18 Cinco de Mayo Food and Drink Ideas
Brittany Barber
Contributor
If you're on the hunt for Cinco de Mayo food ideas and Cinco de Mayo drink ideas, you've come to the right place. Along with fun party music and other Cinco de Mayo entertainment, you'll want to make sure you're fully stocked with classic Cinco de Mayo dishes like chimichangas and tacos. We've included recipes for a few key desserts and tequila-based cocktails you should consider serving as well!
Whether you choose to hire a caterer or bartender to help you make everything, you'll want to take a look at these delicious Cinco de Mayo party food ideas for inspiration as you plan your celebration.
In this article:
Cinco de Mayo Food Ideas
1. Chicken Enchiladas
Check out Gimme Some Oven for the step-by-step breakdown on how to make chicken enchiladas. They even include a recipe for some delicious sauce to serve on the side, too.
2. Mexican Street Tacos
It doesn't have to be May 5th to enjoy these delicious tacos from Damn Delicious. Check out their skirt steak taco recipe here! Mexican street corn tacos are a Cinco de Mayo food everyone will love.
3. Shrimp Ceviche
We could eat this shrimp ceviche from Sweet and Savory every single day. If you've never made ceviche before, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to make!
4. Crispy Bean Tostadas
If you're expecting a few vegetarian guests at your Cinco de Mayo party, an easy way to make sure they're satiated is with these delicious tostadas from Cookie and Kate. The jimaca-cilantro slaw adds a unique pop of flavor your guests will love!
5. Chicken Chimichangas
This chicken chimichanga recipe from Cooking Classy is literally making me drool right now. If you plan on serving these up for your Cinco de Mayo party, make sure you make a bunch — because your guests will definitely come around for seconds!
6. Mexican Grilled Corn
This Mexican grilled corn recipe from Simply Recipes would be great as a side dish for your Cinco de Mayo party food. Don't forget the cheese!
7. Quinoa Tacos
Try this vegetarian spin on ground beef tacos from Minimalist Baker. They swap meat out for a delicious quinoa concoction that your vegetarian (and non-vegetarian!) guests will love.
8. Mexican Shrimp Burrito Bowl
Skip the tortilla altogether with this shrimp burrito bowl recipe from Cooking Made Healthy.
9. Salsa Fresca
Try this fresh salsa recipe from Simply Recipes for an upgrade from your usual store-bought stuff. Served with chips and guac? Heavenly.
10. Shrimp Cocktail
Nothing beats a shrimp cocktail. Check out this awesome recipe from From a Chef's Kitchen for everything you need to make this dish for your Cinco de Mayo party.
Cinco de Mayo Dessert Ideas
11. Churros
This mouth-watering churro recipe from Cooking Classy will definitely be a hit at your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Be sure to make lots!
12. Mexican Chocolate Donuts
These Mexican donuts from Patijinich are so good, you'll start making them for every event and party you host. You can stuff these babies with a filling of your choice, including dulce de leche, cajeta, chocolate, or even jam.
13. Arroz Con Leche (Mexican Rice Pudding)
This Mexican rice pudding recipe from Isabel Eats will satisfy any sweet tooth. It's super easy to make to make, too!
Cinco de Mayo Drink Ideas
14. Margaritas
Can you really celebrate Cinco de Mayo without classic margaritas? Check out Gimme Some Oven for their margarita recipe. They even give you tips on how to jazz it up with jalapenos and mezcal, too! Don't forget to pick up plenty of limes. You can make these mocktails by leaving out the tequila and adding some seltzer.
15. Tequila Sunrise
If you're looking for an easy-drinking cocktail, check out this tequila sunrise recipe from The Spruce Eats. It's fruity, easy to make, and delicious!
16. Paloma
Tequila and grapefruit, truly a match made in heaven and a Cinco de Mayo drink that guests will love. Check out this Paloma recipe from A Couple Cooks so you can make a batch at your Cinco de Mayo party.
17. Tequila Sour
This frothy, sweet and tangy cocktail is sure to hit the spot. Check out the recipe from A Couple Cooks here.
18. Pineapple Mezcal Margarita
Now, this isn't your traditional margarita — but it might be just as good. The only difference here is that you're going to add some mezcal and pineapple juice, and maybe even a slice of pineapple for garnish. Check out this fun recipe from Simply Whisked.
Find more Cinco de Mayo party ideas here on The Bash.
About Brittany Barber
Brittany Barber, lover of books, dogs, and romance, graduated from Bishop’s University with a Communications and Theatre degree. After spending some time working abroad in the theatre world, she is now a freelance writer covering a range of lifestyle topics including event planning for The Bash, WeddingWire, 2life and Fluttr, and shopping for BuzzFeed.
