The Best Cinco De Mayo Recipes

Cinco de Mayo is fast approaching so I had to put together my favorite Mexican recipes for this annual food-filled celebration!

If you are looking for ALL of my delicious Mexican recipes for your celebration, then you can check them out here!

cinco de mayo food

I cannot believe that April is almost over! We are approaching the middle of the year, and it still feels like we just started this year! The great thing with May quickly approaching is there is a fiesta right around the corner! That’s right, Cinco de Mayo, so I have put together my favorite recipes all in one post and this is all you need to put on an amazing event!

What is Cinco de Mayo?

You may be asking, why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated? Well, other than it being Spanish for the 5th of May and all my favorite Mexican restaurants hosting parties, I wasn’t really certain why this day was celebrated. Well, I looked it up and Cinco de Mayo is the annual celebration on the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the French empire in 1862.

Give me all the Cinco de Mayo recipes!

If you need some inspiration for a party menu, or you just feel like making a fun themed dinner for the family, I’ve put together a handy list of some of my favorite Mexican-inspired recipes for this celebration!

Margaritas

Is it really a fiesta without a margarita in hand? Check out these delicious margarita recipes for your celebration.

cinco de mayo drink
This Jalapeño Margarita combines the classic margarita flavors you love with the spice from a jalapeño that gives this drink a real kick!
Beverages Jalapeño Margarita Recipe
This Jalapeño Margarita combines the classic margarita flavors you love with the spice from a jalapeño that gives this drink a real kick!
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 4 votes
Check out this recipe
This Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the spice from a fresh jalapeño to make a sweet and spicy cocktail!
Beverages Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita
This Strawberry Jalapeño Margarita combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries and the spice from a fresh jalapeño to make a sweet and spicy cocktail!
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Avocado Margaritas are an unexpected summer treat - whip up a batch and enjoy on the patio!
Beverages Avocado Margaritas Recipe
This Avocado Margaritas recipe makes a creamy and delicious drink that margarita and avocado lovers will love!
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.73 from 11 votes
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Looking for a Cadillac Margarita Cocktail? This delicious recipe uses reposado tequila along with grand mariner to create the best Cadillac Margarita!
Beverages Cadillac Margarita Recipe
This delicious Cadillac Margarita recipe uses reposado tequila along with Grand Marnier to create the best Margarita!
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.34 from 9 votes
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These from-scratch margaritas use lime juice and agave nectar in place of syrupy pre-made mix. Blended with coconut tequila and served with a coconut-salt rim, these tropical drinks will whisk you away to paradise!
Beverages Frozen Coconut Margaritas Recipe
This "from-scratch" frozen coconut margaritas recipe uses lime juice and agave nectar for a delicious drink with the taste of paradise!
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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Beverages, Cocktail Blueberry Margarita
This Blueberry Margarita recipe is a sweet and tangy cocktail that is certain to be the perfect addition to any summer day!
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 4 votes
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Drinks Orange Margarita Recipe
Indulge in the ultimate warm-weather refreshment with our Orange Margarita recipe! Bursting with zesty citrus flavors, it's a tantalizing twist on the classic margarita, perfect for savoring sunny days.
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 4 votes
Check out this recipe

Other Beverages

If margaritas are not your thing, not to worry for there are still plenty of other options for your celebration. Here are a few I recommend.

drink for cinco de mayo
Beverages Micheladas Recipe: Spicy Mexican Red Beer
Micheladas are a delightfully simple beer cocktail known for their, shall we say, restorative properties. This spicy Mexican-style Red Beer will have you on your feet again in no time!
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.80 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Beverages Raspberry and Honeydew Agua Fresca Recipe
This Raspberry and Honeydew Agua Fresca recipe combines honeydew melon, sugar, lime juice and raspberries for a cool and refreshing summer drink!
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Beverages Michelada Bloody Mary Recipe
Bright citrus juice, flavorful beer and blanco tequila add refreshing flavor to this twist on a classic Bloody Mary. Michelada Bloody Marys are just the thing for lazy brunches, backyard parties, and friendly fiestas!
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.53 from 23 votes
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Beverages Agua de Jamaica Recipe (Hibiscus Tea Recipe)
This Agua de Jamaica recipe, also known as a Hibiscus Tea recipe is an easy and delicious tea infused with dried hibiscus flowers for with a lightly tart and refreshing flavor.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

Appetizers

If I am honest, my favorite part of any Mexican meal is the appetizers. Dips, Nachos, etc. I can never get enough! Here are some of my must haves for any fiesta!

