Cinco De Mayo, or 5th of May, also known as Battle of Puebla Day, celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over France back in 1867, funnily enough, at the Battle of Puebla. 

Unable to repay foreign debts, the newly elected Mexican President was suddenly at the mercy of Europe, with Spain and England retreating after some negotiations, France under the rule of Napoleon 111 took it as an opportunity to storm in and claim a new empire. 

Massively outnumbered and insufficiently prepared against the French, the Mexican underdog’s victory on the day of the battle, which in reality was just one battle amidst a much longer standing war, with support from neighbouring United States troops, came to represent Mexican resistance and pride, symbolic of independence against foreign domination. To illustrate the scale of the victory; just 100 Mexicans died in battle compared to 500 of the French troops.

Whilst in Mexico celebrations are a slightly more sober affair of military parades and battle reenactments mainly at the site of the battle, in The States it’s seen as more of a general celebration of Mexican-American culture and heritage.

So why is the Madre celebrating a Mexican Holiday?

The Madre loves a celebration! 

Hang on now, calm down dear, it’s not JUST about the party, it’s also a family thing. You see, our very own Madre’s Madre, our original Mother culture originates from the elemental Tibicos Mother Culture discovered, thousands of years ago, on the pads of the Mexican Opuntia cactus. It’s from these humble origins that our whole foundation has been built and nurtured, the mother living culture used to ferment the base of everything we produce here, breathing life force into Agua De Madre, from our  water kefir to our probiotic gut culture shots. 

How do you suggest we celebrate then? 

The Paloma Cocktail

Little is known about the historical origin of the Paloma, the most popular tequila-based cocktail in Mexico. Some believe that it is named after La Paloma (“The Dove”), the popular folk song composed in the early 1860s. 

Right now, all we’re concerned about is that it’s a lively, zesty and refreshing number that’s an absolute banger for a celebration!

• Ingredients:

• 1 tbs sea salt flakes

• 1 tsp grapefruit zest

• 1 lime wedge

• Crushed ice

• 45ml tequila

• 15ml fresh lime juice

• 10ml sugar syrup

• 100ml fresh ruby grapefruit juice (from specialty delis)

• Top up with Agua (Original or Blood Orange)

• Dried grapefruit slices, to serve (optional)

Place sea salt and grapefruit zest in a shallow dish and mix to combine. Run a lime wedge around the edge of a glass, then dip into the flavoured salt to coat the rim. Fill the glass with ice, then add the tequila, lime juice and sugar syrup. Top with grapefruit juice and Agua de Madre and garnish with dried grapefruit slices, if desired.