How to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Chicago

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From October 31 to November 2, families gather all across Mexico to feast, to celebrate, and to honor a proud tradition that dates back to the Aztecs and other Nahua people. Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is all about celebrating those who have passed on before. And this year’s holiday might look different around the ofrenda — but you can still raise a glass.

Hornitos has a perfect cocktail recipe for the festivities: the Don Francisco Margarita. Or you can socially distance at a local Chicago bar to grab a unique cocktail featuring — what else? — tequila. Whether you grab a drink from the great venues mentioned below, or make some at home, be sure to celebrate with the full joy of the holiday. Because no matter how you celebrate, the spirit of Día de los Muertos doesn’t waver. It’s all about reuniting loved ones — no matter where or how.

Don Francisco Margarita Recipe

Hornitos founder Don Francisco was a tequila pioneer who wasn’t shy about taking chances to make great tequila — from creating Reposado before it was even a word to putting his own spin on a classic margarita. Hornitos gives the man his due through this namesake margarita, which is light and tangy, with a twist of sweetness.

Ingredients:

2 parts Hornitos Plata or Reposado

1 part orange juice

½ part freshly squeezed lime juice

¾ part honey syrup (instructions below)

Optional garnishes: lime wheel or wedge, orange wheel, edible marigold, salt-and-chili rim

Directions:

Combine all ingredients (minus any garnishes) into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish if you like, and enjoy.

To make honey syrup:

Combine equal parts honey and hot water. Stir until honey is fully dissolved. Let cool. Store refrigerated in an airtight container, up to three weeks.

Chicago Bars to Toast to Día de los Muertos with Hornitos Tequila

Mercadito — Try the Pepino el Pyu cocktail, featuring made with Hornitos Blanco, cucumber, lemon, hoja santa, and cumin salt. 108 W. Kinzie St., Chicago

Output Lounge — A classic Hornitos Margarita goes perfectly with all your favorite comfort food. 1758 W. Grand Ave. or 3720 N. Clark St., Chicago

DS Tequila Co. — The Hornitos Cadillac Margarita pairs perfectly with Mexico City-style street tacos. 3352 N. Halsted, Chicago

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille — When in doubt, a Hornitos Margarita goes with everything. 5 Oakbrook Ctr., Oak Brook

Drink Responsibly.