How to celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Home
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home. I’m sharing food and drink recipes and fantastic ideas to bring the fiesta to your living room.
This post was originally published in May 2020. Last updated in April 2023.
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What is Cinco De Mayo
Cinco de Mayo officially commemorates the anniversary of an early victory by Mexico over the French in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. Contrary to what many people believe, it is NOT Mexican independence day. Now you can sound smart in the group chat!
This holiday has become a popular celebration in the United States, and many people use it as an opportunity to enjoy delicious Mexican food and drinks with friends and family (as if we need an excuse to enjoy these things).
Keep reading for tips on how to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at home.
Create a Festive Ambience
Setting the right ambiance is key to creating a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration at home. Transform your home into a colorful and lively fiesta by decorating with vibrant Mexican-inspired decorations.
Hang papel picado (Mexican paper flags) from your walls or ceiling, place colorful serapes (Mexican blankets) on your furniture, and adorn your table with cacti, sombreros, and maracas. Don’t forget to play some upbeat Mexican music in the background to set the mood and get everyone in a celebratory spirit.
Play Fun Mexican Games
Get the party started with some fun Mexican games that will entertain both kids and adults alike. Piñatas are a classic Cinco de Mayo activity that brings joy and excitement to any celebration. Fill a colorful piñata with candies, small toys, or even mini bottles of tequila, blindfold your guests, and let them take turns trying to break it open with a stick.
You can have a friendly competition of salsa dancing. These games will add a playful element to your fiesta and keep everyone entertained throughout the celebration.
Cinco De Mayo Menu Ideas
One of the highlights of Cinco de Mayo is the scrumptious Mexican cuisine that comes with it. Prepare your taste buds for a fiesta by cooking up some authentic Mexican dishes at home.
From tacos and enchiladas to guacamole and salsa the possibilities are endless. Get creative with your culinary skills and experiment with different flavors and spices to create a mouthwatering feast that will transport you straight to Mexico.
You can see how I created a taco bar for a previous party and get inspired for your Cinco De Mayo celebration at home. Don’t forget dessert.
Sip on Authentic Mexican Beverages
No Cinco de Mayo celebration is complete without some authentic Mexican beverages to sip on. Serve up some traditional drinks like margaritas, palomas, or micheladas to add a boozy twist to your fiesta.
If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, you can try making agua frescas, which are refreshing fruit-based beverages, or Mexican hot chocolate, which is rich and decadent. Don’t forget to garnish your drinks with lime wedges, salt rims, tajin and add colorful straws to make them even more festive. How cute are these cups with sombrero lids?!
Cinco De Mayo Drink Recipes
You can’t have a true Cinco De Mayo celebration without cocktails, I mean you can, but it won’t be as fun. I included 3 simple but amazing drink recipes for you to enjoy as you celebrate Cinco De Mayo at Home.
These recipes are inspired by popular Mexican cocktails. I provided an array of options for you. There’s a fruity white sangria if you’re more of a wine drinker. If vodka is your thing, you’ll love this twist on the Paloma. However, if you like to keep things traditional. I included a mango margarita for you.
Looking for more cocktail recipes?
Easy Fruity White Sangria Recipe
This white sangria is light, fruity, and the perfect warm-weather cocktail. You can swap out the fruits and make this sangria your own.
Easy White Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Moscato wine
- 1/4 cup Grand Marnier
- Your favorite fruit, fresh or frozen ( I used mangoes, strawberries, and blueberries)
- 1 orange cut into small wedges
- Sparkling water or Club Soda
Instructions
- Place fruit in a pitcher or Carafe
- Pour wine and Grand Mariner in the pitcher and stir.
- Let Pitcher chill for at least 2 hours
- Serve in a glass over ice and top with sparkling water
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen fruit.
- Other great fruit options: pineapple, granny smith apples, lemon, or lime, assorted berries.
GRAPEFRUIT VODKA PALOMA
The traditional paloma is made with tequila and grapefruit soda. I’ve also had it with tequila, grapefruit juice, and a splash of club soda. Not everyone is into tequila so I wanted to give you another option. This twist on the traditional paloma is refreshing and crisp. I think it rivals the original.
Grape Fruit Vodka Paloma
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Grapefruit vodka
- 1/2 cup Club Soda
- Ice
- Lime or grapefruit slices for garnish
Instructions
- Mix grapefruit vodka and club soda in a glass.
- Add ice and garnish with lime or grapefruit.
Notes
If you want a sweeter cocktail you can swap the club soda for sprite or tonic.
EASY MANGO MARGARITA
A mango margarita pairs so well with the taco bar. The fruity citrus flavors from this margarita will temper the heat from the salsa and tacos. If you like heat you can coat your glass with chili powder. Otherwise, you can go with salt.
Mango Margarita
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mango
- 1 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup margarita mix
- 2 cups ice
- Lime slices for garnish (optional)
- Tajin, Smoked paprika, or chili seasoning for the rim of your glass
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except lime slices in a blender.
- Blend on medium speed for 1 minute (blend more if depending on your blender). The drink should look like a smooth slushy consistency.
- Sprinkle seasoning of choice on a small plate.
- Slide lemon slice around the rim of your glass.
- Dip the glass into the seasoning until the rim is covered.
- Pour margarita into the glass and garnish with a lime wedge.
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