The Best Cinco De Mayo Recipes

If you’re planning a Cinco de Mayo celebration, there’s no better way to celebrate than with amazing Mexican-inspired food! I’ve rounded up my favorite festive recipes to help you plan the perfect party menu or a fun themed dinner at home.

Cinco de Mayo, meaning “Fifth of May,” commemorates Mexico’s victory over the France in 1862 — and today it’s the perfect excuse to gather with friends and family over great food.

The Best Cinco de Mayo Recipes.

Ready to plan your fiesta? Here are all my favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes in one place! 🎉🌮

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.
Jalapeño Margarita
Total Time: 5 minutes
This Jalapeño Margarita combines the classic margarita flavors you love with the spice from a jalapeno that gives this drink a real kick!
5 from 5 votes
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Dive into this tangy Blood Orange Margarita recipe. Fresh Blood Orange juice paired with tequila, lime juice and simple syrup, to create a colorful spring-time cocktail!
Blood Orange Margarita
Total Time: 5 minutes
Dive into this tangy Blood Orange Margarita recipe. Fresh Blood Orange juice paired with tequila, lime juice and simple syrup, to create a colorful spring-time cocktail!
5 from 2 votes
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Two glasses of strawberry jalapeno margarita.
Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita
Total Time: 5 minutes
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.
5 from 7 votes
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Two Avocado Margaritas with lime wedges on a tray.
Avocado Margarita
Total Time: 20 minutes
Love margaritas and avocados? This Avocado Margarita recipe is your dream come true—creamy, delicious, and oh-so-refreshing!
4.75 from 12 votes
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Cadillac Margarita served in a cactus glass.
Cadillac Margarita
Total Time: 5 minutes
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!
4.46 from 11 votes
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A glass with a frozen Coconut Margarita.
Frozen Coconut Margarita from Scratch
Total Time: 20 minutes
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.
5 from 5 votes
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Two glasses with Pineapple Margarita on a table.
Pineapple Margarita
Total Time: 5 minutes
Sip into summer with a Pineapple Margarita! Combining sweet pineapple and zesty lime, it’s a refreshing tropical twist on the classic margarita.
4.34 from 3 votes
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Blueberry margarita in a glass with a salted rim.
Blueberry Margarita
Total Time: 5 minutes
Cool down this summer with a glass of our Blueberry Margarita, blending sweet and tangy notes for a truly delightful cocktail experience!
5 from 5 votes
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Orange margarita in a glass.
Orange Margarita
Total Time: 5 minutes
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.
5 from 5 votes
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Drink Recipes

If margaritas are not your thing, not to worry for there are still plenty of other Cinco de Mayo Drink Recipes 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.
Micheladas Recipe: Spicy Mexican Red Beer
Total Time: 5 minutes
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!
4.84 from 6 votes
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Two glasses filled with honeydew agua fresca with raspberries.
Honeydew Agua Fresca with Raspberries
Total Time: 30 minutes
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.
5 from 6 votes
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Michelada Bloody Mary served in a glass.
Michelada Bloody Mary
Total Time: 5 minutes
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!
4.58 from 26 votes
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Two glasses filled with Jamaica tea.
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea)
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
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.
5 from 2 votes
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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 have Cinco de Mayo Appetizers!

