15 Perfect Cinco de Mayo Food Recipes

March 29, 2023 by Kate Ramos 4 Comments

What is Cinco de Mayo food? Any recipe that celebrates the beauty of Mexican flavors! Check out these 15 ideas that are perfect for your Cinco de Mayo party or any celebration.

This post was first published on May 1 2021, and last updated March 29, 2023

A green dish filled with tacos on a rainbow-colored placemat. The tacos are topped with diced red onion and cilantro.

If you could throw an epic Cinco de Mayo party what would it look like?

Mine would be FULL of color—bright fuchsia, deep turquoise, marigold orange. I would have Vincente Fernandez blasting on the stereo and of course there would be a massive bar with every tequila under the sun. At least 20 different margaritas on offer and table after beautifully-set table of glorious Mexican food.

Oh, I can throw an off-the-hook fiesta in my head. In reality however, Cinco de Mayo will be a more mellow affair, with an icy margarita, a few friends… and Vincente Fernandez on the stereo.

We can have some pretty great food though. Here’s 15 of the best Mexican recipes that you can rock this fifth of May or any time you want to celebrate Mexican culture!

More To Explore
25 Must-Try Mexican Appetizers For Cinco de Mayo
11 Delicious Way To Use Tajín
17 Canned Chipotle Pepper Recipes

15 Recipes For Cinco de Mayo Food

1. Pico de Gallo Mexican Salsa

The classic Mexican salsa recipe, Pico de Gallo is the perfect appetizer. It is easy to make and has all the fresh, bright ingredients that bring joy to your everything from nachos to tortilla chips. Looking for another dip? Try my Charred Poblano Guacamole too!

A bowl of pico de Gallo with a spoon sticking out of it sitting on a wood table next to a white napkin and a lime.

2. Chicken Enchiladas Verdes

One of the best Cinco de Mayo recipes because it serves a crowd and universally loved. Shredded chicken wrapped in warm corn tortillas coated in homemade enchilada sauce made with charred tomatillos and garlic. Bake then garnish with crumbled cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.

A baking dish filled with chicken enchiladas topped with sour cream, cheese, thinly sliced white onion, and chopped cilantro.

3. Shredded Beef for Tacos {Carne Deshebrada}

This Mexican Shredded Beef recipe is perfect for tacos, gorditas, burritos, and more! Seasoned with cumin, coriander, and chili powder (or make it spicy with cayenne pepper) it is an absolute crowd-pleaser. With stove top, slow cooker, and Instant Pot instructions included. Gluten-free and super kid-friendly.

Two shredded beef tacos topped with mango salsa on a white plate that is sitting on a wood table.

4. Vegan Refried Beans

This easy refried beans recipe is a delicious addition to any Mexican dinner or Cinco de Mayo celebration. Keep them vegan and top with ripe avocado and a drizzle of olive oil or top with queso, chopped ripe tomatoes and a squeeze of lime juice. Goes great with everything from chicken taquitos to fajitas.

A large white platter of refried beans topped with avocado and drizzle with oil sitting on a marble table topped with cilantro.

5. Chile Relleno Recipe

This Authentic Chile Relleno Recipe takes you step-by-step on how to make this traditional Mexican dish of poblano peppers stuffed with cheese, dipped in egg batter and lightly fried. It is one of our favorite Cinco de Mayo Recipes. Serve with frijoles de olla, a crisp salad, and salsa ranchera—Ugh, so good!

A dish with three chiles rellenos on it sitting in red tomato sauce.

6. The Best Crispy Instant Pot Carnitas

These richly spiced Instant Pot Carnitas are full of flavor and ready in a fraction of the time. 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!

A bowl filled with carnitas topped with sprigs of cilantro sitting on a wood table next to some lime wedges.

7. Huaraches with Sautéed Squash Blossoms

This plant-based Huaraches recipe takes you step-by-step through how to make these heavenly bean-filled masa cakes topped with tomatillo salsa, sautéed squash blossoms, and chipotle aioli. Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable!

