Cinco de Mayo in San Antonio: Local Deals to Celebrate Flavor, Heritage, and Style

Anaqua Garden Bar is having $8 margaritas all day on Cinco de Mayo. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in San Antonio with Local Flavor and Festive Deals

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5th, commemorates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Though it’s a minor holiday in Mexico, it has become a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture in the United States. People mark the occasion with festive parades, mariachi music, folkloric dancing, and traditional foods like tacos and mole poblano. Cities like San Antonio host street fairs and cultural events, drawing crowds eager to experience the lively atmosphere. Cinco de Mayo appeals to many for its colorful energy, community spirit, and joyful embrace of Mexican heritage through food, music, and celebration.

With Cinco de Mayo falling on a Monday this year, local favorites Anaqua Garden Bar, La Panadería, and Twang are offering flavorful and festive ways to honor the traditions of Mexican culture. (Anaqua Garden Bar, La Panadería, Twang, 2025)

Sip and Savor at Anaqua Garden Bar
Located at the Plaza San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Anaqua Garden Bar invites guests to relax in its lush garden oasis with $8 margaritas available all day. It’s an ideal setting to unwind and toast to the vibrant traditions behind this cultural holiday.

Tequila-Inspired Treats at La Panadería
Founded by brothers José and David Cáceres, La Panadería continues to blend traditional Mexican baking with innovative flavors. This Cinco de Mayo, the menu shines with tequila-infused offerings, including:

  • Tequila Butter Steak & Eggs
  • Tequila Almond Croissant
  • Tequila Tres Leches Croissant
  • Tequila French Toast
  • A variety of refreshing tequila-based cocktails

Bring the Flavor Home with Twang
Twang, a Latino-founded brand with nearly four decades of flavor expertise, uses Cinco de Mayo as a moment to celebrate cultural roots and family traditions. Known for products like Snack Salts, Beer Salts, Drink Rimmers, and their All-In-One Michelada Cocktail Mix, Twang’s flavor enhancers are made to elevate any drink or snack—perfect for at-home celebrations.

Together, these three local brands invite San Antonians to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with intention, joy, and a deep appreciation for Mexican heritage. Whether you’re clinking glasses at Anaqua, brunching on tequila delights at La Panadería, or adding a spicy twist to your drinks at home with Twang, make this May 5th a flavorful tribute to tradition.

Photo: Freepix

National Margarita Day: Taco Cabana’s Big Red Margarita, Delicious Cocktail Recipes & Top Margaritas By State

Taco Cabana’s iconic margarita featuring Big Red. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

National Margarita Day, celebrated on February 22, is a beloved occasion for cocktail enthusiasts, particularly fans of the refreshing margarita. This vibrant holiday offers a chance to honor the iconic drink, typically made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, enjoyed in various styles from classic to frozen. For many, it’s a fun, festive day to gather with friends, explore different variations, and savor their favorite margarita concoctions. Bars and restaurants often offer special deals, making it a go-to event for those seeking to indulge in the tangy, citrusy goodness of one of the world’s most popular cocktails.

Casino.org is a leading online resource for casino enthusiasts, offering comprehensive information and guidance to gamblers worldwide. The website provides reviews of online casinos, ensuring players can make informed decisions about where to play. It serves as a trusted hub for both new and experienced gamblers looking for valuable insights. (Casino.org, 2025)

With National Margarita Day around the corner, they are celebrating by revealing America’s favorite margaritas. By using Google Trends, they found the most sought after margaritas in each state.

Here are the top 5 margaritas:

  1. Skinny margaritas
  2. Classic margaritas
  3. Spicy margaritas
  4. White Christmas margaritas and virgin margaritas
  5. Mistletoe margaritas, pomegranate margaritas, and frozen margaritas

See the full study here, along with details on which margarita each state prefers and a fun infographic.

If you’re a fan of Taco Cabana, margaritas, and Big Red in Texas, Taco Cabana (TC) is excited to announce the return of its Margarita featuring Big Red just in time to celebrate National Margarita Day (February 22). The margarita will be a limited-time offering that blends two Texas favorites: Taco Cabana’s classic margaritas and Big Red’s iconic soda. (Taco Cabana, 2025)

In collaboration with the team at Keurig Dr Pepper, Taco Cabana has crafted a one-of-a-kind, innovative experience to give margarita lovers a delicious new twist on the classic margarita. Guests can purchase this offering in the following sizes:

  • Single Serving – Perfect for a quick, refreshing drink.
  • Margarita Yard – For those who want to indulge in the ultimate margarita experience.

