This Cinco de Mayo, give your friends something to taco ’bout with a festive Mexican fiesta. Unlike a Thanksgiving turkey or an Easter ham, the food for this holiday doesn’t take all day to cook — in fact, you can even start to prepare the feast a few days in advance.
Check out our game plan for an easy Cinco de Mayo party with the best Mexican recipes, from tangy margaritas to creamy guacamole.
Step 1: Make a Big Ol’ Pitcher of Margaritas
Our top margarita recipes include classic lime, sweet prickly pear and a lot more. It’s easier to serve them on the rocks than blended when planning ahead.
Step 2: Prepare Everything for an Epic Taco Bar
The meat in Kelsey Nixon’s Shredded Pork and Pineapple Tacos can slow-cook overnight, up to four nights in advance, and pickled red onions can also be made ahead of time. For any taco recipes that you use, you can whip up guacamole and salsa the day before too, and then just lay out all ingredients and garnishes for guests to assemble tacos at the party. Don’t forget to make classic Mexican side dishes like rice and beans!
Step 3: Come On, Get Appy
Make a big platter of Beef Nachos, a big bowl of 3-Cheese Queso, or other Mexican appetizers to get guests in the fiesta mood as they start polishing off margaritas. If you’re running late with the main dishes, no one will notice.
Step 4: End on a Sweet Note
Everyone will be cheering for fried cinnamon-sugar Churros, Tres Leches Cake or Coconut Flan. All of these Mexican desserts are great ways to end the night (or perhaps start the morning of Seis de Mayo).