A brown plate with a huarache on it sitting next to a bowl of green salsa and a white napkin with a knife on it on a wood table.

8. Pork Pozole Rojo

A classic Red Pozole recipe with pork, hominy, and a broth rich with red chiles. This is Cinco de Mayo food at its best. Top the stew with sliced radishes, dried oregano, and chopped onion. Serve with warm corn tortillas. Dairy-free!

9. Chicken Mole Verde

Chicken Mole Verde –A vibrant green mole made with tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, and thickend with pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Serve with Sofrito Black Beans and Mexican rice for a delicious Mexican dinner. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly!

10. Mexican Chilaquiles with Scrambled Eggs

A simple recipe for authentic Mexican Chilaquiles Rojos—a flavorful Mexican breakfast (but also great for a casual dinner) with salsa-soaked tortilla chips and scrambled eggs. Top with sour cream, and sliced scallions. Ready in under an hour. Vegan-Adaptable.

11. Authentic Tres Leches Cake

This Authentic Tres Leches Cake Recipe takes you step-by-step on how to make a traditional Mexican cake soaked in three different types of milk and topped with a whipped cream frosting. Sprinkle with cinnamon and raspberries—or both! The ultimate Cinco de Mayo desserts.

12. Classic Churros Recipe with Chocolate Sauce

The ultimate authentic Churros recipe–this is the one you’ve been searching for! Crispy, dusted with cinnamon sugar on the outside, soft and buttery inside with a special technique that makes them even easier to make! Don’t skip on the Mexican Chocolate Sauce either, it’s the perfect accompaniment. Or try this vegan dulce de leche recipe.

13. Mangonada

If you’ve ever had this sweet, sour, salty mango slushy than you know why it is one of our favorite Cinco de Mayo dessert recipes. Layers of frozen mango smoothie, Chamoy sauce and Tajin. So easy and so satisfying, bring it on summer!

14. Easy Sopapilla Recipe

An indulgent treat that is completely irresistible. This Sopapilla recipe comes out perfectly every time and is so easy to make. Ultra light with a crisp exterior and chewy insides. These golden puffs are delicious sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, powdered sugar or drizzled with honey. Or try Isabel’s insanely delicious Sopapilla Cheesecake.

15. Coffee Cookies with Chocolate Chips

Not one of your traditional Cinco de Mayo desserts but totally irresistible. This chocolate chip coffee cookies recipe is made for coffee lovers with ground coffee beans, milk chocolate chips, and vanilla. Add a kick to your favorite cookie.

Cute Cinco de Mayo Party Favors

Now that you’ve got some recipes in mind, it’s always nice to end the party with something your guests can take home. Surprise them with one of these unique party favors.

Drink Recipes For Your Cinco de Mayo Party

Spicy Raspberry Jalapeño Margarita
Cucumber Mezcal Margarita
Simple and Quick Champurrado Recipe {Non-Alcoholic}
Michelada {Mexican Beer Cocktail}
The Original Cadillac Margarita
Matcha Horchata {Non-Alcoholic}
Vegan Atole {Non-Alcoholic}

Cinco de Mayo Recipes For The Ultimate Party!

I know you will love all of these recipes whether you make them for Cinco de Mayo or any night of the week. Let me know which ones you end up making by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

Spicy Raspberry Margarita Recipe

February 25, 2023 by Kate Ramos 3 Comments

Learn how to make a Raspberry Margarita Recipe with all natural ingredients like fresh raspberries, fresh lime juice, and a homemade spicy jalapeño-infused tequila to give a kick of heat. Ready to spice things up? Cause this is about to get real.

First posted on April 28, 2018. Last updated February 25, 2023.

All I can say is, your wish is my command.

I took a very formal survey (ie asked you guys on Instagram), what everyone’s favorite margarita flavor was and I heard loud and clear—Spicy! Spicy! Spicy!!

