Cinco de Mayo in CT: Bartaco, Spicy Jalapeno Margaritas

Nothing starts a Cinco de Mayo day at work quite like a Margarita! Here's where I like to go and celebrate. Plus a special Pam Jam Margarita Recipe too.

Today, we raise a glass, or four, to the 154th anniversary of Cinco de Mayo, which, you should know, is not Mexican Independence Day. The day does, however, have huge historical significance to Mexicans. Then, as they emigrated to the U.S., the holiday took off with a life of its own. NBC.com just published five surprising facts about Cinco de Mayo that you can check out while you raise those glasses.

If I'm heading out to eat and drink in my neck of the woods, Bartaco has a location in West Hartford that is one of my favorite places. It's like Mexican with a twist, and if you are up for a road trip down I-84, the out door vibe is fantastic. People watching in West Hartford is great, and the area that Bartaco is located in is chock full of bars, restaurants, and shopping.

Now, on to the Pam Jam Margarita Recipe. If I'm making them at home, this one tops my list because it's out of the ordinary. It's actually actress, Valerie Bertinelli's recipe from a show on the Food Network. While I pretty much love every version of a Margarita, this one covers my adoration for spicy and ginger. I cheat a bit, because I buy Simple Syrup at the liquor store instead of making it. I also leave off the salted rim, because I just don't like them. Cheers!

Listen to Pam Brooks weekdays from 10-3PM on 95.1 FM, online at i95rock.com/listen-live/ or by downloading the radioPup app for your mobile device.