Cinco de Mayo in the Burgh

It's Cinco de Mayo! Aren't you excited?!  Ahh how I love celebrating the defeat of French troops...errrr...uhhh...yeah.  Ce n'est pas exactement de vérité...Maybe that's not always a good thing. But YAY MEXICO! As we all know, here in America we will gladly and even fervently celebrate anyone else's history as long as it gives us an excuse to drink - Oktoberfest, St. Patrick's Day, Bastille Day, in extreme cases Swedish and Belgian Independence Days, and of course Cinco de Mayo!  I've had quite a few fantastically irresponsible Cinco de Mayos in my past, and while I fear I may now be too old to properly celebrate a bunch of rag tag Mexican's fighting off the French Army at the Battle of Puebla, I would like to insure someone out there properly observes the holiday, so here are some delicious drinks and places around Pittsburgh to celebrate:

Tequila Shot

• My favorite! My best advice would be to make sure to get it chilled, but the lime and salt are up to you.

The Prickly Margarita

• 2 ounces Cabo Wabo Anejo
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1/2 ounce prickly pear puree
• 1 medium jalapeno slice
• 1/4 ounce Amaretto
• 1 lime wheel
Place all the ingredients, except Amaretto in a shaker, muddle Jalapeño, add ice, and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass, float Amaretto on top, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve. Makes 1 serving.

Tequila Sunset

• 1 1/2 ounces Cabo Wabo Blanco
• 1 ounce pomegranate juice
• 1/2 ounce Framboise Liqueur
• 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 ounce agave nectar
• 3 ounce soda water
• Lemon twist
Place the tequila, lemon juice and agave nectar in a shaker with ice, shake vigorously and strain over fresh ice into a Collins glass. Stir in the soda water, and top with Framboise and Pomegranate. Mix into the drink and serve with a lemon twist. Makes 1 serving.

Places to Go: 

• Cocina Mendoza (Mt. Lebanon Blvd. in Castle Shannon) - Authentic Mexican food from Acupulco, so when you're eating it, it's almost like you're at the beach. Make sure to use your sunscreen!
• Madmex There are lots of them around - Oakland, Scott Township, State College - whichever one you choose, have 7 big ass margaritas...you won't feel like a human again until next May 5th, but you will certainly make today worth while.
• La Fiesta Restaurant (Atwood St. in Oakland.) - Live music. Try not to trip over drunk college students on your way out the door.
• Cozumel (Liberty Ave. Downtown) and Mexico City (Wood St. Downtown) - Both are good for the after work crowd. 9-5ers have gotta imbibe too!
• Jose and Tony's (McFarland Road) - There aren't many things better than this Mt. Lebanon/Dormont establishment. Stop by for a Dos Equis Mexican Cervesa (con queso!)
• The Southside - Where everybody knows your name wasted face...