Cinco de Mayo: A Toast to History, Heritage, and Mexico’s Finest

Cinco de Mayo — which falls, quite conveniently, on May 5 — is one of those holidays that means very different things depending on which side of the border you’re standing on. In Mexico, it’s a regional observance, largely centered in the state of Puebla, marking a remarkable moment of military resolve. In the United States, it has blossomed into something far bigger, louder, and, frankly, thirstier.

Let’s start with the history, because a great beverage professional always knows the story behind the celebration.

On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army handed a stunning defeat to French forces at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. This was no small feat — the French army was considered one of the most formidable military forces in the world at the time, and Mexico was a young nation navigating serious debt, political instability, and foreign pressure. General Ignacio Zaragoza led a significantly outnumbered Mexican force to victory, and the date was enshrined in national memory.

Here’s where many well-meaning partygoers go astray: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day. That honor belongs to September 16, 1810 — a full 52 years before the Battle of Puebla. Mexican Independence Day is the grand national celebration; Cinco de Mayo is a moment of regional pride elevated, ironically, to international prominence largely by enthusiasm north of the border. Know the difference. Your guests will be impressed that you do.

In Mexico today, Cinco de Mayo is observed modestly, with the most spirited celebrations taking place in Puebla itself — parades, civic ceremonies, historical reenactments, and regional food and drink traditions that honor the day with genuine cultural depth. Meanwhile, in cities and towns across the United States, Cinco de Mayo has taken on a life of its own: street festivals, mariachi performances, restaurant specials, and a collective enthusiasm for Mexican culture that, at its best, is joyful and appreciative.

We’ll be honest — like St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo has acquired a reputation as an occasion for overindulgence. We prefer to think of it differently. The best celebrations are those rooted in genuine curiosity and appreciation: learning about the culture, exploring food and drink traditions, and raising a glass with intention.

And what a remarkable drink culture there is to explore. Mexico’s beverage heritage is one of the most exciting and diverse in the world. Tequila — made from Blue Weber agave in designated regions — has earned its place as a global icon, and the premium and super-premium categories are producing expressions of extraordinary complexity and craft. Mezcal, its smoky, artisanal cousin, is a category unto itself, with hundreds of agave varieties, traditional production methods, and regional nuances that reward serious exploration. Then there’s the world of Mexican craft beer, which has exploded in creativity and quality over the past decade, alongside fresh, herb-forward cocktails, agua fresca, and the deeply regional world of tepache and other fermented traditions.

For those of us in the beverage world, Cinco de Mayo is an invitation. It’s a perfect moment to welcome the warmth of spring, dust off the cocktail shaker, dive deeper into agave spirits education, and celebrate the extraordinary richness of Mexican food and drink culture — with knowledge, with respect, and with a well-made drink in hand.

For me, it’s a great opportunity to welcome spring while enjoying Mexico’s great food and drink treasures.

Cocktails For Cinco de Mayo

• La Paloma – Most people assume that the Margarita is the national cocktail of Mexico. Well, it’s not – it’s the Paloma… See the Story and get the Recipe
• Michelada – The Michelada is a wildly popular drink in Latin America and Mexico. It’s ultra refreshing… See the Story and get the Recipe
• Cinco de Mayo – On dedicated party days, you need a drink that you can sip rather than gulp. Getting through the day with pleasure and great flavors is paramount, but keeping your wits is also a good idea. See the Story and get the Recipe
• Margarita – Without a doubt, this is the most popular cocktail of the day in America. Considering that so many bars serve bad, if not horrible, versions of the Margarita, consider making your own. See the Story and get the Recipe

Of course, Cinco de Mayo is a great time to enjoy great Agave Spirits like Tequila and Mezcal.

If you are hungry, try some Tequila Shrimp!

Do you want to have a better understanding of Tequila and Agave Spirits? May we suggest Be A Beverage Expert (BABE), a guide to understanding wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails. 

Salud.