Cinco de Mayo is only a few days away and I know you are going to party like there’s no mañana!! Whether you’ve invited all your friends over for a great, big tequila-fest or you are a party of one, I hope you get a chance to have a stellar margarita and maybe a taco or two. Keep scrolling for the best tacos for Cinco de Mayo plus fun party ideas.
Post first published on May 3, 2021 and last updated on April 24, 2024 with new recipes.
Cinco de Mayo is a fun celebration of Mexican culture that gives us an excuse to whip up some authentic Mexican cuisine and delicious margaritas—not like we needed an excuse. 😁
May 5th is not in fact, Mexican Independence Day, but marks the Battle of Puebla, when Mexico fought off the French forces in an epic David versus Goliath-style fight. France was taken completely by surprise and Mexico is still celebrating its victory!
In the United States, the fifth of May has become a joyous time to make the best Mexican recipes, enjoy some lively Mexican music and perhaps a margarita or two. I think the best food is always made at home and shared with the ones you love.
So let’s hop to it with some incredible tacos for your menu!
Best Tacos For Cinco de Mayo
1. Carne Asada Tacos
Juicy flank steak marinated in lime juice, spices and onions the flavors are outstanding. Serve with warm homemade flour tortillas for a real treat.
2. Tacos Al Pastor
This recipe brings the pork tacos you love from your favorite food trucks home with a few simple hacks. Serve with grilled pineapple salsa for a sweet and smoky taco. Learn how with this step-by-step recipe, video included!
3. Easy Instant Pot Beef Barbacoa Tacos
A barbacoa taco topped with Cotija cheese and pickled red onions are waaaayyyy better homemade and this recipe is super simple, made in the Instant Pot.
4. Carnitas Tacos
These richly spiced Instant Pot Carnitas are full of flavor and taste like the ones from your favorite taco truck. Orange zest, cumin, and guajillo chiles make these pork carnitas exceptionally delicious. Finishing them in the Air Fryer (or under the broiler) gives incredibly crisp edges. You are going to love this recipe!
5. Shredded Beef Tacos {Carne Deshebrada}
Carne Deshebrada or shredded beef tacos are a meal the whole family craves. Top with mango salsa and ripe avocado—oh man, so good! This is one of my most popular recipes ever.
6. Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
Shredded Chicken Salsa Verde Tacos are made with simple ingredients and are ready in 30 minutes. Tender poached chicken breasts (or thighs) tossed in a tangy charred tomatillo salsa makes the best chicken tacos! Serve with pico de gallo and queso fresco.
7. Shrimp Tacos
Delicious food is a must on Cinco de Mayo and these delectable and spicy cajun shrimp tacos are truly the best! Tender shrimp in a spicy cajun seasoning wrapped in warm tortillas with a tangy slaw and lime crema (aka: killer shrimp taco sauce). A fresh, flavorful dish!
What To Serve With Your Cinco de Mayo Tacos
Once you choose which delicious tacos you are going to make for your Mexican fiesta, now you need to decide what to serve with them. The obvious choice would be refried beans but I also love making Mexican street corn. Of course tortilla chips and salsa are always welcome.
For something a little different, make a batch of my sweet potato nachos or any number of salads like my Mexican cucumber salad, sweet and spicy Mexican fruit salad, or my rainbow jicama salad.
If you are having a party, the best way to serve tacos is to set up a taco bar with a tall stack of warm corn tortillas and all the toppings like sour cream, minced red onion, a crunchy slaw with cilantro lime dressing, and lots of lime wedges.
Cinco de Mayo Drinks
Every Cinco de Mayo celebration needs some fun drinks! Serve a selection of classic Mexican beers and a pitcher of margaritas. For non-alcoholic options, make a big batch of horchata or agua de jamaica—or both!
Cinco de Mayo Party Essentials
Now that we’ve decided on great food with our favorite Cinco de Mayo recipes, let’s complete this party planning with some fun decorations and serving dishes.
- I’m all about easy decorations and these Tissue Paper Fans are so bright and colorful.
- You are definitely going to need a cocktail shaker and some decent bar tools. I love this bartender kit because it has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
- If you’re planning for a lot of people margaritas by the pitcher are a must. This beehive beverage dispenser looks dazzling and is an easy way to let people help themselves.
- Some great Mexican music to get the party started.
- Limes will need juicing, like a lot of limes. You’ll want to carry this citrus reamer around in your back pocket.
- A oversized molcajete like this one is perfect for making guacamole for a crowd.
7. Carved from a single rock of Himalayan Salt these shot glasses are specifically made for sipping (or shooting) tequila and mezcal.
8. Weathered blue melamine plates make tacos pop and won’t break when the party gets cray-cray.
9. You can’t have a Cinco de Mayo party without margarita glasses, I mean come on.
10. A taco rack makes serving tacos a cinch.
11. Sophisticated woven placemats for under plates or serving dishes. Durable vinyl-weave linens wipe clean.
12. Impress your friends with handmade tortillas. A tortilla press makes them fairly easy to pull off.
Top 5 Most Popular Cinco de Mayo Recipes (That Aren’t Tacos)
- Vegan Pozole Verde
- Strawberry Tres Leches Cake
- Pork Tamales
- Slow Cooker Borracho Beans
- Red Mole Tamales
Looking For the Best Mexican Food For Cinco de Mayo?
I’ve got you! Pick a few of these recipes and make all you Mexican favorites at home. If you do, let us know how it went! Share a photo and tag us on Instagram using @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so that we can see your stuff (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating)! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!
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Katrina Abram says
Definitely the most fun food week!! Love these recipes 🙂
Kate Ramos says
Thanks so much Katrina! It’s going to be a very. good. week. indeed!
MB @ Bourbon and Brown Sugar says
Just discovered your blog, and am in love! (How have I not discovered you before?!) Looking forward to following your delicious culinary adventures 🙂
Kate Ramos says
Aww, thanks! So fun to discover new bloggers. Can’t wait to hop on over to your site.
Denise Browning says
Nice kitchen hacks and especially tacos. The lobster one caught my eye… Happy 5 de Mayo to you!!!!
Kate Ramos says
Thank you Denise!! Give the lobster ones a try, you will LOVE them.
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Kate Ramos says
Absolutely! Your welcome.