Mike's Mix: Tequila Cocktails For Cinco De Mayo
Every week, Mike Augustyniak picks up a new cocktail recipe from a local mixologist. This week, he headed over to Masa in downtown Minneapolis for a drink that will have us ready for Cinco De Mayo.
La Paloma
- 5 oz. Cazadores reposado tequila
- 3 oz. Jarritos grapefruit Soda
- 1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice
- Pinch of Sea Salt
Combine all ingredients over ice in a Tom Collins glass. Garnish with the pinch of salt, and wedge of fresh grapefruit if desired.
Cucumber Margarita
- 5 oz. Cucumber infused tequila*
- ½ oz. Triple Sec
- 2 oz. lime juice
- 1 oz. simple syrup
Shake contents with ice and serve in a salt-rimmed glass.
Garnish with a slice of cucumber.
*To make the cucumber/mint infused tequila:
- 1 bottle of a silver 100 percent blue agave tequila
- ¾ of a cucumber, peeled
- ¼ c. mint
Add all ingredients to large container and let sit for at least 24-48 hours in refrigerator.
Strain and enjoy!
Taste Test
Light and refreshing, both of these cocktails were made for the warmer weather, and maybe even a patio.
The Paloma can still be a little tart, depending on how sweet the fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice is, but it's still a well-balanced and mild cocktail that goes down like punch.
If you're used to a margarita that makes your face pucker, then the mild and light flavor of Masa's Cucumber Margarita will be a brand new experience for you. It's still a margarita, but I'm willing to bet that it's the smoothest you've ever tasted.
Masa serves contemporary Mexican cuisine, cooked up in an urban setting in downtown Minneapolis. Cinco de Mayo specials will be offered Saturday, May 2 through Tuesday, May 5 all day. Dos Equis Amber and Pacifico taps will be $3, and all margaritas and sangrias on the menu will be $3 off. A special three-course Cinco de Mayo dinner will be offered.
