Happy Cinco de Mayo! If it weren’t for corona, we would be partying somewhere in Poblacion celebrating the 5th of May, or in our kabarkada’s house that’s decorated with piñatas wearing our sombreros! 

We love Cinco de Mayo because, besides the fact that it’s such a colorful and vibrant celebration, it’s an excuse for us to prepare our favorite Mexican food – tacos, burritos, carnitas, and some tasty guacamole. Not to mention, an excuse for Tequila shots and maybe frozen Margaritas. 

Cinco de Mayo is an exciting celebration for many reasons. However, there is more to Cinco de Mayo than tacos and burritos. Here are some five fun facts about Cinco de Mayo festivities that are followed up by our top 5 choices of drinks produced in Mexico: 

1. Cinco de Mayo is not Mexican Independence Day But a Celebration for Mexico’s Victory Over France

Many people think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day. However, it is actually a celebration to honor the military victory of the Mexican army against the French forces of Napoleon III in the Battle of Puebla. Up to this day, Mexicans take pride over their underdog win where 2,000 Mexican soldiers defeated 6,000 French soldiers.

2. President Franklin Roosevelt Popularized Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.

President Roosevelt’s “Good Neighbor Policy” was established as an initiative made to promote better relations with Latin Americans in the United States. Cinco de Mayo then gained more visibility in America because of Roosevelt’s political movement promoting friendly relations between both countries.

3. Americans are Mostly Responsible for all the Cinco de Mayo Extravagance!

Although Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday and traditionally celebrated in Puebla, Americans take this celebration to a whole new level. Of course, who wouldn’t want an excuse for big plates of tacos and nachos and some frozen margaritas?

The largest Cinco de Mayo festival in history happened in Los Angeles, California with more than 500,000 guests in the year 1990. In 2017, the City of Denver celebrated Cinco de Mayo for two days and attracted over 400,000 participants who joined in the fiestas, taco-eating contests, etc. How extra!

4. It’s Not Really All About Tacos but the Mole Sauce

While we all love our tacos and nachos in Cinco de Mayo parties, those aren’t actually the main event in Mexico. And no—it’s not guacamole. Mexico’s most beloved dish during the 5th of May is actually called “Mole Poblano”. It’s a dark red-brown sauce served with turkey or chicken. This sauce contains over 25 ingredients including delicious chili peppers and chocolate

5. Mexico celebrate it in a more lowkey and wholesome way in Puebla

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo festivities take place in Puebla (where the war took place). It is more wholesome and lowkey because we hear that they hold a special program for it that includes speeches, parades, and reenactments of episodes from the 1862 battle.  The actual battlefield is now a park that you can definitely visit. 

What Cinco de Mayo celebration isn’t complete without Mexican booze? Host your Cinco de Mayo e-numan with friends or party with your family at home (because we all deserve to take a break and enjoy!). Here’s a list of our top 5 drinks produced in Mexico:

1. Jose Cuervo Gold 1L

Photo from @cuervopilipinas

Jose Cuervo is a drink that does not need an introduction. An inuman isn’t complete without taking shots of Jose Cuervo. It’s one of the best-selling brands of tequilas worldwide. Currently, it is the fifth most consumed worldwide. Jose Cuervo gold is a blend of reposado and younger tequilas with at least 51% agave, caramel coloring added to the finished product to give it that golden color.

2. Patron Silver

Photo from @patron

The perfect white spirit made from the finest Weber Blue Agave. Patrón Silver is handcrafted from the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave and is carefully distilled in small batches at Hacienda Patrón distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. Smooth and sweet with a delicate aroma of fruits and citrus and a light pepper finish, Patrón Silver can be sipped neat, over ice, or mixed into the perfect cocktail.

3. Casa Noble Blanco

Photo from @casanobleph

Did someone say Tequila and a little more TEQUILA but in a miniature version for free? Yes, it comes with a freebie! 

The clean, crisp taste of Casa Noble's Blanco tequila celebrates the fresh flavor of the noble Blue Weber Agave. Enticing aromas set the palate for flavors of honey, buttery-sweet cooked agave and a hint of citrus. 

Triple distilled for a well-balanced and smoother-than-glass finish, this Blanco is in a class by itself.

4. Cazadores Reposado

Photo from @tequilacazadores

The original Tequila Cazadores Reposado (meaning rested) spends up to a year in new American Oak barrels, creating a perfect balance of Agave and woody flavors. Citrus and tropical fruits, Vanilla notes, and the customary smooth finish, makes tequila Cazadores Reposado excellent in cocktails or sipped neat.

5. Ocho Tequila Blanco 100% Agave 500ml

Photo from @tequilaocho

Tequila Ocho is a joint partnership between the ‘Tequila Master ‘Carlos Camarenas and the ‘Ambassador of Tequila in European Union’ Tomas Estes. This dynamic partnership delivers heritage and tradition, coupled with innovation. Carlos and Tomas produce tequila that is made slowly in an artisanal way. 

The result is a fine quality spirit that accentuates the agave flavor, positioning it as a 100% Blue Agave Tequila range. It is concentrated and complex while remaining balanced and easy to drink.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo by joining in our Tequila fest! Grab any of our Mexican alcohol recommendations and pair it up with your favorite Mexican food.