Taco Cabana’s Margarita featuring Big Red will be available starting Friday, February 21 just ahead of the holiday for a limited time only. Guests must be 21+ to purchase. Margaritas must be purchased alongside a food item at Taco Cabana.

Menu items are available for in-restaurant dining, drive-thru, online ordering for front counter or curbside pick-up, and through the MY TC!® App or TacoCabana.com for mobile orders..

National Margarita Day: Saturday, February 22, 2025
*Available starting February 21 just ahead of the holiday
**Available for a limited time only

If you prefer to make them at home, here are some recipes from Cantera Negra Tequila, including a cult classic, winter twist and traditional margarita. Cantera Negra is additive-free and celebrity-free ultra-premium tequila made from 100% fully mature blue weber agave, hand-crafted in small batch quantities from 40 years of family tradition in Mexico and sourced from rich volcanic soil.

Their award-winning portfolio of additive-free tequilas includes Silver, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo, and Café, premium coffee liqueur known for its distinctive character and refined taste. Their aged tequilas are aged longer than standard and perfect for both sipping and cocktails in the colder months – check out Reposado in the Winter Marg recipe below. (Cantera Negra Tequila, 2025)

Winter Marg

Let every sip warm you up from the inside out. A perfect combination of Cantera Negra Reposado, fresh lime and blood orange juice, complemented by a flavorful winter spice rim.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 parts Cantera Negra Reposado Tequila
    • 0.5 part Fresh lime juice
    • 0.5 part Fresh blood orange juice
    • 0.5 part Agave syrup
    • 0.75 tsp Vanilla extract
  • Directions:
    • Rim a rocks glass with winter spice mix.* Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into prepped rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
    • *Winter spice mix: .5 tsp salt, .5 tsp sugar, .25 tsp cinnamon, and .25 tsp chili powder

Tommy’s Margarita

This go-to cult classic is known as a “Tommy’s Margarita” and is a bartender favorite.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 parts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
    • 1 part Fresh lime juice
    • 0.5 part Agave nectar
    • Blood orange slice for garnish
  • Instructions – Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain over ice in a half salt rimmed rocks glass and garnish with blood orange slice.

Cantera Margarita

Traditional margarita recipe but with orange bitters to give a nice orange essence without any added sugar.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 parts Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
    • 1 part Fresh lime juice
    • 0.5 parts Agave syrup
    • Orange bitters
  • Instructions – Shake and strain over ice in double rocks glass. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters.
Cantera Margarita. Photo: Cantera Negra Tequila, used with permission.

Taco Cabana unveils new menu offerings and partnership with Jarritos

New menu offerings are available starting May 1 while supplies last. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Tex-Mex innovator Taco Cabana (TC) is thrilled to announce the debut of its enticing new limited-time menu offerings, just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Items are available starting on Wednesday, May 1 in all Texas locations while supplies last. (Taco Cabana, 2024)

Included in the new lineup are breakfast, lunch and dinner Tortas, mouthwatering Loaded Fries, all new Happy Hour offerings, and a partnership with Jarritos for an irresistible new margarita.

Taco Cabana elevates the Tex-Mex experience to new heights with bold flavors and vibrant dining. TC is bringing back the Breakfast Tortas, and they are better than ever. The tortas for breakfast include Bacon & Egg, Chorizo & Egg or Country Sausage & Egg, all piled high on a bed of refried beans, then topped with pico de gallo and shredded cheese. The new lunch and dinner torta options are stacked with refried beans, your pick of Carne Asada, Steak Fajita, or Chicken Fajita, plus a mix of fresh shredded lettuce and pico de gallo. The whole lineup of Tortas are available all day and served with a side of house made Salsa Ranch.

The new Loaded Fries are an irresistible fusion of flavors and include a Carne Asada option topped with queso, sour cream, guacamole and pico de gallo and a Chili Cheese option served with queso and chili con carne. Plain fries will also be available as a great add-on to any meal.

The new Happy Hour offerings will be available from 3p.m. to 6p.m. every Sunday through Thursday, and will feature $2 Margaritas and domestic beers, half-priced Bean & Cheese Nachos, 3-pack Flautas and small Cheese Quesadillas. These delicious items are sure to add a festive flair to your Cinco de Mayo festivities.

The Jarritos partnership introduces a new Mandarin Margarita that brings the perfect refreshing beverage to Taco Cabana, just in time for warmer weather. Jarritos Mandarin Sodas will also be available at Taco Cabana Texas locations for a non-alcoholic Jarritos experience.

