Celebrate a Boozy, Newark-Style Cinco de Mayo At Home
Cinco de Mayo is the perfect excuse to go out for tacos and tequila in celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. But this year, many will be marking May 5th sheltered at home in the wake of Coronavirus.
Luckily, there are awesome eateries specializing in Mexican fare that remain open for takeout and delivery here in Newark (Qdoba, Taqueria Los Gueros, Chipotle, Afro Taco) and would be grateful for your business. Next, pair your south-of-the-border style cuisine with these crafted at home cocktails and you’ve got a Cinco de Mayo party that is sure to lift your spirits.
Cucumber Lime Margarita
INGREDIENTS
Cucumber Juice
2 cucumbers, peeled, makes roughly 1.5 cups of juice
Cucumber Lime Margarita
1–1/2 ounces silver tequila
1–1/2 ounces fresh lime juice (half a lime)
3 ounces cucumber juice
lime and cucumber wedges for garnish
PREPARATION
Cucumber Juice: Juice the peeled cucumbers in your juicer or blender. If using a blender, add the cucumber and blend for about 30-45 seconds until it looks like thick juice. Separate the pulp from the juice by setting a fine mesh strainer over a bowl or large measuring cup. Gently push on the pulp using a wooden spoon or spatula. There will be enough cucumber juice to make 4 margaritas.
Margarita: In an 8-ounce glass filled with ice, add the tequila, lime juice, and cucumber juice. Stir to combine. Garnish with a wedge of cucumber and lime.
Paloma
INGREDIENTS
kosher salt
1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 cup mezcal or tequila
1/4 cup club soda
PREPARATION
Pour kosher salt on a plate. Rub the rim of a highball glass with a grapefruit wedge; dip the rim of the glass in salt. Combine 1/4 cup fresh grapefruit juice, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, and 1 teaspoon sugar in glass; stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in 1/4 cup mezcal or tequila, add ice, and top off with 1/4 cup club soda. Garnish with grapefruit wedge.
Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Margarita
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon dried hibiscus flowers
1-2 tablespoons honey, to your taste
4-6 strawberries, sliced, plus additional for serving
juice of 1/2 a lime
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 ounces silver tequila
ginger beer
kosher salt
PREPARATION
Run a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and coat in salt. In a cocktail shaker or glass jar, add strawberries, lime juice, and the orange zest. Muddle all of the ingredients together, squashing everything to release the juices from the fruit. Add the tequila. Fill with ice and shake until combined. Strain into your prepared glass. Top off with ginger beer and serve with limes!
