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
Two glasses of Jalapeño Margarita with lime wedges on a wooden surface.
Beverages Jalapeño Margarita Recipe
This Jalapeño Margarita combines the classic margarita flavors you love with the spice from a jalapeno that gives this drink a real kick!
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Two glasses of strawberry jalapeno margarita.
Beverages Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita Recipe
Sip into a bold adventure with our Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita – a perfect blend of sweet strawberries and zesty jalapeños, crafting a tantalizingly spicy-sweet cocktail.
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 7 votes
Check out this recipe
Two Avocado Margaritas with lime wedges on a tray.
Beverages Avocado Margarita Recipe
Love margaritas and avocados? This Avocado Margarita recipe is your dream come true—creamy, delicious, and oh-so-refreshing!
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.75 from 12 votes
Check out this recipe
Cadillac Margarita served in a cactus glass.
Beverages Cadillac Margarita Recipe
Step up your margarita game with our Cadillac Margarita. It's a premium mix of reposado tequila and Grand Marnier, crafting a drink that's simply top-shelf!
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.46 from 11 votes
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A glass with a frozen Coconut Margarita.
Beverages Frozen Coconut Margarita from Scratch Recipe
Escape to a tropical paradise with our Frozen Coconut Margarita! Featuring fresh lime juice, agave nectar, and coconut tequila, this from-scratch delight is a refreshing twist on a classic margarita, complete with a coconut-salt rim.
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Blueberry margarita in a glass with a salted rim.
Beverages, Cocktail Blueberry Margarita Recipe
Cool down this summer with a glass of our Blueberry Margarita, blending sweet and tangy notes for a truly delightful cocktail experience!
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Orange margarita in a glass.
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 5 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
A glass of Michelada with an inverted bottle of beer pushed to the bottom of the glass.
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
4.84 from 6 votes
Check out this recipe
Two glasses filled with honeydew agua fresca with raspberries.
Beverages Honeydew Agua Fresca with Raspberries Recipe
Cool off with this light and fruity Honeydew Agua Fresca with Raspberries! The combo of juicy melon, raspberries, and lime makes it the perfect drink for sunny days.
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Check out this recipe
Michelada Bloody Mary served in a glass.
Beverages Michelada Bloody Mary Recipe
Elevate your brunch game with our Michelada Bloody Mary, a delightful fusion of tangy citrus, light beer, and Tequila Blanco. It's a crowd-pleaser for garden parties and social brunches!
Total Time: 5 minutes
4.58 from 26 votes
Check out this recipe
Two glasses filled with Jamaica tea.
Beverages Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea) Recipe
Cool down with a glass of Agua de Jamaica, a deliciously tangy hibiscus tea that’s super easy to make and refreshingly perfect for any warm day.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
5 from 2 votes
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
A plate of grilled steak nachos with toppings.
Appetizers Carne Asada Nachos Recipe
Crispy blue corn chips smothered in cheddar, juicy carne asada, and fresh toppings like guacamole and sour cream make these Carne Asada Nachos a crowd favorite.
Total Time: 20 minutes
5 from 2 votes
Check out this recipe
A serving of Beer Battered Hushpuppies piled in a bowl.
Appetizers Beer Battered Hushpuppies Recipe
I love giving classic recipes a little twist, and these Beer Battered Hushpuppies are no exception. The taco seasoning and green chiles add a fun, flavorful kick that’s always a hit.
Total Time: 30 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Check out this recipe
A skillet with smoky queso fundido.
Appetizers Queso Fundido Recipe
This meatless Queso Fundido, with its smoky Colorado sauce, is a family favorite. Serve it warm with tortillas and watch it disappear!
Total Time: 50 minutes
5 from 3 votes
Check out this recipe
A single mini Five Layer Bean Dip served on a table.
Appetizers Five Layer Dip Bowls Recipe
Snack time has never been this exciting! These Five Layer Dip Bowls are packed with flavor, making them the perfect choice for game day or an easy after-school treat.
Total Time: 35 minutes
5 from 2 votes
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 6 votes
Check out this recipe
Sheet pan fajitas garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
Main Dish Sheet Pan Fajitas Recipe (For a Crowd!)
Spice up your dinner with this effortless Sheet Pan Fajita recipe – a sizzling blend of flavors cooked to perfection in your oven!
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.41 from 156 votes
Check out this recipe
Barbacoa beef bowls served on a table.
Main Dish Barbacoa Beef Bowls Recipe
Ditch the queue and savor homemade freshness with these effortless Barbacoa Beef Bowls, an ideal solution for transforming leftovers into a delightful, restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen!
Total Time: 15 minutes
4.43 from 49 votes
Check out this 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!
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
Vegetarian Crockpot Chili served in a bowl.
Soups & Stews Vegetarian Chili Slow Cooker Recipe
Savory, simple, and satisfying, this Vegetarian Chili recipe brings a slow cooker sensation to your table, reinventing vegetarian comfort food.
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
4.54 from 226 votes
Check out this recipe
Chilaquiles chips and sauce served on a black plate.
Main Dish Chilaquiles Rojos Recipe
Experience a burst of Mexican flavors with our Chilaquiles Rojos! Corn tortilla triangles drenched in zesty salsa, adorned with creamy cheese, avocados, and a protein twist of your choice and ready in less than 30 minutes!
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.57 from 64 votes
Check out this recipe
A plate with Vegetarian Enchiladas garnished with jalapenos and cilantro.
Main Dish Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole Recipe
Say hello to guilt-free indulgence with our Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole. This casserole is a perfect twist on the classic, offering a hearty, meat-free delight that's sure to satisfy!
Total Time: 1 hour
4.50 from 38 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
Overhead view of one bowl and one black serving dish of Mexican corn salad.
Side Dishes Mexican Corn Salad Recipe
This creamy Mexican Corn Salad is the perfect summer side dish. It’s a mix of sweet corn, creamy dressing, and just enough spice to complement your grilled dishes.
Total Time: 20 minutes
4.67 from 9 votes
Check out this recipe
Bowl of vegetarian refried beans served with colorful vegetables.
Side Dishes Vegetarian Refried Beans Recipe
These Vegetarian Refried Beans are the perfect way to pack smoky flavor and spice into a simple, crowd-pleasing side dish for your next Mexican meal.
Total Time: 25 minutes
4.67 from 3 votes
Check out this recipe
Cheesy Mexican cornbread in a cast iron skillet.
Breads Cheesy Mexican Cornbread Recipe
Loaded with cheese, green chiles, and a hint of spice, this Cheesy Mexican Cornbread is the perfect side dish to bring rich flavors to your next meal!
Total Time: 50 minutes
4.67 from 6 votes
Check out this recipe
A bowl filled with Mexican pinto bean soup.
Soups & Stews Mexican Bean Soup Recipe
Warm your soul with this creamy Mexican Bean Soup. This pinto bean soup offers a flavorful and affordable taste of Latin comfort.
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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