Tequila cocktails to celebrate Mexico's 200th birthday

Chili Margarita

​Today, September 15, is Mexican Independence Day and Mexico's 200th birthday--that's right, their bicentennial--giving us an ideal opportunity to raise a glass to our friends south of the border. Here are a few tasty recipes for your toast.

Watermelon Breeze
from Jamie Salaas

2 parts Milagro Silver tequila
1 part fresh lemon juice
1 part simple syrup (1:1)
3 watermelon cubes
1 rosemary sprig

Muddle melon and rosemary, add the rest of the ingredients, shake, strain, and pour into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with a watermelon ball and rosemary sprig.

The El Pepino Fresco
from The Randolph at Broome lounge in NYC

2 cucumber slices
1/2 oz. simple syrup
2 oz. tequila
1/2 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur
Peychaud bitters
cucumber slice to garnish

Muddle two cucumber pieces with 1/2 oz. simple syrup and 1/2 oz. St. Germain elderflower liqueur, add tequila, shake, and strain over rocks. Top with Peychaud bitters and garnish with a cucumber slice

The Elegante Fizz
from Adam Harness, 2X Iron Bartender champion

1.5 oz Blanco tequila
1 oz Domaine De Canton ginger liqueur
sparkling wine

Shake tequila and ginger liqueur with ice. Strain into a chilled glass and top with sparkling wine.

Chili Margarita
from DIY-on-the-Fly

2 large basil leaves or equivalent of cilantro
1 slice of hot pepper: jalapeno, habanero, Thai, or other--quantity and type according to desired heat
2 oz tequila
3/4 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 Cointreau or triple sec
salt
beer chaser, if desired

Muddle basil and pepper in the bottom of a pint glass. Add tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau or triple sec. Shake with ice. Strain into a second ice filled glass, rimmed with salt. Garnish with herb, lime, and a hot pepper slice. Serve with optional beer chaser.