This is such a delicious spicy margarita recipe with homemade raspberry syrup made with fresh berries, jalapeño-infused tequila, and lots of fresh-squeezed lime juice for balance. It is super refreshing when it’s terribly hot, can easily be sized up to make a pitcher, and is the prettiest color of pink I ever did see.

More To Explore
How To Make A Michelada
The Classic Margarita
The Best Paloma Recipe

Why You Must Try This Raspberry Margarita Recipe

Two raspberry margaritas on a wood table in margarita glasses rimmed with Tajín and garnished with sliced limes.

Ditch the margarita mix. Once you learn this simple method for making homemade simple syrup you will never go back to using store-bought mix.

You make jam at the same time! The bi-product of making your own raspberry syrup is homemade raspberry jam. After you strain the raspberries from the syrup, save them in a jar. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Easily make a pitcher. To make a pitcher of raspberry margaritas instead of one, infuse 2 cups tequila with 2 sliced jalapeños. Combine that with all the syrup and the juice of 6 limes (1 cup lime juice). Stir and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Ingredients

There’s no triple sec or orange liqueur like Cointreau in this recipe but you could certainly add it if you want that hint of orange. Also a splash of raspberry liqueur would be nice for that extra boost of raspberry flavor.

Reposado or blanco tequila
Jalapeños
Granulated sugar
Fresh raspberries. Or frozen raspberries if they aren’t in season.
Limes for the margarita as well as for lime wedge garnish
Tajín if you’d like a spicy rim or kosher salt for a non-spicy salted rim.

How To Make It!

This is the step-by-step for how to make a margarita on the rocks. If you are looking for a frozen raspberry margarita made in the blender, check out Elizabeth’s version—it is out of this world! Plan ahead with this recipe, the tequila has to infuse for at least 3 hours before it is ready.

step one

Infuse the tequila. Since we are making a spicy jalapeño margarita the first step is to make the infused tequila. Blend sliced jalapeños with the tequila and let sit at least 3 hours. The longer it sits, the spicier it will be.

Several slices of jalapeño floating in a measuring cup of tequila.

step two

Make the syrup. While you wait for the tequila, make the syrup! Combine sugar and water in a saucepan and place over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves then add the raspberries. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer until the raspberries fall apart. Remove from heat and let cool with the raspberries in it. Once it cools completely, pour through a fine-mesh sieve to strain out the berries then chill in the refrigerator.

Several fresh raspberries floating in simmering sugar water being cooked into syrup.

step three

Make the margarita. Rim the margarita glass with Tajín and fill with ice. Combine tequila, raspberry syrup and lime juice in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 15 seconds. Strain into prepared glass and enjoy!

Two raspberry margaritas on a wood table with several slices of limes around it.

Variations

Now you know how to make what is sure to be one of your new favorite cocktails you can spin it into any number of spicy margaritas by switching up the fruit (FYI, fresh or frozen fruit works). Instead of the raspberries you can use an equal amount of:

blueberries
blackberries
peaches
strawberries
mango

Best Tequila To Use For A Raspberry Margarita

I’ve made this recipe with both tequila reposado and silver tequila. Whatever you use make sure it is made with 100% Blue Weber agave, it will say this on the bottle. Here are a few of my favorites:

More Cocktails Recipes To Try!

It is the margarita that needs to be made right now!

I know you love a jalapeño margarita, why not get sweet and sour with this raspberry version? Let me know when you make it by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

Spicy Raspberry Jalapeño Margarita

Yield: 1-6 drinks

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Marinating Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Learn how to make a Raspberry Margarita Recipe with all natural ingredients like fresh raspberries, fresh lime juice, and a homemade spicy jalapeño-infused tequila to give it kick of heat. Ready to spice things up? Cause this is about to get real.

