Celebrating Cinco de Mayo: History, Heritage, and Delicious Recipes from YOCISCO
Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates the Mexican Army’s triumph over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. This victory by a small army of 2,000 Mexicans over 6,000 French soldiers is a remarkable feat, considering that the French had modern weaponry while the Mexicans did not. Although it is not a national holiday in Mexico, it is widely celebrated in the United States as a symbol of Chicano pride and Mexican American heritage.
As a Mexican American-owned company, YOCISCO takes pride in Cinco de Mayo and celebrates it with food. This year, we are excited to share some delicious recipes, including the traditional seafood dish from Sinaloa, Mexico – Aguachile, and a Spicy Mango Margarita.
Aguachile Ingredients
- Shrimp: Fresh raw shrimp cleaned and peeled. (1-2 lb.)
- Lime juice: (2 cups)
- Cucumber: Peeled and sliced
- Red Onion: sliced thinly
- Jalapeno peppers: Sliced thinly. You can also use Serrano peppers (1-3 depending on how hot you want your aguachile)
- Cilantro: 1 cup, roughly chopped
- Garlic: 3-4 minced cloves
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Avocado: (1) sliced
- Radishes: (3-4) sliced thinly
How to Make Aguachile
To make the Aguachile, start by slicing and cleaning 1-2 lbs. of fresh raw shrimp and placing them in a bowl. Pour 2 cups of lime juice over the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 20 minutes, turning the shrimp over once halfway through. While the shrimp marinates, blend 3/4 cup of cilantro, half a cucumber, chiles, salt, and garlic in a blender with 1 cup of water until smooth. Pour the sauce over the shrimp along with sliced cucumbers and onions and refrigerate for another 10-20 minutes. Top the dish with sliced radishes, cilantro, avocados, and chiles, and serve with tostadas or tortilla chips.
Spicy Mango Margarita Ingredients
21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno tequila: 1/2 cup
Trader Joe’s Spicy Mango Lemonade: 1/2 cup
Trader Joe’s sparkling coconut water: Top off
How to Make Spicy Mango Margarita
For the Spicy Mango Margarita, combine 1/2 cup of 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeno tequila, 1/2 cup of Trader Joe’s Spicy Mango Lemonade, and top off with Trader Joe’s sparkling coconut water in a glass with ice. Stir and enjoy!
In summary, Cinco de Mayo is an important holiday that commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French in the Battle of Puebla. YOCISCO celebrates this holiday with delicious food and drinks, including the traditional Aguachile and Spicy Mango Margarita. Try out these recipes and celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style!
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