Pitcher Margaritas for Cinco de Mayo with Sauza® Tequila

This post is paid for by Sauza® Tequila.I don’t usually celebrate Cinco de Mayo. But when Sauza® Tequila asked me to put together the perfect celebration for my friends, I was all in. I’m always looking for reasons to throw an easy party, for my favorite people, that will let us spend time together and lift each other up.

It was also the perfect opportunity to dig a little deeper into the meaning of Cinco de Mayo. If you ask most people in Southern California what Cinco de Mayo is, they’ll probably say it is Mexican Independence Day. But I’ve come to find out that is totally wrong. May 5th was the date in 1862, when the Mexican army managed to defeat the powerful French troops. It was no small task and is absolutely something to be celebrated. “Cinco de Mayo has stood as a holiday reminding Mexicanos that even when odds are against us, we can still overcome them and come out ahead.” (read this post about the history of Cinco de Mayo). I just wish more people know about this meaning!

That story reminded me of a Mexican proverb that I love, “Quisieron enterrarnos, pero se les olvido que somos semillas.” They tried to bury us, they didn’t know we were seeds. So powerful and encouraging. And so I knew that my Cinco de Mayo celebration would be deep and meaningful and the perfect way to spend a night with friends.With everyone leading busy lives, getting together on a weeknight is often the only thing we can manage. Weekends are reserved for sports and family activities. So entertaining has to be kept simple and fast. Which is why serving pitcher-style margaritas is the way to go. Having easy margaritas, that can be made quickly, keeps you spending more time with your friends rather than mixing drinks.

The recipe Sauza® Tequila sent me couldn’t be easier! It starts with Sauza® Signature Blue Silver Tequila which is made from 100 percent blue weber agave at their distillery in Jalisco, Mexico. It is perfect when paired with a delicious, tangy margarita mix. (But you can also make your own sweet and sour if you prefer and have the time). Then all you need to do is rim your glass with salt. But that’s only if you prefer it that way. I generally prefer them without salt.
Keeping in line with the Mexican proverb, I decided to use cacti for decorations on the table to represent growth. I loved the idea of a fresh white and green color palette with pops of terracotta and orange. I hate replanting so I just spray painted the outside of the pots they came in to the color I wanted (white). And, I mean, how are you supposed to replant a cactus? Having a pitcher of margaritas felt really celebratory. It’s the perfect way to celebrate this special holiday but also everyday moments. For me, hosting my friends is a way I show them love. And offering them a drink and some food makes me feel like I am taking care of them. Life gets hectic. It’s important to get the girls together to celebrate the wins, when we have them, or help to encourage each other when we’re feeling low.
I don’t think I am capable of hosting a sit down dinner party. It’s too much effort and a little too stuffy. That’s not what I’m about. I prefer to casually share my favorite things with my friends as we sit and relax together over a drink and enjoy each other’s company. When we want an elaborate meal, that is when we make a reservation. A simple salad (which you can customize with dressings and toppings) is a great weeknight meal idea for your girlfriend get together. And a mango flecked Stilton cheese is a great side dish to snack on while spending time around the table.
Having a signature drink, like margaritas, keeps you from having to guess what kind of wine your guests will like or from needing an elaborate recipe to follow. Since Cinco de Mayo is the biggest holiday of the year for tequila cocktails, I decided to stick with a classic. Margaritas are the perfect cocktail idea for a Cinco de Mayo party because the weather is starting to warm up and they are super refreshing. No girl’s night is complete without some sweets so I decided to pick up some Mexican candies and conchas for my friends to try, in case they had never had the opportunity. I used to love those candies (pictured in the front of the bowl) when I was little. They’re like caramel fudge with a hint of pecan.
This menu and party plan is super stress free but soul fulfilling. Sometimes, spending time with friends is just the thing you need to get a new perspective on life and find that inner strength you may have lost a little of.
I’m so glad that working on this post with Sauza® Tequila gave me the push to learn more about Cinco de Mayo. We grew up going to Loreto, Mexico every summer and I have a true love of the culture and landscape. The story of the Mexican victory on May 5th, is one I will share with my kids and encourage them to celebrate. We all face hardships throughout our lives. But even when things seem stacked against us, we can rise up and overcome them. Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Drink Smart®
Sauza® Blue Tequila, 40% alc./vol. ©2017 Sauza Tequila Import Company, Chicago, IL

Sauza® is a trademark of Jim Beam Brands Co. (“Beam”) and is used with permission. The information, comments and ideas expressed in this post do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Beam, its affiliated companies or any of their directors or employees.