“This new exciting chapter allows us to showcase our culinary innovations and unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re blending tradition with contemporary flair. We’re devoted to captivating fresh audiences through this approach, offering additional incentives to come together and celebrate with our all new Happy Hour lineup and our thrilling collaboration with Jarritos!” – Ulyses Camacho, President and COO of Taco Cabana

The excitement doesn’t stop there at Taco Cabana. Locations in San Antonio will be testing new Jr. Bowls and Burritos beginning May 1, bringing the same great flavors and quality ingredients in a convenient value-sized package. Whether it’s a quick bite on the go or a satisfying meal to fuel the day, Taco Cabana’s got something for everyone at an unbeatable price. Download the MYTC! App and join MYTC! Loyalty Rewards for special offers and exclusive TC news.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly-made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of January 1, 2024, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

 

Cocktail recipes for National Margarita Day and beyond

The Winter Margarita made with Cantera Negra Reposado. Photo: Cantera Negra, used with permission.

National Margarita Day is celebrated every year on February 22 as an homage to one of the best and most popular cocktail drinks. If you are looking for new margarita recipes or a way to spice up your favorite margarita, look no further than the following from Cantera Negra and Twang. (Cantera Negra, Twang, 2024)

Cantera Negra Tequila is an award-winning, ultra-premium tequila, hand-crafted in small batch quantities from 40 years of family tradition in Mexico. Decades ago, Don Alberto Becherano began making tequila as a hobby, and since then, he has been perfecting his proprietary method for making one of the best tasting tequilas in the world. Cantera Negra means “Black Quarry,” inspired by the rich volcanic soil from where their agaves grow. Their tequila is handcrafted in small-batch quantities using 100% fully mature Blue Weber agaves. They do not believe in cutting corners and permit only time-honored traditional production methods, and unlike others, they never add sugars or colorings. Below are a couple of their margarita recipes, including a winter twist and a cult classic. Photos courtesy of Cantera Negra, used with permission. 

Winter Marg– Let every sip warm you up from the inside out! A perfect combination of Cantera Negra Reposado, fresh lime and blood orange juice, complemented by a flavorful winter spice rim.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 parts Cantera Negra Reposado Tequila
    • 0.5 part Fresh lime juice
    • 0.5 part Fresh blood orange juice
    • 0.5 part Agave syrup
    • 0.75 tsp Vanilla extract
  • Directions:
    • Rim a rocks glass with winter spice mix.* Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain into prepped rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.
    • *Winter spice mix: .5 tsp salt, .5 tsp sugar, .25 tsp cinnamon, and .25 tsp chili powder

Tommy’s Margarita – This go-to cult classic is known as a “Tommy’s Margarita” and is a bartender favorite.

  • Ingredients:
    • 2oz Cantera Negra Silver Tequila
    • 1oz fresh lime juice
    • .5oz agave nectar
    • Blood orange slice for garnish
  • Instructions
    • Add all ingredients to cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Strain over ice in a half salt rimmed rocks glass and garnish with blood orange slice.

**********************************************

Twang, a Tex-Mex inspired, family-driven company, specializes in the creation of products with flavored salt, sugar, and spice blends. 

The Twang-A-Rita premium cocktail rimmer blend is a must for the at-home-bartender and cocktail enthusiast this National Margarita Day. Available for national shipping, flavors include Safari Spice (spicy mango flavored), Sunrise Spice (chili lime flavored), Nectarberry (strawberry & lime flavored), Paloma Love (grapefruit flavored), CitruSplash (lemon & lime flavored) and Unwind Lime (lime flavored). Each flavor of Twang-A-Rita retails for $4.00, or they have variety packs with three different flavors for $10.00.

So raise a glass to the flavors that bring us together and toast to the taste of tradition sprinkled with a whole lot of amor. There’s a Twang-A-Rita cocktail rimming blend that compliments every margarita.

Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Taco Cabana celebrates National Tequila Day

Taco Cabana celebrates National Tequila Day with $6.99 Double Crunch Pizza and Margarita bundle deal. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Starting Friday, July 21, 2023 through Monday, July 24, 2023, in celebration of National Tequila Day (July 24, 2023), Taco Cabana will offer a special bundle deal including any flavor of its popular Double Crunch Pizza and any flavor of its signature frozen margaritas for just $6.99 at all Texas Taco Cabana locations. TC guests can choose from Double Crunch Pizza flavors like Ground Beef, Shredded Chicken or Ghost Pepper Ground Beef and pair it with one of TC’s refreshing margarita flavors – perfect for the sizzling summer season. (Taco Cabana, 2023)

The offer is valid for Friday, July 21, 2023 through Monday, July 24, 2023 only during standard hours of operation at all participating Texas Taco Cabana locations. It does not include TC’s Triple Crunch Pizza.