Ingredients

For the Jalapeño-Infused Tequila:

1 cup Reposado Tequila
1 jalapeño, sliced

For the Raspberry Syrup:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
2 cups raspberries, preferably fresh but frozen work too

To Make 1 Margarita:

Lime wedges
Tajin seasoning or kosher salt
2 ounces jalapeño-infused tequila
2 ounces lime juice (about 2 limes, squeezed)
2 ounces Raspberry Syrup

Instructions

To Make the Jalapeño-Infused Tequila:

Infuse the tequila. Add sliced jalapeños to the tequila and let infuse at room temperature for at least 3 hours. The longer it sits the spicier it will be.

To Make the Syrup:

Dissolve the sugar. Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan. Stir to dissolve. Add raspberries and place over medium heat and bring to a simmer.
Add the raspberries. Cook until raspberries are falling apart, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Strain and chill completely. You can save leftover raspberry pulp and eat like jam.

To Make the Margarita:

Prepare the glass. Rim a cocktail glass with lime wedge. Dip in Tajín and fill with ice.
Shake the cocktail. Fill a cocktail shaker with more ice. Add tequila, lime juice, and syrup. Shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into the prepared glass and serve with another lime wedge if you'd like. ¡Salúd!

Notes

This recipe makes enough syrup for 6-8 drinks. If you'd like to make a pitcher of margaritas instead of just 1, multiply all the ingredients by 8.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 98Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 47mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 0g

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Mexican Chocolate Sweet Tamales

December 14, 2022 by Kate Ramos 8 Comments

Sweet tamales are like light, fluffy sponge cake wrapped in a corn husk package. These rich Mexican chocolate tamales are best served warm with a drizzle of spicy honey.

{First posted on October 29, 2019. Last updated December 14, 2022}

Mexican chocolate sweet tamales with a bite taken out, sitting on a plate with cinnamon sugar and two cinnamon sticks in the background.

If you haven’t heard by now, I’ve got a thing for tamales. Spicy, sweet, pork or pineapple, I love them all! When thinking about which tamales to make for the holidays, I knew tamales dulces (sweet tamales) were definitely going on the menu.

They are one of the most traditional Mexican desserts but many people have never even heard of them, let alone tasted one before.

These Mexican chocolate tamales are flavored with rich chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of chipotle chili powder with extra chocolate chips folded into the masa at the end. This dough gets wrapped in corn husks and steamed until soft and fluffy.

More To Explore
Strawberry Tamales with Horchata Sauce
Sweet Lime Tamales
How To Throw A Christmas Tamales Party

What Are Sweet Tamales Made Of?

Plate with two chocolate tamales sitting on it dusted with cinnamon-sugar and two cinnamon sticks. A fork is on one side with a bite of tamale on it.

These Mexican desserts are similar to savory tamales in that the base is a masa, or dough, made with corn flour.

The masa harina, or corn flour, is mixed with sugar and any number of sweet ingredients like jam, raisins, or chopped pecans. In this case they are flavored with cocoa powder, butter, and milk instead of salt, lard, and broth like in pork tamales or a chicken tamal.

The biggest difference between sweet and savory tamales however, is the way they are made. The savory tamales are typically masa dough that is wrapped around a filling.

With these chocolate tamales, the dough is made more like a cake batter where the butter and sugar are creamed together until super light and fluffy then the flour and milk are mixed in little by little to create an airy dough.

Sometimes the sweet dough gets filled but here the chocolate chips are folded in and the masa gets rolled up just as it is in the corn husks, making these a much easier version to make!

The last thing that makes them special are their bright, rich colors. I love the gorgeous brown of these chocolate tamales but other sweet tamales recipes use food coloring to make festive shades of pink, yellow and even green.

Ingredients

Dried corn husks
Masa harina flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Ground cinnamon
Baking powder
Kosher salt
Chipotle chili powder
Unsalted butter or coconut oil
Granulated sugar
Whole milk or plant-based milk
Vanilla extract
Chocolate chips
Cinnamon sugar or hot honey for drizzling (optional)