While Taco Tuesday comes around weekly, Cinco de Mayo is a once-a-year celebration, so we will treat it as such. And what better way to do so than indulging in a few of your favorite cocktail and taco pairings?
Fish Tacos + Paloma Cocktail: A Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail made with tequila, grapefruit juice, and soda water, served with a salt-rimmed glass. Its refreshing, citrusy, and slightly bitter taste makes it a perfect pairing for fish tacos. Fish tacos are usually served with fresh salsa, avocado, and lime wedges, so the citrusy and tart notes of the Paloma can complement the bright flavors of the add-ons, while the smokiness of the tequila and the salt rim bring out the flavors of the light fish. Give the Paloma a try using Casamigos Blanco Tequila.
Steak Tacos + Tequila Old Fashioned: When pairing a cocktail with steak tacos, you want a drink that can stand up to the bold and savory flavors of the steak. An Old Fashioned made with tequila or mezcal can be a great option. The rich and smoky flavors in the tequila or mezcal can complement the flavors of the steak, while the bitters and sugar can add a touch of sweetness to the pairing. Del Maguey Vida Mezcal would be a perfect pairing for a tequila old fashioned.
Vegetarian Tacos + Jalapeño Margarita: This favorite beverage of many incorporates fresh jalapeño for a refreshing and spicy cocktail. The lime in the margarita adds a tangy flavor which can help cut through the richness of the tacos. This can be especially helpful when veggie tacos are made with ingredients like beans, cheese, or avocado. The jalapeño can complement any spiciness from the veggies, or if the flavors of the tacos are subtle, the spice in the drink adds an extra layer of complexity. Give the jalapeño margarita a try using Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila.
Shrimp Tacos + Mango Margarita: It’s like sitting on a tropical beach. This twist on a classic cocktail uses mango’s sweet and juicy flavor to complement shrimp’s savory flavor. Shrimp tacos can be rich and buttery, and the tartness of the margarita’s lime can help balance out those flavors, while the sweetness combines well with any spice that may be on the shrimp. Our wine marketing specialist Chad thinks that Don Julio Blanco Tequila would compliment the mango margarita perfectly!
Carnitas Tacos + Cantarito: To complement the bold flavors of carnitas, a cocktail with a bit of sweetness and tanginess can be a great choice. A cantarito is a traditional Mexican cocktail often served in a clay pot. No worries if this isn’t in your glassware collection; a highball will also do. It typically consists of tequila, lime juice, grapefruit soda, and a pinch of salt. The tequila’s earthy and slightly smoky flavor can complement the savory pork. At the same time, the grapefruit soda adds a refreshing citrus flavor and acidity to help cut through the fat, balancing the dish’s flavors. Casamigos Reposado Tequila would pair nicely with a cantarito.
Whether you’re planning a fiesta with your amigos or just looking for a reason to treat yourself, we’ve got you covered with the classics and some twists on your favorites. So break out that bottle of tequila—or visit us at New Hampshire Liquor & Wine Outlet for the selection of your dreams—and get ready to say “olé” to a seriously tasty day.
