It’s official, folks - we’re entering a very special time of the year we like to call “Cinco season,” as we approach that extra-magical day of celebration that always means a damn good time.
If there’s one key to having a successful Cinco de Mayo, it’s making sure you enjoy tequila cocktails made with only the finest tequila out available… in other words, we’re talking about el Jimador and Tequila Herradura, naturally. Since the weather is getting warmer, we joined forces with some of the best bars & restaurants in Portland that have outdoor patios and got the lowdown on some of the most delicious tequila drinks they’ve been crafting lately. When you’re sippin’ on a cocktail that has been blessed with el Jimador & Tequila Herradura, you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo the right way.
To sweeten the deal, we’re giving away a tequila power kit AND a $100 bar tab to any of the establishments featured in this guide. Cheers!
Where to Celebrate
3707 NE Fremont St
This beloved taco spot offers some of the best house margaritas in the whole city, and it’s no surprise to learn that they use el Jimador tequila as a base. What makes their margs even better? You can get them TO GO. If you feel like chillin’ for a bit, you can enjoy your drinks on the outdoor patio. You really can’t lose.
7361 SW Bridgeport Rd (Tigard)
We recommend Choza for not one but TWO of their outstanding tequila cocktails. First up is their incredibly refreshing el Jimador Que Fresa Margarita, which literally tastes like a vacation. After that, try out their Tequila Herradura Old Fashioned, a scrumptious new take on a classic cocktail.
460 SW Miller Rd
The el Jimador House Margarita at Sandoval's is one of our favorite festive cocktails ANYWHERE. There’s something about using 100% Blue Agave that makes margaritas truly come alive and deliver an authentic taste. Pay Sandoval's a visit ASAP!
2337 NE Glisan St
Tropicale likes to mix their tequila cocktails using Tequila Herradura, so you just know that you’re going to enjoy the taste of ultimate refinement every single time. Tropicale’s patio with a drink in hand is a wonderful place to be indeed.
1005 SE Ankeny St
Did we say that we love to-go margaritas? If so, can we say it again? Because the to-go margaritas at Normandie, which are made using a base of el Jimador plus other fresh ingredients, are worth the trip and then some.
804 NW 12th Ave
The Pearl District’s Bar Rione is currently serving up a menu crammed full of amazing cocktails, including their Passion and Spice Margarita as well as their truly decadent Mexican Coffee. Both drinks use generous amounts of el Jimador tequila, and both drinks bring the flavor in a very major way.
Multiple Locations
We love it when one of our favorite restaurants operates multiple locations, because that means you have access to the awesomeness no matter where you are in the city. Whichever location you choose, you’ll find drink specials and Happy Hour menus jammed with tasty cocktails. We’ll drink to that!
727 SE Washington St
Taqueria Nueve is another great taco joint that not only dishes out bomb tacos, but they also offer to-go margaritas so you can bring the authentic taqueria experience right into your living room. We recommend their el Jimador T9 marg, which goes heavy on the bright citrus flavors that you’ll find in any cocktail made with EJ tequila.
2133 SE 11th Ave
Deadshot recently installed a brand new outdoor patio and we have to say that they did an absolutely wonderful job. We implore you to go check it out, and while you’re at it, order one of their el Jimador margaritas… it’s a drink that truly does taste better when enjoyed al fresco.
Cocktails
Fresh Margarita
Made with el Jimador Silver Tequila, this incredibly refreshing cocktail will make you feel like it’s Cinco de Mayo each and any day of the year.
Fresh Margarita
2 parts el Jimador Silver Tequila
1 part Lime Juice
½ part Orange Juice
¾ part Simple Syrup
Orange Wheel
Lime Wheel
Pour your tequila, lime juice, orange juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice and give it a shake. Then, strain it into a glass with fresh ice, and garnish with an orange wheel and lime wheel.
Fresh Paloma
For those of us who prefer our festive drinks to pack a serious punch in the grapefruit department, try this excellent Paloma recipe that’ll get the party started in no time.
Fresh Paloma
2 parts el Jimador Silver Tequila
1 part Lemon Juice
2 parts Grapefruit Juice
½ part Agave Nectar
Soda Water
Grapefruit Slice
Pour your tequila, lemon juice, grapefruit juice, and agave nectar into a shaker with ice and give it a shake. Strain it into a glass with fresh ice, and top it with soda water and a pinch of salt. Then, garnish with a slice of grapefruit.
Tequila Sunrise
When crafted correctly, the Tequila Sunrise can immerse your taste buds in wonderfully complex flavors despite the recipe’s deceptively simple list of ingredients. Build your cocktail with el Jimador Silver Tequila and you’ll turn this drink into one sunrise you won’t want to miss.
Tequila Sunrise
1½ parts el Jimador Silver Tequila
¾ part Hibiscus Syrup
6 parts Seville Orange Juice (or 4 parts Orange Juice and 2 parts Lime Juice)
Dehydrated Blood Orange
Combine tequila & bitter orange juice in a Collins glass and stir. Add crushed ice. Drizzle hibiscus syrup over the top and garnish with dehydrated blood orange.
Horseshoe Margarita
What is the Horseshoe Margarita, you ask? Why, it’s an absolutely delicious cocktail made with Tequila Herradura Silver, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and agave nectar to taste. Perfection.
The Horseshoe Margarita
2 parts Tequila Herradura Silver
1 part Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
½ - ¾ part Agave Nectar (to taste)
Combine all ingredients and shake with ice to chill. Strain over fresh ice and garnish with a half-salt rim and lime.
El Duelo
The El Duelo is a tasty drink that has the ol’ “sugar and spice” combo ON LOCK. Don’t forget to rim your glass with Tajin Chili!
El Duelo
2 parts Tequila Herradura Silver
1 part Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice
½ - ¾ part Agave Nectar (to taste)
½ part Tamarind Nectar
Rim half of coupe glass with Tajin Chili. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously to chill. Strain into glass.
Pina Picante Margarita
A literal taste explosion. Those wonderful tropical notes? Thank the pineapple? That zesty finish that gives this cocktail a serious kick? Thank the serrano peppers. This is taking the margarita to a whole new level.
Pina Picante Margarita
2 parts Tequila Herradura Silver
1 part Fresh Pineapple Juice
¾ part Fresh Lime Juice
½ part Agave Nectar (to taste)
3 Slices Muddled Serrano Pepper
Pour all ingredients into a shaker, muddle with sliced serrano pepper. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a fresh glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple slice, pineapple leaves and serrano pepper.