The Double Crunch Pizza and margarita bundle is available through curbside pick-up, drive-thru, in-restaurant, and via mobile order through the My TC! App.

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Mexican-inspired food including breakfast, lunch and dinner tacos, dozen taco boxes, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, burritos, double crunch pizzas, freshly made flour tortillas and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up and delivery. As of July 10, 2023, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

 

Taco Cabana launches new limited-time menu items and Hatch Chile Margaritas

Taco Cabana celebrates Hatch Chile season with a new limited-time Hatch Chile Margarita and a full platform of new menu items. Photo: Taco Cabana, used with permission.

Launching August 17, 2022, for the first time in the company’s history and in celebration of Hatch Chile season, Taco Cabana is offering all-new Hatch Chile Smoked Pulled Pork menu options at all Taco Cabana locations in Texas. Guests can enjoy Tacos for $3.19, a three-pack of Street Tacos served with Hatch Chile Ranch for $4.99, a Breakfast Bowl for $5.49, and a Crunchy Burrito served with Hatch Chile Ranch and tortilla chips for $8.59. Items are available for a limited-time only and while supplies last. (Taco Cabana, 2022)

Following the launch of Taco Cabana’s Margarita Headquarters, guests 21 years of age or older can enjoy the perfect complement to the new Hatch Chile food items – a refreshing frozen margarita with a kick, the all-new $4 Hatch Chile Margarita. The spicy tequila beverage will be this season’s rotating flavor offered alongside Taco Cabana’s 12 permanent margarita options available for $3 each all-day, every day.

“Hatch Chile season in Texas is a tradition, one that Texans look forward to every year. For the first time in Taco Cabana’s 40+ year history, we wanted to celebrate Hatch season with an exciting new Hatch Chile platform showcasing both food and beverage items. We’re introducing a Hatch Chile Breakfast Bowl, a Crunchy Burrito made with tortilla strips and adding to our recent Margarita Headquarters launch, a one-of-a-kind Hatch Chile Margarita. Guests can also enjoy Hatch Chile flavors with Taco Cabana favorites like street tacos and tacos served on our warm flour tortillas made daily in-restaurant.” – Ulyses Camacho, Taco Cabana’s Chief Operating Officer

Taco Cabana’s limited-time Hatch Chile menu options can be ordered in-restaurant, via online ordering for front counter and curbside pick-up, in the drive-thru, or by mobile order when using the MY TC!® App or ordering online. 

Taco Cabana, a subsidiary of YTC Enterprises, LLC, was founded in 1978. The brand specializes in Tex-Mex-inspired food including enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, flautas, tacos, flour tortillas, and a selection of made-from-scratch salsas and sauces. Restaurants feature open-display cooking, a selection of bottled beer and signature tequila margaritas, patio dining, drive-thru windows, curbside pick-up, delivery, and catering. As of August 8, 2022, Taco Cabana operates 143 company-owned restaurants in Texas.

 

Sip margaritas and support Mexican-owned tequila this Cinco de Mayo

The Banderita Flight cocktail at FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar is made with LALO blanco tequila, a Mexican-owned, Mexican-founded tequila brand. (Photo: LALO Spirits, used with permission.

In the United States, more people consume tequila on Cinco de Mayo than on any other day of the year. LALO (a Mexican-owned tequila brand founded by Don Julio’s grandson) is celebrating the day with specialty cocktails at several bars and restaurants throughout San Antonio on Thursday. (LALO Spirits, 2022)

On Thursday, May 5, FRIDA Mexican Restaurant & Bar (18740 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258) will serve a Banderita Flight — three mini cocktails made with LALO blanco tequila and served in shades of green, white, and red to represent the Mexican flag. Flavors include a melon-lime margarita with citrus salt, ranch water with sea salt, and a strawberry hibiscus margarita with a tajin rim.

Screaming Goat Yard & Tap (4 Sun Valley Dr, Spring Branch, TX 78070) will be featuring LALO Ranch Waters, Palomas, and Perfect Margaritas. There will also be a LALO rep on site pouring taste of the popular blanco tequila from 6p.m. to 8p.m.

All three locations of La Fogata are featuring four special cocktails made with LALO throughout the month of May.

Fresca Margarita – LALO Blanco, Grand Marnier, Triple Sec, Sweet n’ sour, Fresh lime

Chispa Margarita – LALO Blanco, Triple sec, Fresh lime juice

Paloma – LALO Blanco, Fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, topped with sparkling mineral water

Ranch Water – LALO Blanco, fresh lime juice, top with sparkling mineral water over ice with salted rim

Ácenar on the Riverwalk (146 E. Houston St. San Antonio, Texas 78205) will serve a special cocktail called La Flaca, a skinny margarita made with LALO.

