Whether or not you celebrate or acknowledge Cinco de Mayo — the day that commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla in 1862 — these unprecedented days certainly call for some imbibing, responsibly of course. But just like we’re living a new normal, St-Germain has created a new normal that gives the margarita a French flair with its elderflower liqueur, while also nodding to the original tequila flavor. (No, the irony of a French take on a Mexican cocktail for Cinco de Mayo isn’t lost on me, but moving along …) Not only are these ‘rita cocktails visually-appealing and delicious, they’re also easy to make, which is always a bonus as we navigate working and/or teaching at home while remaining sane.
The St-Rita
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Tequila Blanco
- 1 part St-Germain French Elderflower Liqueur
- 3/4 part freshly squeezed lime juice
- Garnish: lime wedge
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into an ice-filed rocks glass (salted rim optional0. Garnish with a lime wedge.
What St-Germain says: If you prefer to stay close to the classic margarita, the St-Rita is a simple yet sophisticated recipe that calls for just three ingredients. A great example of an elegant twist on a traditional margarita with French flair, the fruit-forward and floral flavors of the St-Germain elderflower liqueur mixes well with the acidity of the lime and tequila for a balanced, yet complex flavor profile.
The Manzarita
Ingredients:
- 2 parts Tequila Blanco
- 3/4 part St-Germain French Elderflower Liqueur
- 1 1/2 parts pressed apple juice
- Dash of ground cinnamon
- 3-4 wedges of fresh lemon
- Apple slices
- Garnish: cinnamon stick or apple slice
Method: Muddle lemon wedges and cinnamon in a mixing glass. Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into an ice-filled rocks glass and garnish with an apple slice or a cinnamon stick.
What St-Germain says: Celebrating Cinco de Mayo over a virtual happy hour with loved ones? Make a statement on your Cinco de Mayo gathering with the eye-catching Manzarita. Made with tequila blanco, St-Germain, pressed apple juice, and ground cinnamon, the flavorful libation makes for a zesty and fruity take on the traditional recipe.
The Pastinaca
Ingredients:
- 1 part Tequila Silver
- 1/2 part Mezcal
- 1 part St-Germain French Elderflower Liqueur
- 1/2 part lime juice
- 3/4 part grapefruit juice
- Cayenne pepper (rim)
- Salt (rim)
- Chili powder (rim)
- Garnish: lime wedge
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into an ice-filed rocks glass (chili salt rim optional). Garnish with a lime wedge.
What St-Germain says: Want to really spice things up? The Pastinaca cocktail is a sweet, spicy, tangy, flavor bomb that will be sure to turn your at-home Cinco de Mayo festivities up a notch. The addition of grapefruit juice cuts the smokiness of the Mezcal and spicy kick from the chili and cayenne salted rim. And the star of the drink — St-Germain — adds a subtle yet necessary herbaceous sweetness to round out the punchier ingredients.
Connection Orange (created by Erikx DiSantis)
Ingredients:
- 3/4 St-Germain French Elderflower Liqueur
- 3/4 part lemon juice
- 1 1/2 part Mezcal
- 1 part agave
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Prosecco
Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into an ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange twist and serve with a side of Prosecco.
What St-Germain says: Branch out from tequila and lean into the smoky richness of Mezcal with Connection Orange. Created with St-Germain’s recent #RaiseYourSpirits Stay-In Movie Night, this flavorful take on an old fashioned is smoky and sweet, while still celebrating the trademark citrus flavors of a Cinco de Mayo margarita.
