Tequila Casa Dragones Featured at Vogue Pre-Met Gala Dinner

Every year before the Met Gala, Vogue hosts a party in celebration of ‘Fashion’s Biggest Night Out.’ This year, celebrities and models attended a pre-Gala dinner themed “The Great Beauty” at Lower Manhattan old-world Italian restaurant Forlini’s (the inspiration for the night’s hashtag #SpaghettiandMetBalls). Guests including Hailey Baldwin, Alexa Chung, Hannah Ferguson, Grace Hartzel, Ashley Graham, Kate Bosworth, Michael Polish, and Hailey Benton Gates were served Casa Dragones on the rocks with a twist as well as Casa Dragones Blanco cocktail, the Mexico City Margarita, which was renamed “Voguearita” for the night. The restaurant’s unveiling of a secret dessert room, and the arrival of the Takumi Tacos food truck, kicked off the second half of the soirée that included a performance by singer-songwriter Moses Sumney and DJ set by Charlie Klarsfeld.

Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo does not mark the day of Mexican Independence

This unofficial holiday actually marks a Mexican victory at the battle of Puebla, Mexico, in the 19th century against the French army, a day not even recognized by the federal Mexican government. The small town of Puebla is one of the only places in Mexico where this day is celebrated. There, they convene and hit the streets with parades and reenactments in honor of the battle. But it became popular in the United States for another reason.

Cinco de Mayo began to gain popularity as a day of celebration in the 1960s, as Mexican-American activists raised public interest in a holiday that celebrated Mexican culture. In time, it became a holiday of fun and an exciting and exuberant way to usher in the summer’s arrival.

So what is the full story behind everyone’s favorite day of celebration?

Mexico’s tenuous political relationship with Spain, Britain, and France reached a climax in 1862. Mexico owed these European countries a significant amount of money from years of accrued debt, and while Spain and Britain removed their navies from the gulf of Mexico, France decided it was time to make a power play. They landed and began an invasion on the Central American mainland, pushing the Mexican army to the northern border to their American neighbor who was occupied fighting their own Civil War.

In the small town of Puebla, the Mexican army was outnumbered and outmatched. By what seemed like a miracle and by a series of strategic moves, they held off Napoleon III and the French army, pushing them back. Word reached Mexican immigrants in the United States weeks later, resulting in a symbolic victory both on the battlefield and in the hearts of those who called Mexico their home. Although the battle was small, and it would be several years until France fully retreated from Mexico, this victory captured the Mexican spirit of independence and resilience.

For Cinco de Mayo this year, enjoy a full Saturday of fun by drinking Dragones Blanco on the rocks, sipping Casa Dragones Joven with an inspired pairing dish, or by celebrating with a Cinco-inspired cocktail to enjoy with family and friends.

Inspired cocktails with Casa Dragones Blanco for Cinco de Mayo

Pichon Dragon 

Visit Fonda for the Pichon Dragon cocktail. Lime and Passionfruit deliver bursts of sweetness that are perfect for a refreshing post-meal drink.

2 oz Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco

0.5 oz Passionfruit puree

0.25 oz Fresh lime juice

4 dashes of Orange Bitters

Mix the Casa Dragones Blanco, passionfruit puree, and fresh lime juice in a shaker. Add orange bitters, strain, and serve.

FONDA

976 Madison Ave

New York, NY 10075

Marco’s Mexican Margarita

Javier’s Cantina features Marco’s Mexican Margarita. This bold, legendary drink updated with Casa Dragones Blanco is crisp, cool, and enjoyable all day long.

1.5 oz Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco

0.5 oz Cointreau

Fresh Lime Juice

Garnish with a salted rim glass and a slice of lime

JAVIER’S

Crystal Cove Promenade

7832 E. Coast Hwy

Newport Beach, CA 92657

Doctor X

Atla’s Doctor X cocktail is inspired by a Mexican wrestler and is here just in time for Cinco de Mayo. It boldly combines chili heat with tartness from Kava Kava and lime.

1.5 oz Kava kava infused Casa Dragones Blanco
1 oz Batch (Ancho reyes + Giffards Creme de Cacao)

0.5 oz Lime juice
2 oz Soda water
3 dashes of Fernet Valley float

Shake all ingredients together before straining over fresh ice cubes in a glass, then top with the soda water. Finish the cocktail with 3 dashes of fernet valet and garnish with candied ginger.

ATLA

372 Lafayette St

New York, NY 10012

Carlota’s Margarita 

Find Carlota’s Margarita at Atla restaurant. This creative cocktail mimics the buttery richness of Mexican cuisine with egg whites and key lime cachete.

1.5 oz Casa Dragones Blanco
0.5 oz Lime juice

0.75 oz Batch (Dolin Blanc: Cocchi Americano)

0.5 Lime Juice

Egg whites/yolk

Barspoon Lime Curd

Shake all ingredients together, then add 4-5 cold draft cubes and hard shake. Strain over fresh cold draft cubes in AP rox glass.  Garnish with lime cachete.

ATLA

372 Lafayette St

New York, NY 10012

Sparkling Margarita

Beatrice Inn features the Sparkling Margarita, a bubbly twist on a classic margarita. It marries agave nectar, lime juice, Casa Dragones Blanco, and a splash of champagne.

1.5 oz Casa Dragones Blanco

0.5 oz Grand Marnier

0.75 oz Lime Juice

0.5 oz Agave Nectar

Top with Rose Brut sparkling wine. Serve in champagne flute and garnish with Seville orange with black lava salt.

BEATRICE INN

285 W 12th St

New York, NY 10014

Creative food pairings with Casa Dragones Joven for Cinco de Mayo

Crab Garnachas

Crafted by Josefina Lopez Mendez of Chapulin in Mexico City, these fried tortilla bites topped with crab, tomato salsa and costeno chile make a savory snack to enjoy before or during your dinner.

White Ceviche

Ceviche and Casa Dragones Joven is a favorite pairing for many chefs, including Martha Ortiz from Dulce Patra of Mexico City who created this refreshing dish. Simple to make and elegant to serve, this dish is an authentically Mexican way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Crispy Fish Tacos

Chef Bano of Spring Place in New York creates this tangy, colorful taco dish that is far from ordinary. Crispy corn tortillas, fresh red snapper, pico de gallo, lime zest, and creme fraiche create the perfect balance with Casa Dragones Joven.

Beef Striploin Skewers with Grilled Bell Pepper and Spicy Jus

Michelin-starred Chef Remi van Peteghem of the Clement Restaurant at the Peninsula, New York takes a break from the typical wine pairing by marrying this savory meat dish with his favorite tequila. Rich and flavorful, this pairing makes an exciting main course for your elegant Cinco de Mayo dinner.

Chocolate Tart

Chocolate and Casa Dragones Joven are the perfect marriage, and the perfect way to end your Cinco de Mayo dinner. Take inspiration from this elegant tart from The Modern restaurant in New York.