Dia de Los Muertos: Deadly Deals for Drinks

by Maren Swanson

October 27th, 2012

If you aren't already excited enough for Halloween, don't forget about the follow-up festivities for "Dia de los Muertos," aka Day of the Dead. One day after Halloween marks the Mexican holiday that brings people together to remember the ones they have lost. Day of the Dead has recently become very popular in other cultures as well; ornate, yet scary masks with colorful adornments can be found in countries everywhere. What used to seem morbid to some, may now be welcomed as a new tradition in observing our deceased. So whether you are a first-timer or an old soul, here's a chance to honor the passed and party in the present.

Party:

Yxta Cantina - Downtown Los Angeles

Beginning at 9pm, you can dance the night away with DJs and drink specials at Yxta's downtown cantina. $3 Tecate, $5 Sino Blanco shots, $6 Sino house margaritas, Jamaica margaritas, $10 Day of the Dead cocktails, $2 Tacos and $7 for 2 tamales are the reason alone you should make it to this party.

601 S. Central Avenue
Los Angeles 90021
(213) 596-5579

Wine:

If you happen to be the more mellow type and prefer to imbibe in home, you can pick up some decorative bottles for a good time and some scary art. We found most of these bottles at Cost Plus World Market or Trader Joe's for under $10.

Dearly Beloved Forever Red has a skeletal label that screams scary. The Mexican folk art-inspired design on the bottle reminds me Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. The best part about this wine - it costs $6.99 at your local Trader Joe’s and has a blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sangiovese, Carignane & Grenache.

Dia de los Merlot is a medium-bodied red wine that is produced soby South Coast Winery in the Temecula Valley. It's juicy flavors would pair well with beef, duck, salmon and goat cheese.

Tequila:

KAH Tequila

Inspired by the sugar skulls or "Calaveras" given to the living during Dia de Los Muertos, Kah Tequila has flavors of spicy white pepper and cooked sweet agave, delivering a deadly visual and delicate finish. This tequila may cost a pretty penny more, but it is delicious.