The best way to forget Bush, Republicans and all that xenophobic nonsense this 5 de Mayo? a) dust off your dart set and head out to your garage with a crispy Bush/Ashcroft poster in hand. Invite friends and go wild. Please, very important, aim well. b) head out to your nearest bar (make sure they don't require immigration papers to be let in) and ask for a Gran Centenario Red Top Highball. c) bring your dart set to your favorite bar and ask for a Red Top Highball and make sure they pour the right Tequila, that is, Gran Centenario.

Did you know Tequila is the number one growing spirit brand in the U.S.? And Margaritas are the most popular cocktail. Not all Tequilas are made equal.  In fact, not all Tequilas are even Tequila!

With Cinco De Mayo just around the corner, Gran Centenario thinks it's important to know how to choose the best Tequila. Throw away your salt and lime... and learn what Tequila is really about from master Mixologist and author of  'Craft of the Cocktail' Dale DeGroff:

Isn't being out and about an invitation to be tempted? Well, don't avoid the healthy temptations, even the semi-healthy... and specially, not this one: Gran Centenario Angel's Temptation will sway even the jaded connoiseur in you

 

1) It might say Tequila... but in order for it to be Tequila, it must be made (Hecho) in Mexico.

2) Chose 100% Blue Agave for the best flavor.

3) Plata or Silver Tequila should be clear and is best when mixed with cocktails... and get creative. You don't have to just make Margaritas!  Try my creation for Gran Centenario, the Angel’s Passion.

"Y si Angelita quisiera ser mi novia..." Ooops, I know it was Adelita but after enjoying a couple of these exquisitely mixed Gran Centenario Angelitas, you'll be singing with me: "le compraria un vestido de seda para llevarla a bailar a L.A."

 

4) Reposado means that the Tequila has been rested or aged in wood. It's perfect for both sipping and mixing in upscale cocktails ...like the Gran Centenario Pomegranate Angelita.

5) Añejo means it must be aged for a minimum of one year and Gran Centenario offers the best in aged Tequilas. Aged for a minimum of 18 months in French oak casks, Gran Centenario uses the unique Selección Suave, or smooth selection process whereby fine quality aged Tequila reserves are added to newly rested Tequila imparting unparalleled smoothness and quality. 

Can a cosmopolitan go to heaven? Yes, but only if he or she where sophisticated enough to drink Gran Centenario's Heavenly Cosmolito... This 5 de Mayo, impress your USA friends and show them what we really drink in Mexico. Then they'll understand why the need for so much lime and salt. Why the urgent need to shoot it all down at once. My, the American 'tequila shot' they were told was our idea sounds rough even by Aztec standards.

Now, what's the use of teasing you if we don't tell you how to make your own? Well, for the patience shown, here's your reward: all the recipes for the drinks mentioned above:

Angelita

• 2 oz Gran Centenario Plata Tequila
• ½ oz Grand Marnier
• ½ oz Cointreau
• 3/4 ozFresh Lime Juice

·       1 tsp Simple Syrup

Rim glass with salt.  Combine ingredients in a mixing glass.  Shake vigorously. Pour into rocks glass.  Garnish with a lime wheel.

Heavenly Cosmolito

• 2 oz Gran Centenario Plata Tequila
• 3/4 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz White Cranberry Juice
• 1/4 ozFresh Lime Juice

Combine ingredients in a mixing glass.  Shake vigorously.  Strain into chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Heavenly Highball

  ½ oz Gran Centenario Plata Tequila

• 1 ½ oz Cranberry Juice
• 3 oz Ginger Ale
• Several Mint Leaves and a Mint Sprig
• ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice

Muddle the mint leaves with the cranberry juice in the bottom of a highball glass. Add ice and build the rest of the ingredients and stir. Garnish with the mint sprig.

Angel’s Temptation

• 1 ¾ oz Gran Centenario Plata Tequila
• 3 ½ oz Fresh Apple Juice
• ½ oz Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice
• ¼ oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Combine all ingredients over ice in a mixing glass.  Shake vigorously.   Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass.   Garnish with a green apple slice