Pull out the tequila and Cointreau and get your patio ready because it’s that time of year again—Cinco de Mayo.
If you’re unable to join us in Mexico for the holiday this year, you can still celebrate the occasion with friends by throwing an authentic Cinco de Mayo party! That’s right, we’re bringing you a few recipes and a suggested menu so that your fiesta feels straight out of an evening at your favorite Vidanta resort!
The History
First of all, if you’re going to have a Cinco de Mayo-themed get-together, it’s good to have your facts straight. Many assume that May 5th is Mexico’s Independence Day, but that’s September 16th. The date is actually a celebration of the Mexican army’s unlikely victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The French had been occupying Mexico after the Mexican-American War and the Reform War, and had taken Veracruz in late 1861. The well-armed French fleet then decided to march toward Mexico City, but were met with resistance outside of Puebla. Though there were over 6,000 French troops and fewer than 2,000 Mexicans, who were quite poorly equipped compared to their opponents, triumph went to the Mexican people on May 5th. The date has been celebrated ever since in recognition of the power and passion of the Mexican people.
The Menu
An authentic Cinco de Mayo party requires an authentic menu, filled with Mexican favorites, from start to finish. We put together a list of classic and easy-to-execute dishes so you can bring the best of Mexico’s flavors straight to your friends. Choose a few options from each course and get the fiesta started!
Appetizers (to share)
Guacamole and chips
Chicharron (pork cracklings)
Variety of salsas (tomatillo, charred tomato, molcajete)
Cactus leaf salad (ensalada de nopales)
Fish and shrimp ceviche
Main Courses
Grilled rib eye tacos with charred onion
Roasted chicken enchiladas
Veracruz-style fish
Esquites, or corn with lime mayo and chile piquin
Mexican-style rice
Potatoes with chorizo
Desserts
Tres leches cake
Coconut ice cream with a drizzle of coffee liquor
Drinks
Negra Modelo
Pacifico
XX Lager
Modelo Especial
Corona Extra
Margarita, on the rocks or blended
The Perfect Guacamole
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without chips and guacamole. But don’t just reach for the store-bought version. Make sure your party stands out by making a batch fresh using our recipe, straight from the Vidanta kitchens.
Chunky Guacamole
Ingredients
3 Hass avocados, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/4 cup very finely diced onion
3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro
1 serrano chili, seeded and minced (mild), add more if you like it spicy
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
sea salt to taste
tortilla chips, for serving
Directions
In a medium bowl, gently stir the diced avocados with the onion, cilantro, chili, and lime juice until well mixed but still slightly chunky. Season the guacamole with sea salt, olive oil, then mix and serve with tortilla chips. If you want your guacamole to last overnight, squeeze some fresh lime on top and cover tightly with plastic wrap. This will limit the amount of oxygen contact to the guacamole.
