Tequila & bourbon get to know one another because you’ll be sending much time together come Saturday, May 5th or better known as Cinco de Mayo when The Kentucky Derby falls on the same day.
Whether it’s a Mint Julep you fancy or perhaps a Makers Julep, here are some spots that offer parties for both or just one.
Jbird Cocktails (339 East 75th Street, 212-288-8033, jbirdny.com
Jason Littrell and Marshall Altier craft a drinkable history with their Prescription Julep ($12), based on a recipe from an 1857 issue of Harper’s Monthly. It’s made with rye whiskey, cognac 1st cru, memerara, market mint and Jamaican rum float. And make sure to try Jbird’s swizzles, which like juleps are made with crushed ice. Try the signature Jbird Swizzle ($12) with Jasmine Flower rum, Don’s Spices, lime, pineapple, blueberry syrup, orgeat and bitters.
Neely’s Barbecue Parlor, (1125 First Avenue, 212-832-1551, www.neelysbbqparlor.com
Bourbon is Kentucky’s natural resource and, with their stellar selection is the ideal place to watch the races. Sip on a classic like Maker’s Mark ($9.50) or a rare breed like Pappy Van Winkle 20-Year-Old ($30) – a triple crown champion of the bar scene. Complement your bourbon with great barbecue like the Slow Smoked Beef Short Rib ($24.95).
Virgil’s Real Barbecue (152 West 44th Street, 212-921-9494, www.virgilsbbq.com
Virgil’s will have the race on big screens while serving festive Derby Day cocktails. This Southern-style midtown restaurant will offer the classic Maker’s Julep ($12) and the milder Spring Races ($11) with muddled pineapple, fresh mint, simple syrup and Rittenhouse rye whiskey. The Derby ends at 7 pm, but Cinco de Mayo at Virgil’s goes on all night with the Muy Caliente Margarita and much more.
MexiQ Kitchen & Draught (37-11 30th Avenue, 718-626-0333, www.mexiqny.com
Queens’ best spot to watch the race while you toast to the south of the border — the restaurant’s concept is Southern barbecue meets Mexican fare! From 11 am to 2 am, MexiQ will offer Dos Equis XX beer at the happy hour price – $3 – and host live music. The most interesting brew in the world goes great with Executive Chef Jonathan VanSleet’s dishes, including Cajun Seared Shrimp Burrito ($16) and Tequila Braised Beef Brisket ($16) served in a skillet with jalapeno goat cheese cornbread.
GO Burger (1448 Second Avenue, 212-988-9822, www.e2hospitality.com
Another great Cinco de Mayo spot thanks to its terrific tacos. Try the Crispy Cod Tacos ($11) with chipotle mayo, shredded cabbage, avocado and pico de gallo and the Al Pastor Tacos ($8) with spiced pork cooked on a spit, cotija cheese, diced onion, cilantro and a spritz of lime. Enjoy the food, the restaurant’s Cinco de Mayo guacamole and the specialty Margarita Sunrise cocktail ($12) while you watch the Derby on Go Burger’s flat screens.
The Haberdasher (5 9th Avenue, 212-929-9460, ww.5ninth.com
Speaking of tequila, The Haberdasher, the always-eccentric lounge is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with the Daisy Envy ($14) cocktail. It’s made with Reposado Tequila, chamomile, agave, lemon, lime, Peychaud’s bitters (which are made in Kentucky) and orange flower water. Derby fans can get in the spirit of the sport by enjoying one of The Haberdasher’s three bourbon-based cocktails, like the Smoking Jacket ($14), blended with JW Black & Buileit Bourbon, Dolin Dry, Peychaud’s bitters, Amaretto and peat rinse.
Tequila isn’t the only quintessential Cinco de Mayo spirit — Mezcal is a native Mexican alcohol too. Like tequila, mezcal is made from the agave plant, but it is exclusive to Oaxaca and has a stiffer taste.
The Americano’s (518 West 27th Street, 212-525-0000, www.hotel-americano.com
The Americanos drink menu features both types of spirits, which you can enjoy in their sleek dining room and rooftop bar. Sample tequila in the Americano Margarita with Combier liqueur and fresh lime and taste the Mezcal blended in The MGM cocktail with fresh ginger, lemon and maple syrup.
HAVE FUN.