Mix Up, Drink Up: Cinco de Mayo Cocktail Recipes From Grand Velas Resorts

In Dine, Dine, Playa del Carmen & Tulum, Puerto Vallarta by Suzanne Koch

Mexico’s Grand Velas Resorts are mixing up decadent cocktails in celebration of Cinco de Mayo with each resort featuring a different cocktail named in honor of Mexican history and culture. Get the lowdown on the names behind each drink and hit the hotel bar (or local store) to sip, savor and order another round of these tasty concoctions. The recipes for each drink are below so even if you’re not in Mexico, you can drink like you are.

Ignacio Zaragoza Cocktail: Named after the Mexican General who defeated the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Served At: Grand Velas Riviera Maya

  • 1 1/2 oz. oregano-infused tequila
  • 4 oz. fresh tomato juice
  • 1 tbsp. lemon juice
  • Dash tabasco
  • Pinch celery salt
  • 1/2 cup ice
  • 1 stalk celery
  • 1 slice bacon, cooked

Directions: Wrap 1 tbsp oregano in a cheesecloth and tie with kitchen twine. Macerate the oregano in 1 liter of tequila, letting sit for two days to a month. Remove the oregano and filter the tequila through a cheese cloth. Combine tequila, tomato juice, lemon juise and tabasco in shaker. Shake and serve over ice. Garnish with celery and bacon.

Victoria Tropicale: A fruity martini that symbolizes the Mexican victoria (‘victory’ in English). Served At: Grand Vellas Vallarta

  • 1 1/2 oz. Mezcal Amores
  • Dash lemon juice
  • Dash simple syrup
  • 1/2 piece kiwi
  • 1/2 slice pineapple
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice
  • 1 tbsp. Tajin (chili salt)

Directions: Combine the kiwi and pineapple in a blender and strain to separate the liquid from the pulp. Pour liquid into a shaker with mezcal, simple syrup, lemon juice and ice. Shake strongly. Serve in a martini glass previously rimmed with tajin chili salt.

Mexican Bite: This red cocktail represents one of the colors on the Mexican Flag which stands for the Spaniards that joined in conquest for Independence and the blood of the national heroes. Served At: Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

  • 1 1/2 oz. PAMA Pomegranate Flavored Liquer
  • 1 1/2 oz. Montelobos Mezcal
  • 1 1/2 oz. cranberry juice
  • 1/2 tbsp. simple syrup
  • 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice

Directions: Combine the PAMA, mezcal, cranberry juice, simple syrup and lemon juice in a shaker. Shake strongly and pour over ice in a glass.

2000 Martini: Named after the 2,000 Mexicans who defeated the 6,000 French troops. Served At: Casa Velas

  • 1 1/2 oz. vodka
  • 1 oz. lemon juice
  • 1 oz. simple syrup
  • 1/3 cucumber
  • 1 tsp. coriander
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice
  • 1 tbsp. Tajin (chili salt)

Directions: Macerate cucumber with coriander in shaker. Add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup and ice. Shake strongly. Serve in a martini glass previously rimmed with Tajin chili salt.

For more information on Grand Velas Resorts, visit: grandvelas.com

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