Cinco de Mayo is this Sunday, and that means it’s time to break out the piñatas and indulge in chilled tequila and delightful Mexican cuisine. The holiday, which is not its Sept. 16 Independence Day, commemorates the victory over France in the Franco-Mexican War of 1862. Here in the States, it’s become a celebration of Mexican culture and food that inspires parties around town. If you’re unsure where to sip on your favorite tequila, here are a few options to check out.
Carousel Club at Gulfstream Park
At this year’s PiñataPalooza, purchase a shot of Casa Noble Tequila and receive a complimentary Corona or Modelo beer. Pair your sips with food from vendors like Los Altos Taqueria, K-BOP Korean Food and Spris Artisan Pizza. The party runs from noon to 10 p.m. If you RSVP, you’ll get a free sombrero upon arrival. Children are welcome before 7 p.m.
901 S. Federal Highway, Hallandale Beach; 954/228-3378; carouselclub.com
Bodega Taqueria y Tequila
Its West Palm Beach outpost is celebrating with $5 draft margaritas from 12-2 p.m. and special frozen margaritas all weekend.
118 S. Clematis St., West Palm Beach; 561/559-3119; bodegataqueria.com
Rosewater Rooftop by Akira Back
Head over to The Ray Hotel and up to the rooftop for Don Julio Tequila-themed cocktails, DJ tunes, and Mexican food specials from noon to 9 p.m.
233 N.E. 2nd Ave., Delray Beach; 561/739-1706; therayhotel.com
El Camino
Starting at noon, both its Delray Beach and West Palm locations will host impressive block parties. Expect street games, family-friendly activities, outdoor bars, a mariachi band, and DJ sets. Boca Raton will be a bit more toned down, with an outdoor bar and mariachi band making an appearance.
5377 Town Center, Boca Raton; 561/980-7700; elcaminobocaraton.com
15 N.E. 2nd Ave, Delray Beach; 561/865-5350; elcaminodelray.com
700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach; 561/668-2929; elcaminowestpalmbeach.com
The Wharf Fort Lauderdale
“Sombreros on the River” is a two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) where guests will enjoy mariachi bands, luchadores and themed cocktails. And if you buy a shot of tequila, you’ll get a complimentary Corona or Modelo beer.
20 W. Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale; 954/372-7606; thewharfftl.com
Coyo Taco
Las Olas will be lively on Sunday with Coyo’s DJ tunes, mariachis and $5 margaritas all day.
401 E. Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale; 954/766-1292; coyo-taco.com
Rocco’s Tacos
Its Fort Lauderdale and Boca outposts will host live entertainment and complimentary tequila. If you want to discover your new favorite tequila, take your time perusing its more than 300 selections. Then get ready to pair it with its famous guac and chips. You can also look forward to a mariachi band and even stilt walkers.
5250 Town Center Cir., Boca Raton; 561/416-2131; roccostacos.com
1313 E. Las Olas Blvd., Boca Raton; 954/524-9550
La Playa
Hilton West Palm Beach’s pool bar serves up tequila cocktails all weekend and a fun Patrón Tequila cocktail tree. Pair your sips with housemade tacos, corn chips, or a grilled octopus tostada while you sway to the DJ tunes from noon to 6 p.m.
600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; hilton.com/en/hotels/pbiwphh-hilton-west-palm-beach/
Deck 84
Get ready for party favors, drink specials and live music at this Atlantic Avenue waterfront restaurant. Mexican specials include loaded nachos, ceviche mixto, enchiladas, South of the Border Bloody Marys, frozen melon margaritas, and Corona bottle buckets (5 for $25).
840 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach; 561/665-8484; deck84.com
Max’s Grille
The Mizner Park concept will be serving up specials like chicken tortilla soup, tostada salad, and ground beef or pulled pork nachos plus $5 Coronas and $10 margaritas.
404 Plaza Real, Boca Raton; 561/368-0080; maxsgrille.com
Lona Cocina & Tequileria
If you’re looking for a Cinco de Mayo brunch, Lona is here for you. Its $49 brunch includes bottomless drinks. There are also $39 food-only and $29 kids options. Enjoy the brunch stations and margaritas while the mariachi band serenades you. After 4 p.m., it’s hosting all-you-can-eat tacos for $25, Espolon Lona Margarita Pitchers for $55, and a DJ. If you’re still up past midnight, check out its Late-Night Munchies menu, which runs until 1 a.m.
321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale; 954/245-3069; lonarestaurant.com
For those looking to mix a fabulous cocktail at home, try the following recipes:
Solento Organic Tequila’s Moonlight Marg
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces Solento Reposado
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/3 ounce pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce agave
- activated charcoal
- Ice
Instructions:
- Rim a rocks glass with salt
- Combine ingredients in a shaker
- Shake and then strain into the salt-rimmed glass
- Garnish with a lime
- Serving Size: 1
Solento’s Slow Sun Martini
Ingredients
- 3 oz ounces Reposado
- 1/4 ounce honey
- Grapefruit Bitters
- Ice
- Grapefruit
Directions
- Combine tequila, honey, and a dash of grapefruit bitters
- Shake with ice, strain into a martini glass
- Garnish with a grapefruit twist
- Serving Size: 1
