Drink-O de Mayo The Best Brews to Celebrate Your Cinco
BY DELIA SIMPSON, CRAFT, SPECIALTY, AND IMPORT MANAGER, CHOICE BRANDS, INC.
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INCO DE MAYO—OR THE FIFTH of May—commemorates the Mexican Army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the FrancoMexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large MexicanAmerican populations. Today, revelers mark the occasion with parades, parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and traditional foods, such as tacos and mole poblano. While margaritas often take the spotlight, there are also some outstanding traditional brews to quench the thirst of party goers. Here is some information on some of the best beers available from Mexico, as well as beer cocktail recipes to make your fiesta more authentic! DOS EQUIS In the 1500’s, Moctezuma, the last leader of the Aztecs, ruled the land that is currently known as Mexico. He would come to be the inspiration of the Dos Equis label design. Founded in 1890 and brought to America in the 1970’s, Dos Equis is now the fastest growing import brand in the US. Dos Equis Ambar, the brewery’s original beer, is a full bodied, Vienna-style amber lager that blends German brewing techniques with the finest Mexican flavors. Subtly spicy, it has a delicious caramel taste that is well structured, with a long finish. Its quality ingredients, along with low levels of bitterness, make it a smooth, refreshing beer. Dos Equis Lager is brewed with pure malt, hops, and water 18 MAY 2017 | WWW.BAYOULIFEMAG.COM
to deliver a unique taste with a dramatic, bracing quality. Its superior ingredients make it the perfect refreshing beer to pair with spicy dishes such as Carnitas Tacos or Molcajete. TECATE Around since 1944, Tecate has recently become America’s fastest growing light beer brand. Tecate Original is an authentic full bodied lager with a grainy, crisp malt flavor and pleasant aftertaste, the way a Mexican cerveza should be. Tecate Light is a beer with a surprising and distinct zesty flavor, defined malt character and smooth aftertaste that is light by design and bold by nature. Both pair beautifully with traditional Mexican fare, as well as light, citrus marinated grilled dishes. Dos Equis Michelada A drink so legendary, it requires three sauces. 12 oz Dos Equis Ambar ¼ cup lime juice ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp. hot sauce ¼ tsp. soy sauce 2 oz. tomato juice Red pepper flakes or chili powder Ice Rim a 16 oz. beer mug with lime juice and red pepper flakes. Add ice and pour in a bottle of Dos Equis Ambar. Add in the remaining ingredients. Stir and enjoy. Dos-A-Rita Some moments in life call for beer. Some call for a margarita. Special ones call for both.
12 oz. Dos Equis Lager Especial ½ oz. tequila ¼ oz. triple sec 2 oz. sour mix Coarse salt Lime wedge for garnish Ice Combine tequila, triple sec, sour mix and ice in a mixing glass and shake. Strain over fresh ice into a 16-oz. glass with a salted rim. For a frozen drink, blend with ice. Top off with Dos Equis Lager Especial. Garnish with lime wedge and enjoy. Be sure to like Choice Brands on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram to keep up with local happenings and new product releases. Follow the hashtag #spiceupyourcinconela to stay up to date on local Cinco celebrations and specials. In addition, you’ll find links to beer related articles, fun recipes, and much more! As a bonus, we will be posting a trivia question each month for a chance to win cool, beer related prizes. This month’s question is: What Aztec leader was the inspiration for the Dos Equis label design? Go to our Facebook page, post your answer in the comments section (the trivia post will be pinned to the top) and you’ll be entered to win (must be at least 21 years of age)! Find us at facebook.com/choicebrands, twitter. com/choicebrandsinc and instagram.com/ choicebrands. Good luck!
