the proof is in...: proof rum, bebidas mexicanas, Vol. 83

For Cinqo de Mayo we are featuring a great new modern Mexican restaurant, an excellent new tequila and a delicious proof rum bebida, borrowed from a local restaurant. Happy May 5th! If you would like 'the proof is in' to come straight to your inbox every Thursday, sign-up is at the bottom of the page. For more information on proof brands, visit our website www.proofbrands.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get last minute updates on tastings, parties & events.

Pachuco strawberry mojito 2 tbsp sugar • 2 oz tonic water • 2 oz fresh lime juice • 1 oz proof rum • 2 oz of strawberry purée

(or 3-4 large strawberries, muddled) • 6-8 mint leaves

Crush mint with 2 tbsp of granulated sugar, pour in tonic water and mix well. In a glass filled with ice you add 2 oz of lime, 1 oz proof rum and 2 oz strawberry purée, pour in the mint & tonic and mix well! Recipe by Pachuco owner, Eren Fernandez

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage in the United Statess traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico & the US.

Named after Mexico’s sub-cultural phenomenon of zoot-suit-wearing mobsters from the 40s and 50s, Pachuco is owned and operated by the three Fernandez sisters, Mali, Eren and Jais,

Their love of Mexico has given rise to a new style of cooking that combines traditional Mexican food with a contemporary twist known as modern Mexican or modmex cuisine. With locally sourced fish, meats and produce, Pachuco’s modmex experience will cradle your taste buds with traditional Mexican fare transformed by chili peppers, spices and an assortment of ingredients imported directly from Mexico.

The casual atmosphere makes coming to Pachuco a treat for anyone looking to sit back and relax with amazing food. (99 Danforth http://www.pachuco.ca) (photos: Danielle Tam)

Every year a seasonal rain arrives over Mexico’s Jalisco highlands. Called the tromba, this “big rain” waters the region’s famous blue agave fields, literally giving life to the world’s finest premium tequila.

Eric Brass, the 28-year-old founder and co-CEO of Tequila Tromba brought this tequila to the Canadian marketplace last year. Tromba’s master distiller is one of the world’s best – he was the former master distiller of pioneer brand Don Julio.

Tequila Tromba is produced in Arandas, Jalisco from 100% blue agave in a celebration of authentic tequila’s tradition and heritage. Just as “the big rain” provides the spark of life that begins the annual process of regeneration, Tequila Tromba is out to refresh the way the world drinks tequila. Its softer, sweeter flavour makes it perfect for sipping and mixing. Tromba is now available at the LCBO (www.lcbo.com Tromba #271643 $49.95) (www.tequilatromba.com) Tromba will be at the Street Food Block Party this Saturday – see below for details.

Eric has shared his Tromba Signature Cocktail recipe with us. Here it is:

Tromba Tommy’s Margarita 2 oz Tequila Tromba Blanco • 1 oz agave syrup (1/2 agave syrup – ½ water) • 1 oz fresh lime juice
2 dashes fee brothers grapefruit bitters. Shake all ingredients and strain over fresh ice.

There are plenty of drink and foodie happenings taking place this weekend. Check out the list:

Friday, May 4th

Spring Dinner Party: Shop the St. Lawrence Market with chefs who will then guide you in preparing a three-course, spring-inspired meal. (St. Lawrence Market 416-392-7120 www.stlawrencemarket.com/events)

Liquid Latin Show: Escape Toronto and indulge in the wine, spirits and cocktails of Latin America and the Caribbean at this two-day event. (Metro Toronto Convention Centre) (www.liquidlatin.com)

Saturday, May 5th

Street Food Block Party: A mash up of Toronto’s two hottest food events: Toronto Underground Market and Food Truck Eats. Tickets are sold out, but you can try out your luck on Craigslist. Evergreen Brick Works (http://streetfoodblockparty.com)

Riverside/Leslieville Food and Cultural Walking Tour: Join the Culinary Adventure Company on an epicurean tour of Queen Street East tasting Ontario wines, oysters, olive oils, cheeses and much more (www.culinaryadventureco.com/culinary-adventures.html)