cinco de mayo appetizers
Appetizers Carne Asada Nachos Recipe
This Carne Asada Nachos recipe tops blue corn tortilla chips with cheddar cheese, chopped carne asada, tomatoes, red onion, guacamole, sour cream and cilantro for an amazing nachos taste.
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizers Beer Battered Mexican Hushpuppies Recipe
These beer-battered Mexican Hushpuppies are made with taco seasoning and green chiles for a festive twist on an old favorite!
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizers Queso Fundido Colorado Recipe
Colorado sauce made from smoky peppers adds a kick to this meatless queso fundido recipe. Serve it hot with plenty of tortillas and chips for dipping!
Total Time: 50 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
Appetizers Loaded Bean Dip Bites Recipe
Finger food never tasted so good! These quick and easy Loaded Bean Dip Bites are the perfect snack for after school or while watching the big game.
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Check out this recipe

Main Dishes

The main event! This is where you can really wow your crowd of party goers. I have selected some of my favorite Mexican dishes that are not only delicious, but ones you can easily make for all of your friends and family, check them out!

easy recipes for cinco de mayo
Main Course, Main Dish Birria Tacos Recipe
Crispy, drippy, and delicious, is the only way to describe this Birria Tacos recipe! They are packed with flavor which everyone will love!
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Sheet Pan Fajitas Recipe
Main Dish Sheet Pan Fajitas Recipe (For a Crowd!)
Let your oven do the work with this easy Sheet Pan Fajitas recipe – enough to feed a crowd!
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.40 from 154 votes
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Barbacoa Beef Bowls
Main Dish Barbacoa Beef Bowls Recipe
These easy Barbacoa Beef Bowls are a perfect way to use up leftovers and avoid the restaurant lines by making this fresh and tasty meal at home!
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.41 from 47 votes
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This Asadero Cheese and Steak Tacos recipe uses beef tenderloin, onions, poblano peppers, spices and a secret sauce on top of Mexican Asadero Cheese for a delicious, Tex-Mex Taco you will love!
Main Dish Asadero Cheese and Steak Tacos Recipe
This Asadero Cheese and Steak Tacos recipe uses beef tenderloin, onions, poblano peppers, spices and a secret sauce on top of Mexican Asadero Cheese for a delicious, Tex-Mex Taco you will love!
Total Time: 30 minutes
4.50 from 10 votes
Check out this recipe
This creamy chili is the perfect vegetarian comfort food! Enchilada sauce and chipotle peppers give it a bold, savory flavor. Made entirely in the slow cooker, this smoky bean chili is as easy as it is delicious.
Soups & Stews Creamy Enchilada Crockpot Vegetarian Chili Recipe
This Creamy Enchilada Crockpot Vegetarian Chili recipe is the perfect vegetarian comfort food! This vegetarian crockpot recipe is easy and delicious!
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
4.53 from 221 votes
Check out this recipe
This delicious Mexican Chilaquiles Rojos recipe has triangles of corn tortillas simmered in salsa, and served with cheese, shredded chicken, eggs or beans.
Main Dish Chilaquiles Rojos Recipe
This delicious Chilaquiles Rojos recipe has triangles of corn tortillas simmered in salsa, and served with cheese, shredded chicken, eggs or beans.
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.55 from 62 votes
Check out this recipe
For a meatless alternative to traditional enchiladas, whip up this easy and delicious vegetarian Lentil Enchilada Casserole recipe!
Main Dish Vegetarian Lentil Enchilada Casserole Recipe
For a meatless alternative to traditional enchiladas, whip up this easy and delicious vegetarian Lentil Enchilada Casserole recipe!
Total Time: 1 hour
4.46 from 35 votes
Check out this recipe

Side Dishes

We cannot forget about the side dishes. However, instead of serving the same old boring rice and beans that we see over and over again, spice up your side dishes for your event with something new and different that everyone will love!

ideas for a cinco de mayo party
This delicious Mexican Corn Salad recipe is the perfect side dish for any Mexican themed meal or as a cool side dish to a summer barbeque.
Side Dishes Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
This delicious Mexican Corn Salad recipe is the perfect side dish for any Mexican themed meal or as a cool side dish to a summer barbeque.
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.67 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe
Side Dishes Vegetarian Smoky Chipotle Refried Beans Recipe
This Vegetarian Smoky Chipotle Refried Beans recipe is a great way to spice up your refried beans for a delicious side dish for your next Mexican dinner!
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.67 from 3 votes
Check out this recipe
Breads Cheesy Mexican Cornbread Recipe
Friends and family will love the bold Mexican flavors in this fun cornbread recipe!
Total Time: 50 minutes
4.60 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Soups & Stews Mexican Pinto Bean Soup Recipe
Creamy and bursting with Latin flavor, this Mexican Pinto Bean Soup will please your taste buds as well as your pocketbook!
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
4.60 from 96 votes
Check out this recipe

Regardless of how you are celebrating I hope you all have a wonderful Cinco de Mayo!

Want more inspiration?

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About the Author

Linda

Hi, I'm Linda! Welcome to The Wanderlust Kitchen, where I share recipes and travel adventures from all around the world. Here you'll find a world of recipes you can have confidence in. These recipes celebrate authentic food heritage as well as modern techniques and ingredients. Be adventurous and try a new recipe and travel somewhere you have never been before.  Bon Appétit! Bon Voyage!  

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