On May 5, 1862, Mexico reigned victorious over France in the Battle of Puebla. Today, we celebrate this historic event—and the richness of Mexican culture—by raising a glass of something delicious to drink. If you’re planning a Cinco de Mayo soirée for the upcoming holiday (which coincidentally falls on #ThirstyThursday this year), consider whipping up a batch of Margarita Caliente cocktails from Charleston, S.C., hotspot.
“A good margarita should be simple and fresh tasting,” says beverage director Jim McCourt. “When creating this version, I stuck to the traditional base of tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice, but added a kick with jalapeño and chipotle flavors. It’s a great drink to sip on a warm spring night, like Cinco de Mayo.
To make the jalapeño infused tequila: let the jalapeño soak in the tequila at room temperature overnight. If it needs more spice, add more jalapeño; if it’s too hot, add more tequila. To make the chipotle salt: Mix together salt and chipotle powder. Set aside. To assemble the cocktail: Combine tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, agave, and bitters in a shaker and shake well for 10 seconds. Strain into a chipotle salt-rimmed rocks glass filled with ice, and garnish with a jalapeño slice.
