Cinco De Mayo Celebrations

Posted on: May 5, 2022

In the US, Mexican Americans celebrate Cinco De Mayo on May 5th to commemorate the Battle of Puebla which symbolized freedom and democracy. Many people celebrate on this side of the 49th parallel with good eats and drinks because nothing is better for camaraderie and fortitude than a full belly!

To uphold the foodways (which is the intersection of food in cultures, traditions, and history) of the Mexican and Mexican Americans I’m highlighting two cookbooks, which are both available at Coles, that honour many of Mexico’s regional dishes and offer lots of recipes perfect for celebrating Cinco De Mayo in your home.

Mi Cocina by Rick Martinez (which hits store shelves May 3rd)

Mexican Food: The Ultimate Cookbook by Luis Robles

To accompany all that delicious food, try The Beer Store’s version of micheladas, which is a tangy, spicy, robustly flavoured cocktail. Make sure to pick up a cocktail shaker set from Kitchen Stuff Plus to ensure every mouthful is perfectly blended.

Michelada Recipe:

Serves 2, Prep Time – 5 minutes

  • 1 lime (cut into wedges)
  • 2 ¼ tsp Tajin spice (see below for tips)
  • Ice cubes
  • ¼ cup Clamato juice
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp brine from jarred pickled pepperoncini
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (or to taste)
  • 1 355ml bottle Mexican beer (Corona, Tecate, or Modelo)
  • Jarred pickled pepperoncini (for garnish; optional)

Cut slit crosswise in centre of lime wedge and rub around rims of 2 medium glasses.  Sprinkled 2 tsp of Tajin seasoning onto a small plate:  invert glasses and rotate lime-dipped edges in seasoning to coat.  Turn glasses right-side-up and fill halfway with ice.  Set aside.

Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.  Add Clamato juice, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, pepperoncini brine, hot sauce, and remaining ¼ tsp Tajin seasoning.  Secure lid and shake vigorously until well blended and chilled, 10 to 15 seconds.

Open shaker and pour in beer.  Secure lid and gently shake to blend without creating too many bubbles (or stir with lid open, if preferred).  Strain into prepared glasses and garnish with more lime wedges, and pepperoncini (if using).

*Tip:
Tajin seasoning adds a delicious burst of chili, lime, and salt to the micheladas.  If you can’t find it online or in spice aisle or Mexican section of the grocery store, you can substitute ¼ tsp chili powder and ⅛ tsp salt in each drink (it won’t have the same citrusy edge, but it will add flavour).

Share your Cinco de Mayo feasts, thirst quenchers, and gatherings with us by tagging @cloverdalemall on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

~ Holly, Guest Services Coordinator