If there were ever a day to abandon beer in favor of liquor, it’s Cinco de Mayo: Indulge in agave at these tequila shrines.
304 E. 6th St., New York
DETAILS: This dark, cool East Village lounge studded with church benches and confessionals (a project of the mixologists behind Manhattan cocktail bar Death & Co.) is a shrine to the agave gods.
BEST BOTTLE: Sip Ocho Single Estate, a complex anejo tequila meant to showcase the terroir of the distiller’s hilly Jalisco property, or the house-made, pineapple-infused San Luis Del Rio mezcal.
SIP ON: A margarita’s no match for Mayahuel’s inventive cocktails, like the hot, earthy Slight Detour, a blend of reposado, mezcal and jalapeño tequila with agave nectar and Xocolatl mole bitters.
TIP: Share chef Luis Gonzales’ Oaxacan-fusion small plates, like black bean-plantain croquettes and the milk-soaked, coconut-dusted Tres Leches cake.
107 E. 6th St., Los Angeles
DETAILS: A hundred mezcals and tequilas pour from the glowing green bar at this quirky, wood-clad cantina with hand-drawn menus.
BEST BOTTLES: Look out for the white-oak-aged 7 Leguas reposado, the Champagne yeast-fermented Hacienda de Chihuahua Sotol and the perfectly legal Ilegal Mezcal Añejo, all served properly in clay cups.
SIP ON: Mixologists use local and house-made ingredients in a menu of mezcal-focused mixed drinks, like the Little Burro, a sweet mix of cinnamon, lime, ginger and Sombra Mescal.
TIP: Dive deeper into Mexican artisan booze at Las Perlas’ monthly spirits classes, where you’ll sip as much as you study.
multiple locations
DETAILS: Five Dallas-area outposts pour 100-plus tequilas and mix killer margaritas for the brunch, dinner and late-night sets.
BEST BOTTLES: Channel cerveza with a rotating selection of cold tequilas on tap, or sip around the Milagro Single Barrel Reserve series.
SIP ON: Take your tequila in the house special, the Blue Margarita shaken with Cointreau, lime and agave nectar. Want some spice? The Wasabi Ginger Mule stings Ambhar Platinum, ginger liqueur and ginger beer with wasabi and jalapeño.
TIP: Feel good about eating as many pulled-pork “street” tacos as you like: $1 from each taco sold benefits a local charity.