Though Cinco de Mayo is officially about Mexican Independence (right, history majors?), most Americans have adopted it as Cinco de Drink-o.  It’s funny that we don’t even treat our own Independence Day with as much revelry – but perhaps that’s because when it comes to fun drinks, the Spanish-speaking countries have us beat!  So today, when you tip your glass to freedom make sure it’s full with any one of these three delicious Cinco de Cocktails.

Classic Sangria
Find us one person who doesn’t love this fresh, fruity drink and we’ll find you someone that needs to leave your  fiesta immediately.

1 jug cheap red wine

1 cup Triple Sec

1 cup OJ

1 can pineapple chunks

1 whole orange

1  wholeapple

1/2 liter of Sprite or Seltzer

Pour wine, triple sec, OJ and can of pineapples (including the juice) into jug or pitcher.  Cut the orange and apple up into small pieces and add to the mix.  Chill two to four hours.  Add seltzer or Sprite just before serving to finish.

The Michelada
Like a Bloody Mary, but with beer – and more tasty.

1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Corona beer

1-2 dashes Worcestershire sauce

1-2 dashes Tabasco sauce

1/8-1/4 fluid ounce splash spicy hot V8

Lemon wedge

Kosher or Margarita Salt

Dip the rim of a tall chilled glass into a saucer (or shallow dish) of water. Shake off the excess, then dip the moistened rim into the kosher or margarita salt.  Fill the glass halfway with ice and then one-third full with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Top off with the cold Corona.  Add one or two dashes of Worcestershire, the V8 and Tabasco to taste.  Garnish with a lemon wedge if you’re feeling muy caliente.

Classic Margarita
An easy way to make the perennial favorite.

One can Bacardi frozen margarita mix (available in the grocery store)

Quarter bottle of tequila

Kosher or Margarita Salt

Dip the rim of your glass into a saucer of water. Shake off the excess and  then dip the moistened rim into your salt.  In a blender, mix the frozen Margarita mix with your tequila, alongside a healthy batch of ice cubes.  Once blended, pour into your glass.  You can add more tequila, but only if you’ve eaten enough!  These are sneaky! Have fun – and be safe! These drinks are strong enough to power an army – or start a revolution! Drink responsibly.

For more great recipes and DIY projects, check out YAY!DIY.com.