In 1862, the great nation of Mexico held off Napoleon’s invading forces after a lengthy battle. What better way to celebrate the most festival of occasions than with a great drink? It’s the best holiday Mexico ever invented! Here’s a few recipe ideas for your consideration during this swell symbol of spring’s arrival!

Korbel Citrus ‘Rita
2 oz. Korbel brandy
1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 oz. agave nectar
1/4 oz. triple sec
Coarse salt

Combine all ingredients and pour over ice in a salt-rimmed glass.
Garnish with orange slice and lime wedge.

Korbel Brandy-Pear Sangria
1/2 cup Korbel brandy
1 750ml bottle Sauvignon Blanc
2 red bartlett pears, chopped
2 yellow bartlett pears, chopped
1 orange, sliced
1/2 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 1/2 oz. triple sec
2 Tbsp. sugar
12 oz. of Sprite or 7-Up

Chop one red and one yellow pear into bite size pieces, and reserve the other pears for serving. Combine all ingredients except the Sprite into a pitcher, cover and store for a few hours. Stir once before serving to re-mix any remaining sugar. Serve chilled over ice with fresh pear, orange and lemon slices and add a splash of Sprite or 7-Up. Makes 6 – 8 cocktails.

(Author’s note: this was absolutely incredible, and went over very well at a pre-Cinco gathering this past weekend. Home run recipe!)

Ole Smoky Moonshine Margarita
2 oz. Ole Smoky Moonshine
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. simple syrup
1 oz. triple sec
Lime wedge

Combine Ole Smoky Moonshine, lime juice, simple syrup, and triple sec with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake and serve over ice, dressed with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For garnish, combine salt and sugar with zest of lime for rim of glass.

Premier Paloma
1 1/4 ounces Tequila Don Julio Reposado
2/3 ounce fresh grapefruit juice
2/3 ounce fresh lime juice
1/3 ounce agave nectar
Grapefruit wheel for garnish
Lemon wedge for garnish

Combine Tequila Don Julio Reposado, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice and agave nectar into a cocktail shaker. Shake well. Strain contents into a highball glass over ice. Garnish with grapefruit wheel and lemon wedge.

Papaya Smash
1 slice of fresh papaya
¼ oz. agave nectar
1 ¼ oz. Avión Añejo
½ oz. aperol
½ oz. orange juice
¾ oz. fresh lime juice
Garnish with fresh papaya

Add a slice of fresh papaya and agave nectar to your mixing glass. Muddle to release the papaya flavor. Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain over ice, and garnish with a fresh slice of papaya.