Strap on your party helmet. Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo and it's also the 133rd running of the Kentucky Derby. Two great events that have long time traditions of hard partying - fueled by copious amounts of alcohol.

Each event has its own signature drink. Margaritas for CdM, and the never-ordered-anytime-but-derby-time mint julep for the Run for the Roses. I've posted a few margarita recipes lately, and a couple of julep recipes yesterday, as well. But thebar.com offers some alternatives to the traditional. For CdM try their take on the Tequila Sunrise, and for those of you are not in the julep mood, have a Crown of Roses instead. The recipes are below, and you can find more at www.thebar.com



Tequila Sunrise
1 oz. Jose Cuervo Especial
1/2 oz Grenadine
3 oz Orange juice
1 slice orange
Fill a glass halfway with ice. Add Jose Cuervo Especial, grenadine, and orange juice. Stir well. Garnish with orange slice.

The Crown of Roses
1 oz Crown Royal
1/2 oz Amaretto liqueur
1 oz Pineapple juice
1/4 oz Cranberry juice
3 dashes bitters
1 maraschino cherry
Add Crown Royal, amaretto liqueur, pineapple juice, cranberry juice, and bitter to a shaker with ice. Shake for approximately 15 seconds and strain into chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherry.