Do you feel the summer vibes or what? I am well aware that it’s only late April, but I’m definitely getting excited for summer…and Cinco de Mayo! Today’s cocktail and next Saturday’s cocktail are both Mexican inspired, and both are refreshingly delicious. Pretty excited about it. SO last summer my family traveled to Mexico for a little fun in the sun. They brought EVERYONE along. I’ve mentioned this before, but sadly I could not make the trip. I know, I know, who in the heck misses out on a trip to Mexico? Trust me, I was not happy about it, but hopefully you guys will all LOVE the cookbook (because that’s what I was working on), and it will have been worth it. I made sure to tell everyone to take lots of photos and bring me back some new Mexican recipes…well, they did none of that. Instead they were living it up, jumping off cliffs into the prettiest blue water, swimming with turtles, and drinking one too many margaritas. When in Mexico, right? Anyway, the one thing that did come back with them all was a new love of Mezcal. Mezcal is tequila’s fiery, smokey sister. You either like it or you don’t, but if you like it, it’s a game changer in drinks. I’ve been making Mezcal cocktails ever since they returned, and after seeing a super fun mango Mezcal drink in Food Network’s May issue, I was inspired to create my own version. This Island Breeze is sweet, just a little smokey, with the slightest kick of heat, and hints of both lemon and lime. SO GOOD. The mango keeps the drink sweet, while the pinch of chili powder adds some authentic Mexican heat, but not too much! Top with just a little fizz and you have the perfect Mexi drink to sip on. If you’re not a fan of Mezcal, just replace it with a high quality tequila. And umm, is anyone else ready for a serious fiesta? Chips, guacamole, and cocktails please, YESSS. Saturday perfection.
