So that Cinco de Mayo party you may or may not have been planning is going to be a whole lot smaller this year.
Typically around this time, I would’ve been gearing up with dozens of my food blogging friends to bring you an extravagant week of margarita madness for Margarita Week (this would’ve been our fifth year) but I don’t think any of us are in that kind of mood.
Nope, this year I think we’ll have a small, family celebration with some festive DIY decorations that hopefully I can convince the kids to make for “art class”, a few of our favorite Mexican food recipes, a mezcal cocktail or two, and a couple of dogs running around.
Though we are social distancing we are all craving a reason to celebrate, so whether you’re thinking of gathering with the ones in your home or having a virtual Cinco de Mayo happy hour with friends, read on for this year’s Stay-Inside Cinco de Mayo Party Guide.
DIY Cinco de Mayo Party Decorations
Are you crafty or want something fun for the kids to do? Here are some festive ideas for Cinco de Mayo decorations to bring that vibrant, Mexican spirit into your home.
- These tissue paper flowers are so easy even I can do them.
- Beaded Skewers! For fruit or cocktails. Make them and use them all summer long.
- Colorful Party Hats—that aren’t sombreros.
- The Perfect Pom-Pom Garland. Disclaimer: I don’t think I could actually execute this one, but if someone wants to send me the one they made, I’d greatly appreciate it.
- And if you’d really rather buy something, this Papel Picado is pretty.
Mezcal Cocktails and More Drinks For An At Home Cinco de Mayo Party
Oooo man do I love good mezcal cocktails and there’s really never a better time to shake up a frosty margarita. If you are stearing clear of alcohol these days or want a festive drink for the kiddos, I’ve got those too. Here’s a few ideas to choose from.
Cucumber Mezcal Margaritas
Out of hundreds of margarita recipes I have on the site this is my most popular and combines my two favorite words: mezcal and margarita. It’s a must for any Mexican party menu.
Classic Cadillac Margarita
This would be number two. Fresh squeezed lime juice, tequila, and a float of Grand Mariner on top. Perfection.
La Mulita
La Mulita is a Mexican Moscow Mule with blanco tequila in place of the vodka and loads of fresh mint. Add a splash of ginger beer and a few lime wedges!
Mango-Lime Agua Fresca
Mango Lime Agua Fresca is a tropical non-alcoholic drink with fresh mango blended with sweetened lime juice and ice, great for the kiddos!
Rhubarb Agua Fresca
This rhubarb agua fresca is the perfect Cinco de Mayo non-alcoholic drink. Made from fresh rhubarb that is abundant in spring, it is sweet and tart and full of rhubarb flavor.
Mexican Appetizers
Your Mexican party menu must include lots of snacks. Here are four popular Cinco de Mayo recipes to nibble on.
Chicharrones de Harina
Homemade chicharrones de harina or Mexican fried wheat crisps are the ultimate crunchy street food snack. These crispy wheels are totally addictive doused with lime and hot sauce.
Sweet Potato Nachos with Smoked Cheddar and Black Beans
My most popular recipe (not to mention one of my favorite easy Mexican dishes): 4-ingredient sweet potato nachos! Baked sweet potato fries get topped with black beans, smoked cheddar cheese, and cilantro.
Chili Lime Roasted Peanuts
These chili lime roasted peanuts are tossed in an addictive mixture of chili, fresh lime zest, turbinado sugar, and salt then roasted to a golden brown. One of the best Mexican appetizers out there!
Pico de Gallo
The classic Mexican salsa recipe, Pico de Gallo is easy to make and has all the fresh, bright flavors that bring joy to your everything from tacos to chips! This is one of the most essential Cinco de Mayo recipes for sure.
Easy Mexican Dishes
Many of these delicious Mexican food recipes can be made with things you already have in your pantry and fridge. They include Cinco de Mayo recipes for everything from tacos to beans to enchiladas, plus a Mexican chocolate popsicle for a sweet ending.
Slow Cooker Borracho Beans
Mexican-style pinto beans simmered with bacon, beer, onions, and spices. These Slow Cooker Borracho Beans are a great easy side for your quarantine Cinco de Mayo party.
Deep Dish Black Bean Enchilada Casserole
This Black Bean Enchilada Casserole has eight layers of tortillas, black beans, roasted vegetables, and cheese making it the deepest, most delicious ever!
Carne Asada Sopes with Avocado
This easy sopes recipe is topped with grilled carne asada, ripe avocado, and queso fresco—for when you’re trying to live your best quarantine life.
Wild Alaskan Cod Fish Tacos with Toasted Corn Salad
Baked Wild Alaskan Cod Fish Tacos make the BEST healthy Mexican recipe. Stuffed into crispy blue corn tortilla shells and topped with a toasted corn salad and are a super colorful and celebratory for Cinco de Mayo.
Vegan Chipotle Mushroom Tacos
Vegan chipotle mushroom tacos if you are staying away from meat. Full of flavor and texture with a jicama slaw on top.
Mexican Slow Cooker Beef Short Rib Tacos
Slow cooker beef short rib tacos from Laura Fuentes’ Taco Tuesday Cookbook. Falling off the bone beef with smoky chipotles and cumin. Made in a slow cooker!
Slow Cooker Carne Adobada
Slow cooker carne adobada just might be your new favorite way to cook a roast. Covered in adobo sauce and slowly simmered until tender, its just delicious!
Chicken Mole Verde
This Chicken Mole Verde is a fresh springtime mole with tender pieces of braised chicken are cooked in a mixture of tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, basil, and thickened with pumpkin and sesame seeds. This special dish takes a bit more time to prepare, but makes a sophisticated centerpiece for your Cinco de Mayo party.
Shrimp Ceviche Tostadas with Coconut and Lime
A super easy, ultra healthy, shrimp ceviche tostada recipe with fresh squeezed lime juice, coconut milk, chiles, cilantro, and thinly sliced scallions. One of our most loved Mexican food recipes.
Picadillo Enchiladas
Making a large-batch of enchiladas means you can make two pans and freeze one for later! The picadillo filling of ground beef and potatoes is pure comfort.
Vegan Mexican Chocolate Popsicles
These super simple vegan Mexican chocolate popsicles are rich and creamy with hints of chili and cinnamon and chocolate and take about 10 minutes to make!
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Top Photo by Blaire Moats for Better Homes & Gardens
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This is such a great guide. Love all these tips and recipes. Thanks for sharing!
Oh, thanks Vanessa!! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Wow! Can’t wait to celebrate 5 de Mayo with all your delicious ideas and recipes. I was looking for shrimp ceviche tostadas and carne asada sopes. Love your photos!
Thank you.
Awesome! Let me know how they turn out. Thanks so much for reading!
Love, love your menú… and ideas… I’m going to miss Margarita Week, but I support your decision 100% Kate. Stay safe my dear!
Thank you Enri! Yes, it was a tough decision to not hold Margarita Week, but I think a quiet celebration at home with family is what everyone needs right now.
With all these super recipes and drinks I am absolutely in for a Stay-Inside Cinco de Mayo Party!!! Let’s enjoy! Vamossssssss!!!
Yay!! I think we all should enjoy the little things like good food, good drinks, and family as much as possible right now.
Ese picadillo enchiladas se ve delicioso. Ya quiero probarlo todo. Y en cuarentena vaya que queda tiempo para preparar
Gracias Adriana! Espero que te gusta!