Cinco de Mayo. A holiday that is really only celebrated here in the United States. But hey, it’s fun. We like our fake drinking holidays here … like St. Patrick’s Day.

The origins of the margarita are unclear, with many folks claiming to have invented this delicious drink. The first known publication of a margarita recipe was in the December 1953 issue of Esquire, with a recipe calling for an ounce of tequila, a dash of triple sec and the juice of half a lime or lemon. A recipe for a tequila-based cocktail first appeared in the 1930 book My New Cocktail Book by G.F. Steele. Without noting a specific recipe or inventor, a drink called the Tequila Daisy was mentioned in the Syracuse Herald as early as 1936. Margarita is Spanish for Daisy, which is a nickname for Margaret.

But whatever the case, it is a delicious drink with so many variations. On the rocks, frozen, flavored, Texas, grand, the list goes on.

When you head out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, you can grab a Dos Equis, Corona or go for the gold and order a margarita! If you’re staying home, however, here is an excellent recipe a friend shared with me a couple years ago. It’s really the best on the rocks margarita recipe I’ve ever had.

Margarita

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle Simply Lime
• 2 cups tequila (I usually ask a store employee what is good on sale)
• 1 cup Cointreau or Grand Marnier

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients in a large container. Mix well.
2. Apply salt to the rim of your glass if you like (I don’t do salt!)
3. Pour over ice.
4. ¡Salud!