Mexican Independence Day is right around the corner. Festivities are nothing short of spectacular - including street parades, signature dishes, fireworks, traditional musical performances, and of course - tequila! Gran Centenario that is!

The holiday is frequently confused with Cinco de Mayo, which is celebrated widely in the United States, but commemorates the Battle of Puebla. Although Mexico's War for Independence from Spain lasted for over 11 years, September 16, 1810 marks the actual Mexican Independence Day. It’s the very moment that the country's fight for independence from Spain, specifically the moment a famed priest gave the "El Grito de Dolores" battle cry. It’s a celebration around the world.

For this occasion, we are highlighting a premier tequila - Gran Centenario! Founded in 1857 by Lazaro Gallardo, the first ever Tequila Master Distiller in history. Gallardo was recognized as such, having created ‘Selección Suave,’ a proprietary process which blends newly rested tequilas with the smoothest aged reserves - a process that is still used today. The result is a smooth yet complex profile with a vast variety of aromas and flavors.

We had the chance to speak to Chef Pati Jinich, Mexican Chef, Cookbook Author and TV Host of PBS Pati's Mexican Table, specifically on her recommendations and just how to pair the delicious Gran Centario.

Gran Centenario Cantarito with Fast Track Chicken Pibil

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“The combination of orange, grapefruit, and lime juices in the Cantarito reminds me of the rustic and citrus centered flavors of Yucatán, which makes me crave cochinita or pollo pibil, one of the most loved dishes of the Yucatán, to go along with it. I use the same combination of citrus in my chicken pibil. The finished dish is flavorful and aromatic and very citrus forward, so it loves the company of the Cantarito to marry all those refreshing flavors. In this recipe, I tuck the chicken pibil into a bun to make a slider and cover it with an avocado crema and pickled red onions (pickled in citrus too!!), but you could also make tacos, tostadas, or taquitos -even tortas!”

Gran Centenario Cantarito Recipe:

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Ingredients:

1.5 Parts Gran Centenario Plata Tequila

3 Parts Orange Juice

3 Parts Grapefruit Juice

1.5 Parts Lime Juice Squirt

Pinch Grain of Salt

Garnish Lime Wedge and Fresh Fruit

Glass: Cantarito

Method: Fill Cantarito with ice. Add tequila, orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime wedge and salt. Top with lime juice and garnish with wedges and fruit as desired.

Gran Centenario Golden Angel with Carnitas

“I have a carnitas recipe that we always make when we are homesick for Mexico - I am going to start making this Golden Angel to go along with it as it pairs so well! The sweet and spicy flavors in the Golden Angel from the ginger and agave nectar combined with the citrusy lemon and lime juices coax out the flavors I hanker for in my carnitas - the hint of citrus from the orange juice and the sweet caramelization of the meat created by a generous drizzle of sweetened condensed milk. These are the flavors of the carnitas I grew up eating in Mexico City, and I love how the Golden Angel brings them front and center when they are served together”

Gran Centenario Golden Angel with Smoky Guacamole

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“I live for the surprise when two flavor profiles that you think would clash end up going beautifully together, like drinking this sweet, spicy, citrusy Golden Angel while snacking on a deep, rustic, savory smoky guacamole. They taste amazing together and you keep going for sips of the Golden Angel in between bites of chips dipped in the guacamole. The connection here is the Anejo tequila with its deep, caramelized flavor that combines so well with the charred serrano, garlic, and onion in the guacamole”

Gran Centenario Golden Angel Recipe:

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Ingredients:

3 Parts Gran Centenario Anejo Tequila

1 Part Pressed Ginger

1 Part Fresh Lemon Juice

1 Part Fresh Lime Juice

1/4 Part Agave Nectar

Dash of Kosher Salt

Glass: Double Rocks Glass

Method: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake and strain over fresh ice into a double rocks glass. Garnish with slices of fresh lemon and lime.

Handcrafted in the highlands of Jalisco, Gran Centenario is Mexico’s #1 tequila - produced with the finest 100% Blue Weber Agaves at Ex Hacienda Los Camichines and steeped in over a century of Mexican craft and heritage, Gran Centenario brings family and friends back to their home roots, celebrating culture and tradition – in Mexico and around the world. Turn it up this year and celebrate the occasion with a crowd favorite - Gran Centenario.