¿Qué hay que beber?...

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What will you have to drink?  Today, I'm going to talk about, margaritas (of course), Agua Fresha, and Mexican beer!

Margaritas:
Of course, no Cinco De Mayo fiesta would be complete without margaritas!  There are a few options.  If you haven't been able to tell, one of my favorite food genres is Mexican.  We eat Mexican food A LOT.  Also, my all time favorite drink is the margarita.  I like them made from scratch, from a alcohol-included mix, and virgin from a mix; I like the traditional lime flavor, and strawberry; I like them frozen and on-the-rocks.  And I am here to provide you with what you will need to make all of them, if you like!

Margarita's from scratch (this recipe was given to me by a very dear friend, and it's the only scratch recipe I use now)...yes I'm sharing (see Jo, your little sister DOES share LOL):

Mix together:

• 2 parts tequila
• 1 part cointreau
• 1 part-fresh squeezed lime juice
• 1 part limeade
• pinch of salt

Rim your glasses with salt (See the Savvy Tip below)
Mix all the ingredients in a pitcher, and chill until ready to serve.

Savvy Tip:  To create the restaurant styled salt-rimmed glass, take a lime wedge and rub around the edge.  Turn the glass upside down and twist through a pile of salt (coarse salt works best, like kosher salt.  You can also sometimes find a tub just for making margarita salted glasses).   If you are making strawberry margaritas, you can do the same thing but substitute sugar for the salt.

Strawberry Version:
Use all the same ingredients as above, but you will rim the glasses with sugar. 

In a blender combine one package of frozen strawberries, thawed.  Cover and blend until smooth.  If you want, strain the mixture to remove seeds.  Add the blend to the margarita mix.

By the way, you can really make ANY fruit flavored margarita.  Just substitute the strawberries with your favorite fruit: mango, blackberry, raspberry, etc. 

On-the-Rocks vs. Frozen
I have found this is all based on preference.  I am an equal opportunity margarita drinker, but know people who will only drink frozen or only drink on-the-rocks.  Either way, you will have it covered.


On-the-Rocks:  Use the above recipes or below mixes.  Place the desired amount of ice in a glass, and then pour your mixture over the rocks...DONE!

Frozen:  Place the desired amount of mixture in the blender and add a few handfuls of ice.  Blend to your desired thickness.  More ice = thicker margarita!  DONE!

DISCLAIMER:  We are not/not here to promote drinking.  Everything can be enjoyed in moderation, and if you do plan on drinking (even just ONE drink) please, please, please have a designated driver (DD).  My husband and I take turns.  If he wants to drink at a certain event, I drive and vice versa; just one way to be safe.  And we certainly do not tolerate under age drinking, so if you are under 21...please enjoy the virgin versions!

Virgin Margaritas:

José Cuervo makes a great mix.  (Again, we are not promoting drinking, and I'm certainly not promoting any brand in particular, this is just one I particularly enjoy).  This mix is made to mix with Tequila.  But, you can use it as is.  You will now have a great alternative for those who don't drink, or who are being responsible enough to be the DD.


José Cuervo also makes a FANTASTIC mix, alcohol included:











And, if strawberry is you flavor of choice, both the above come in strawberry.

OK, I think we have the margarita area covered...let me know if you think I've missed something, or have questions!

Want a non-alcoholic beverage, that still stays true to your theme?  How about...

Agua Frescas

Agua Frescas are "fresh waters" that are infused with fruits, flowers, grains or seeds.  Mix one of these light, healthy sippers at your party.  They are super easy to prepare.

Based on the fruit you choose the recipe (water level mainly) changes.  I'm going to provide you with 3 versions:


Strawberry Agua Fresca:
6 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
4 cups cold water
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup honey
ice cubes

In a blender combine half of the halved strawberries and half of the cold water.  Cover and blend well.  Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.  Discard solids.  Repeat with the remaining strawberries and remaining water.

Stir in lime juice and 1/4 cup honey.  Serve immediately over ice or chill until ready.

Orange-Papaya Agua Fresca:
4 cups peeled, seeded and cubed ripe papaya (About 3)
1 1/2 cups freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
1 1/4 cups cold water
2 Tablespoons honey
ice cubes

In a blender combine papaya, orange juice and lime juice.  Cover and blend until smooth.  Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.  Discard solids.

Stir in the water and honey.  Serve immediately over ice or chill until ready.

Watermelon Agua Fresca:
1  6 to 8 pound seedless watermelon (aprox. 13 cups)
2 cups cold water
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
2 Tablespoons honey
ice cubes

Cut the rind from the watermelon and discard.  Cut the flesh into 2 inch cubes

In a blender combine about 1/3 of the watermelon cubes and 1/3 of the water.  Cover and blend until smooth.  Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher.  Discard solids.  Repeat twice with remaining watermelon and remaining water.

Stir in the lime juice and honey.  Serve immediately over ice or chill until ready.

Beer:
Finally, say hola to Mexican beer.  Here is a small list of some Mexican beer you may want to consider purchasing for your fiesta:

• Corona
• Dos Euquis (XX) Amber
• Negra Modelo
• Pacifico Clara
• Tecate