Happy Cinco de Mayo! How are you going to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Puebla ? I’m in London, where all the cultures and nationalities meet. Sure, the British capital is not the obvious choice for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, but it’s one of the few places in the world where every community finds its space, so I’m pretty sure that somewhere in the city a large group of Mexicans and Americans are holding streamers and balloons in red, white and green – the colors of the Mexican flag.

I’m going to spend my day at home (it’s bank holiday here). No fajitas, enchiladas, guacamole, salsa or jalapeno poppers for me today. The sky is finally bright and the fresh breeze heralds a milder season. I just feel like squeezing the sweet juices of perfectly ripe strawberries into a fierce drink with a splash of one of my favorite spirits – Cachaca, the distilled liquor made from sugarcane juice. That’s how it goes for me today. And you?

Print Recipe Strawberry and Lemon Agua Fresca with a shot of Cachaca Ingredients 1- lb. fresh ripe strawberries

4 cups water

1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice about 1 lemon

3 tablespoons sugar

Cachaca or tequila, white rum, etc.. Instructions Hull and puree the strawberries mixed with the sugar. Keep in the fridge for 20-30 minutes, then pass the puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.

Place the puree, water, lemon juice in a blender and blend until frothy. Serve very cold over ice in a glass and add a a shot of your favorite liquor.