LALO is available for purchase at liquor stores, bars, and restaurants throughout San Antonio. It is also available online with direct shipping.

LALO is named after co-founder and maestro tequilero Eduardo “Lalo” Gonzalez, the grandson of Don Julio González of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. Lalo continues the legacy of his father and grandfather with a bold new approach to perfecting blanco tequila. After nearly a decade in the industry seeing tequila follow many different trends, he and founding partner David R. Carballido sought to return tequila to its honest roots with a truly pure blanco tequila, without barrels or additives.

Each batch of LALO is 100% pure. It is made with wisdom passed down through generations of tequileros using the finest agave, handpicked from the Jalisco Highlands, cooked using a traditional process, and distilled only twice to maintain the agave’s integrity. The sole ingredients are fully-matured agave, a proprietary Champagne yeast, and deep well water, honoring the complex essence of the agave. 

What began as a small, private batch for friends and family in Guadalajara turned into a tequila high in demand for its taste and purity. LALO is not intended as a special occasion tequila, it is intended to make any occasion special.

 

DIY ideas for National Margarita Day

limewithred
DIY ideas for National Margarita Day. Photo: Twang, used with permission.

Thursday February 22 is National Margarita Day and for anyone looking for some last-minute DIY cocktail ideas, Twang is sharing a twist on the typical margarita and a recipe using their products. Anyone can use these ideas to create their own cocktail in the comfort of their own home. Twang is a family-owned and operated creator and manufacturer of premium-flavored salts, sugars and seasonings based in Texas. Twang’s product lines include Twang-A-RitaBeer Salt and more, all designed to easily add flavor to drinks and elevate at-home alcoholic beverages to cocktail bar status. Twang’s products are available throughout the country in 46 states, in grocery stores, convenience stores and online. (Twang, 2018)

Orange Pomegranate Margarita:
1 oz. pomegranate juice
1 oz. orange juice
.5 oz fresh lime juice
2 oz Tequila Blanco
1/2 oz Cointreau
1/2 oz light agave syrup
Twang-A-Rita Golden Roar Salt

Prepare the glass. Drag a cut lime around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim in Twang-A-Rita GOLD salt. Make the drink. Combine ice, agave, pomegranate, orange and lime juice with the tequila and Cointreau in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and then pour into chilled, ice-filled glass or mason jar.

Margarita Con Twang:
Ice cubes
3 oz tequila
2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
1 oz Simple Syrup
1/2 to 1 teaspoon orange liqueur
1 tablespoon Lime-salt-sugar
2 tablespoons of Twang-A-Rita Unwind Lime Salt

Rim a glass with Twang-A-Rita Lime Salt and set aside. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add tequila, lime juice, Simple Syrup and orange liqueur. Cover and shake until mixed and chilled, about 30 seconds. In general, the drink is ready by the time the shaker mists up. Place Lime-salt-sugar on a plate. Press the rim of a chilled rocks mason jar or wine glass into the mixture to rim the edge. Strain margarita into the glass.

National Margarita Day at Pearl

dirtymextini
The Dirty Mextini is just one of the many margaritas that can be enjoyed on National Margarita Day this February 22. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

National Margarita Day is this Wednesday February 22 and the Pearl is making it easy to celebrate hump day with a margarita crawl. Guests can start with Sternewirth’s La Babia margarita which is usually given to Hotel Emma’s guests upon arrival. Boiler House has their version of a margarita made with local honey and orange bitters. Southerleigh has the citrusy Margarita Gose beer which has notes limes, oranges and tequila and is brewed in house. (Pearl, 2017)

The following are two margarita recipes featuring different Twang salts and seasonings.

Dirty Mextini
Ice
3oz anejo tequila
½oz olive brine
1 ½ oz fresh lime juice
1 ½ oz Cointreau
Splash of orange juice
TwangARita Gold Salt for rimming glass

  1. Add ice to cocktail shaker.
  2. Add in tequila, olive brine, lime juice and Cointreau. Shake vigorously for several seconds.
  3. Moisten rim of glass with lime wedge. Turn glass rim a few times in TwangARita Gold Salt.
  4. Strain martini into rimmed glass.
  5. Top with a splash of orange juice. Garnish and enjoy!

Burro Borracho, AKA Mexican Mule
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz grapefruit juice
1 oz orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)
2 oz ginger beer
2 oz tequila
Ice
TwangARita Paloma Salt