Let’s Celebrate All May!

As May unfolds its colorful tapestry, it brings forth a trifecta of celebrations: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and the end of the school year.  It’s a month filled with vibrancy, gratitude, and the promise of new beginnings.  What better way to honor these occasions than with a fusion of tradition, love, and a touch of innovation.

Cinco de Mayo, often misunderstood as Mexico’s Independence Day, actually commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.  Its a day of national pride and cultural celebration, not only in Mexico but also in many parts of the United States and beyond.

The United States was and continues to be excited for Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla primarily because it represented a significant moment of triumph for a fellow republic against a European imperial power. The United States, as a young republic itself, had a strong affinity for republican ideals and sympathized with Mexico’s struggle against foreign intervention.  The U.S. had a longstanding policy known as the Monroe Doctrine, which aimed to prevent European powers from interfering in the affairs of nations in the Western Hemisphere.  The French intervention in Mexico was viewed as a violation of this doctrine.

In 1862, the American Civil War was raging in the United States.  Mexico’s victory at the Battle of Puebla provided a morale boost to the Union cause.  It demonstrated that even in the midst of its own internal conflict, a republic could successfully defend itself against external threats.  Despite tensions and occasional conflicts between the U.S. and Mexico, there was a sense of solidarity among Americans with the Mexican people in their struggle against foreign invasion.  The Battle of Puebla symbolized Mexican resilience and the determination to resist foreign domination, which resonated with many Americans.

On to our next celebration, Mother’s Day, a time to honor and cherish the incredible women who have shaped our lives with their love, strength, and wisdom.  Whether it’s through a simple gesture of an elaborate celebration, Mother’s Day is an opportunity to express gratitude and shower our moms with affection.

And lets not forget the end of the school year, a milestone that marks the culmination of months of hard work, growth, and learning.  Students eagerly anticipate the freedom of summer, while parents and educators reflect on the accomplishments and challenges of the academic year.  We are so proud of all our graduates!  It’s a time to celebrate achievements, bid farewell to routines, and embrace the adventures that lie ahead.

Now, lets talk flavor!  Mesquite, with its earthy sweet taste, adds a unique twist to traditional Cinco de Mayo cocktails.  Mesquite beans offer a delightful addition to culinary creations.

Here’s a simple yet tantalizing recipe to elevate your Cinco de May, Mother’s Day and end-of-school festivities:

Ingredients:

A healthy shot of your favorite white or silver tequila

3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice

2 tablespoons of Cappadona Ranch Mesquite Bean Jelly

1 teaspoon of Grand Marnier orange liqueur

A splash of mineral water (Optional)

Directions: 

Rim the glass: Pour a thin layer of salt onto a small plate. Rub a lime wedge around the top edge of your glass to moisten it, then dip the glass into the salt so that it sticks, tapping all the way around. Fill the glass with ice and set aside.

For one drink: take 2 tablespoons of Cappadona Ranch Mesquite Bean Jelly and 1 tablespoon of lime and add to small saucepan over low heat stirring constantly. Bring the syrup mixture to a slight boil while stirring constantly. If the mixture is slick after heating stir and a teaspoon of water … 1 teaspoon at a time to achieve the desired consistency. Fill a small cocktail shaker with additional ice. Add the tequila, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, orange liqueur, mesquite bean syrup. Tightly close and shake vigorously. Strain into rimmed glass over ice and add a splash of mineral water (optional). Enjoy!

This Mesquite Bean Margarita embodies the spirit of Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, and the end of the school year - bold, flavorful, and infused with a hint of creativity.  It’s a toast to resilience, maternal love, academic achievements, and the promise of new beginnings.

So, as you gather with loved ones to celebrate, raise your glasses high and savor the moments.  Whether your honoring Mexican history, expressing gratitude to the maternal figures in your life, applauding academic milestones, or simply reveling in the joys of spring, let the Mesquite Bean Margarita be your flavorful companion on this journey of festivities and love.

¡Salud y felicidades!

Cappadona Ranch