New tequilas for Cinco de Mayo

April 30, 2:59 PMNY Drinks ExaminerRobert Haynes-Peterson

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DeLeon Tequila launches May 5. Image courtesy BWR PR

CINCO DE MAYO is once again upon us, another national holiday from another country that Americans have turned into an excuse for serious partying (When, oh when, is December 9--Tanzanian Independence Day--going to be similarly bacchanaliated?).

Though the U.S. has witnessed a huge spike in new premium tequilas over the past decade, there are still some 800 or so labels in Mexico we haven't yet gotten to sample (stop bogarting the tequila, Mexico!).

There are three ways to expand your Tequila-cabulary:

• Visit central Mexico on your own, randomly hitting bars and distilleries in the hopes of discovering something new
• Wait a couple of years until Mexico finishes formalizing its Tequila Trail tourist trap, guiding visitors through the regions of Guadalajara, Amatitan and Tequila
• Or sample some new and exciting labels being introduced into the U.S. this month.

Considering all the hassle that air travel is now (don't forget you'll need your name to appear on your ticket exactly as it appears on your passport beginning immediately, and good luck with that), instead check out the accompanying SLIDE SHOW below some exciting new options in the iceberg tip that is tequila.

Tequila's not the only party beverage of choice this week. Sommelier Brad Haskel, who stocked the wine shelves at Madison & Vine and London Lennies reminds you, "Mexican food is more than just guacamole and tacos. The cuisine is shaped by dramatically different regional offerings and spiced by layers of flavors from herbs, spices, fruits, vegetables, meats and the all-important chilies. The use of chilies, whether smoked, grilled, broiled, boiled, or raw, present unique challenges for pairing with wine." He suggests the 2007 Chivite Navarra Gran Fuedo Rose from Spain and the 2006 L.A. Cetto Chenin Blanc from Mexico (yes, Mexico has wine!) as choices that will complement Mexican cuisine and not get overpowered by the spices.

There are many places in the city to get your party sombrero on, but these four should prove particularly creative:

• UES stalwart Rosa Mexicano is hosting a masquerade party. Show up in costume, get a free shot of 1800 tequila *and* the shot glass. Lots of other fun-tivities planned as well.
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• Hudson Terrace will open to the public, offering insane rooftop views, pitchers and flights of sangrias, mojitos and margaritas, and lots and lots and lots of people.
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• New York Vintners is hosting a Cinco de Mayo party from 5p to 7p, featuring an Iron Chef-style face-off crafting the best guacamole and sangria. $15 gets you in, plus gives you a $10 credit towards any in-store purchase.
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• Astoria-based Mojave, possibly the only, and definitely the best Southwest-style Mexican restaurant in the city always throws a popular shindig. This year diners will receive a free margarita or sangrita (kind of a tequila slushy). Live music from Uribe will keep the casa jumping late into the night.

Finally, if you're hosting this year to save a few bucks, we suggest this "Modern Margarita" recipe to shake things up a bit:

Corzo La Futura by Junior Merino of Macando

1.5 part Corzo Silver Tequila

3/4 part Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur

3/4 part Pineapple Juice

1 part fresh Lime Juice

1/2 part Agave Nectar

Pour all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake and pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with a slice of crystallized ginger and lemon peel. (Recipe courtesy Corzo Tequila).