Many people in the United States commonly mistake Cinco de Mayo for Mexican Independence Day. But while Cinco de Mayo celebrates a single victory in 1862 over the French in the ongoing Franco-Mexican War—a war that Mexico eventually lost—September 16 represents the beginning of an historic eleven-year war against Spain that ended with Mexico’s independence. In the United States, Mexican Independence Day, which kicks off National Hispanic Heritage Month, is celebrated in much the same way as the Fourth of July—with fireworks, music, dancing, family get-togethers, and, of course, lots of delicious food and drink. Sweet and tangy Agua de Tamarindo is the perfect Mexican beverage for the day. It’s deeply refreshing, nonalcoholic, and ideal for cleansing the palate for my Tequila Tasting Party. It also happens to make a mean cocktail! As for food, creamy Chiles en Nogada, a specialty of Puebla, and Flautas de Carne Deshebrada a la Bandera, which are topped with green salsa, Mexican crema,...