavors and you’ll be surprised how delicious it can be 

• There are 3 major tequila categories. More of them exist, but let’s start with the basics

• Blanco/Silver/Plata- Unaged tequila distilled from agave.

• Reposado: translated to “rest”, repo’s are aged in wood for at least two months and no more than 364 days.

• Añejo: Aged for a year and in some cases, longer.

• Do not, I repeat DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON GOLD TEQUILA. The “gold” is an artificial chemical, similar to what is found in soda to give its color. 

My favorite tequilas that are values:

(I love George Clooney and all, but you can do much better than Migos.)

Cimarrón -this, by far is the most value driven example of pure agave flavor. It may be a bit too funky for some, but it is super authentic and full of spice, lime, and herbaceous notes.

Casa Noble Reposado- Aged for one day less than an Anejo, this is attainable luxury in a bottle. They check all the boxes for production, sustainability and investment in the drinking public with good information about how to truly appreciate the spirit. Vanilla, white pepper and bright orange dominate. 

Gran Centenario Anejo- oak aging takes away agave flavor, and skill is required to add the notes of candied apple, chocolate and cinnamon while preserving the soul of an agave. This is great for a bourbon lover, and a spoonful on top of your margarita is instant elegance.

CT Cinco Cocktail Party Menu

Ingredients to Note:

Piloncillo- unrefined Mexican cane sugar.

This earthy and rich sweetener is so authentic and beautiful when used in place of simple syrup. it makes dynamite desserts as well and ups the production value in any single de Mayo beverage. Available for purchase at Viva Mexico in Weha.

TOMMY’S MARGARITA

(the real, one, true skinny margarita with all natural ingredients and a low Glycemic Index rating)

While triple sec is an ingredient in the customary Margarita recipe, this version really highlights how a sour style cocktail is simple perfection and the bright, peppery notes of tequila are on full display.

2 ounces Mi Campo Tequila

1 ounce fresh lime juice (about 1.5 limes)

1 ounce Tres Agaves agave nectar*

This is the original recipe, but you can begin with a half of an ounce and taste for your preference.

All items available for purchase at Crazy Bruce’s in West Hartford, CT

CT CLEMENTINE MARG

2 ounces Cimaroon Tequila Blanco

1 ounce Ripe* Margarita Mix 

.75 ounce Fruitful Clementine Liqueur 

Clementine wedge, peeled 

Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker, followed by ice, shake vigorously.

Dirty pour into a rocks glass (don’t strain. Keep those good citrus bits.)

PUEBLA PISTOLERO

.5 ounce Piloncillo Syrup

Pineapple chunk

2 ounces Casa Noble Anejo Tequila

.25 ounce Del Maguey Mezcal

Muddle the piloncillo and pineapple LIGHTLY. 

Add the spirits to a mixing glass (this is an example, but any vessel will do)

Add ice

Stir with a bar spoon or a chop stick if none is available

Garnish with a pineapple frond