cinco de mayo appetizers
A plate of grilled steak nachos with toppings.
Carne Asada Nachos
Total Time: 20 minutes
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.
5 from 2 votes
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A serving of Beer Battered Hushpuppies piled in a bowl.
Beer Battered Hushpuppies
Total Time: 30 minutes
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.
5 from 3 votes
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A skillet with smoky queso fundido.
Queso Fundido
Total Time: 50 minutes
This meatless Queso Fundido, with its smoky Colorado sauce, is a family favorite. Serve it warm with tortillas and watch it disappear!
5 from 3 votes
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Homemade freezer salsa in a Mason jar.
Easy Homemade Salsa
Total Time: 30 minutes
Get ready for a salsa revolution! Our Homemade Freezer Salsa boasts a restaurant-style taste, perfect consistency, and just the right amount of chunkiness is a must-try.
4.42 from 36 votes
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A single mini Five Layer Bean Dip served on a table.
Five Layer Dip Bowls
Total Time: 35 minutes
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.
5 from 2 votes
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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
Birria Tacos
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Crispy, drippy, and delicious, is the only way to describe this Birria Tacos recipe! They are packed with flavor which everyone will love!
5 from 6 votes
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Immerse yourself into these homemade Crispy Beef Tacos. Juicy ground beef wrapped inside a tortilla and baked until crisp.
Crispy Beef Tacos
Total Time: 35 minutes
Immerse yourself into these homemade Crispy Beef Tacos. Juicy seasoned ground beef wrapped inside a tortilla and baked until crisp.
5 from 3 votes
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Sheet pan fajitas garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.
Sheet Pan Fajitas Recipe (For a Crowd!)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Spice up your dinner with this effortless Sheet Pan Fajita recipe – a sizzling blend of flavors cooked to perfection in your oven!
4.41 from 156 votes
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These Baja Shrimp Tacos combine spicy shrimp with a citrusy pineapple coleslaw topped with fresh avocado and creamy cheese to create a one of a kind taco!
Baja Shrimp Tacos
Total Time: 35 minutes
These Baja Shrimp Tacos combine spicy shrimp with a citrusy pineapple coleslaw topped with fresh avocado and creamy cheese to create a one of a kind taco!
5 from 2 votes
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These Vampiro Tacos are a delicious fusion of crispy tortillas, and juicy marinated steak, topped with melted cheese and fresh guacamole.
Vampiro Tacos
Total Time: 13 hours
These Vampiro Tacos are a delicious fusion of crispy tortillas, and juicy marinated steak, topped with melted cheese and fresh guacamole.
5 from 3 votes
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Barbacoa beef bowls served on a table.
Barbacoa Beef Bowls
Total Time: 15 minutes
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!
4.43 from 49 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!
Asadero Cheese and Steak Tacos
Total Time: 30 minutes
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!
4.55 from 11 votes
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Beef Nacho Casserole served on a table.
Beef Nacho Casserole
Total Time: 45 minutes
Savory meets cheesy in our Beef Nacho Casserole. It's a hearty blend of lean beef, creamy cheddar and pepperjack, and a mix of onions, bell peppers, olives, and tortilla chips.
4.23 from 200 votes
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Vegetarian Crockpot Chili served in a bowl.
Vegetarian Chili Slow Cooker Recipe
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Savory, simple, and satisfying, this Vegetarian Chili recipe brings a slow cooker sensation to your table, reinventing vegetarian comfort food.
4.54 from 227 votes
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Chilaquiles chips and sauce served on a black plate.
Chilaquiles Rojos
Total Time: 25 minutes
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!
4.57 from 64 votes
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Close-up of a Vegan Lentil Taco topped with guacamole, diced red onion, and cilantro.
Vegan Lentil Tacos
Total Time: 45 minutes
Revamp your taco night with these Vegan Lentil Tacos – a mouthwatering blend of spices, textures, and wholesome ingredients that promises a fiesta in every bite!
4.72 from 7 votes
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A plate with Vegetarian Enchiladas garnished with jalapenos and cilantro.
Vegetarian Enchilada Casserole
Total Time: 1 hour
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!
4.50 from 38 votes
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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.
Mexican Corn Salad
Total Time: 20 minutes
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.
4.70 from 10 votes
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Enjoy a Latin twist on a classic dish with this Mexican Caesar Salad. Savory chicken and fresh vegetables on a bed of crisp lettuce and topped with a creamy Caesar-salsa dressing.
Mexican Caesar Salad
Total Time: 30 minutes
Enjoy a Latin twist on a classic dish with this Mexican Caesar Salad. Savory chicken and fresh vegetables on a bed of crisp lettuce and topped with a creamy Caesar-salsa dressing.
5 from 2 votes
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Bowl of vegetarian refried beans served with colorful vegetables.
Vegetarian Refried Beans
Total Time: 25 minutes
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.
4.75 from 4 votes
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Cheesy Mexican cornbread in a cast iron skillet.
Cheesy Mexican Cornbread
Total Time: 50 minutes
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!
4.72 from 7 votes
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A bowl filled with Mexican pinto bean soup.
Mexican Bean Soup
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Warm your soul with this creamy Mexican Bean Soup. This pinto bean soup offers a flavorful and affordable taste of Latin comfort.
4.60 from 97 votes
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If you want more inspiration, check out ALL of my delicious Mexican recipes for your celebration!

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

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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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