Cinco D'erby

Question.  What cocktail will you serve tomorrow when Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby hit on the very same day?  

Answer.  Why not go the fusion route and make a perfect combination of both the classic Derby Mint Julep and the classic Mexican Margarita?  I did.  And I'm calling it a Cinco D'erby!

I started by using tequila instead of bourbon, keeping the fragrant green mint leaves, adding some fresh lime juice and a splash of Triple Sec and then muddling in a couple of jalapeno slices along with a little simple syrup.  One sip and you'll want to decorate your sombrero with a few raucously colorful flowers while cheering your favorite horse with a hearty OLÉ!   

Cinco D'erby

Makes 2 

• a big handful of mint leaves, reserve 2 pretty stems with pretty tops
• 3 oz. simple syrup
• 6 oz. silver tequila
• 2 limes, juiced
• 4 thin slices of jalapeno
• club soda

Muddle mint leaves and jalapeno slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker with the simple syrup.  Add tequila and lime juice; add ice nearly to the top of the tin, cap tightly and shake until the tin is nicely frosted.  

Add crushed ice to 2 tall glasses, strain the cocktail into the glasses and top with club soda.  Stir gently.

Garnish each glass with a stemmed mint sprig.  Oh....before you tuck that sprig into the glass, lay the sprig on one hand, slap the sprig with your other hand.  This is called spanking the mint.  Kind of naughty, yes?  And fun.  The purpose to to release the mint fragrance!  

If you like your drink a little sweeter, add more syrup.  If you like it tarter, add more lime.  If you like it spicier, add more jalapeno.  If you...you get the idea...adjust it to YOUR preference!  

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