Cinco de Mayo
By: Sheri Wetherell
Published: December 20, 2008

Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Do you really know why we celebrate this day? Most Americans do not. Here's why: because it gives Americans just one more day to get their drink on. Or so it appears that way.
Actually it's a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. But, I bet if you interview people on the street and ask them why we celebrate this day they'll probably look and you and exclaim, "So we can drink margaritas!" Or, they will say it the Mexican version of Fourth of July. But, Cinco de Mayo is not, as most people think, Mexican Independence Day. In fact, it's a regional holiday celebrated primarily in the state of Puebla to commemorate the Mexican victory led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín over French forces in the Battle of Puebla on, you guessed it, May 5, 1862.
But it gives us an excuse to indulge on Mexican cuisine and beverages, so arrrrrrrriiiiiiibbbbbaaaa!
Here's one of my favorite Mexican beverages: the michelada, which is essentially lime beer. Micheladas are refreshing, light and don't fill you up like sweet/salty margaritas. Nor do they leave you with a nasty tequila hangover the next morning.
Michelada

Salt the rim of a tall glass and fill it with ice
Squeeze in the juice of half to a whole large lime (I prefer mine very limey so I add a lot)
Pour in your beer of choice, preferably Mexican...it is Cinco de Mayo afterall!

 
Enjoy and be safe!

Comments:
Dolores Dolan
May 5, 2008

Thanks for the bit of history...who would have guessed!  Hey,  where is the state of Puebla?
D.
Rosebud

Love those micheladas!!  You can even add more lime than you mentioned for a more refreshing version.
Andrew

@Dolores: Puebla (city and state) is adjacent Mexico City (D.F.) and Mexico state, to the east/southeast, rumped up against the country's smallest yet culinarily blessed state of Tlaxcala. A true culinary corazon of Mexico, amazing street food, an a hearty drinking culture, of course. ¡Buen provecho!
Dad

Is it all right if I enjoy a Margarita instead?