Delicious Ideas for Cinco de Mayo
Falling on the 5th of May every year, Cinco de Mayo is marked world-over to honour Mexican culture, heritage, and celebrating the ability to stand up to forces beyond measure. With food, cocktails, and good times on the menu, join us as we look at a few ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo in delicious style…
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Literally translating to ‘5th of May’, Cinco de Mayo is traditionally celebrated with food, dancing and parades and commemorates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican war in 1862. Outnumbered and poorly supplied, the Mexican military were considered the underdogs in the skirmish, however they overcame the odds and defeated the French forces of Napoleon III.
Eat
For many, celebrating Cinco de Mayo is all about the food. From queso-topped carnitas and frijoles to tacos, burritos and taquitos, there’s plenty of delicious ways to enjoy a Mexican spread. It’s traditional to enjoy the food originating from the Puebla region, such as mole poblano and chalupas. Why not support a local business and try nearby Mexican restaurant? They’re sure to have plenty of authentic dishes to try. We’ve got a salsa and guacamole recipe that’ll really spice up your Cinco de Mayo celebrations...
Easy Salsa Recipe
A staple for any Mexican-inspired dish. You can make it a bit hotter by using extra (or more powerful) chillies.
What you’ll need:
What you need to do:
- Prep your ingredients; chop and de-seed your tomatoes and jalepeno pepper, chop the onion and coriander, mince the garlic clove, and squeeze fresh lime juice
- Combine all ingredients into a small bowl
- Cover and refrigerate until serving
- Serve with tortilla chips
Easy Guacamole Recipe
Traditionally made using a mortar and pestle, if you don’t have one don’t fret. This recipe can be easily done using the ‘fork and bowl’ method.
What you’ll need:
- 3x ripe avocados
- 96g Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2x Serrano chilli peppers, very finely chopped
- 3x teaspoons white onion, finely chopped
- 3x tablespoons coriander
- Squeeze of lime
- Pinch of salt
What you need to do:
- Cut and peel avocados
- Mash avocado flesh with the back of a fork
- Add all other prepped ingredients and combine evenly
- Add salt and squeeze of lime
- Serve with tortilla chips
Shop Tableware
Drink
Just as food is important to any Cinco de Mayo celebration, the drink is just as imperative. An excuse perhaps to enjoy one of the country’s finest exports, tequila, there’s a wealth of cocktails any home mixologist can whip up in no time at all. When it comes to serving, think tall highballs, goblet bowls, and colourful glassware.
Easy Margarita Recipe
A classic margarita can’t be beaten. A Cinco de Mayo staple, it’s traditionally made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, although there’s plenty of room for extra flavours such as strawberry, raspberry, or peach.
What you’ll need:
- 50ml tequila
- 20ml triple sec
- 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
For the garnish:
- Coarse salt
- 2x lime wedges
- Mint
What you need to do:
Glass Prep
- Using a small plate, sprinkle a few teaspoons of coarse salt flakes
- Rub one wedge of lime along the rim of your tumbler or glass
- Dip glass into the salt so the entire rim is covered
Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice
- Add the tequila, lime juice and triple sec
- Shake until the shaker feels cold to the touch
- Strain your mixture into the prepared glass over fresh ice
- Serve with a wedge of lime and a sprig of mint
For Your Margaritas
Serve
Mexican food and drink is all about sharing, so keep this is mind when you set your table. Serve your dishes on large platters and boards, this allows guests to dig in and share the taste and experience together. Don’t forget to add a little decor to your scheme, from brightly coloured accessories and rustic tableware to bold patterns with flower and skull motifs, there’s plenty of ways to bring fiesta style to your table.
