Cinco de Mayo Cocktails and Food Pairings

Everybody has margaritas on the mind this week as Cinco de Mayo is finally here!

If you’re throwing a party you’ve probably got more than margaritas on your mind like food and drinks, besides margaritas, that pair with that food.

Well, no need to worry your pretty little cabeza about it because we’re here to help! We’ve put together a list of common Mexican dishes and the beverages you should pair them with. This way you can stop stressing about hosting the perfect party and go back to having margaritas on the mind. You’re welcome.

What better way to start your party than with some deliciously refreshing white fish ceviche? And do you know what pairs perfectly with white fish ceviche, and also works wonders on loosening up your guests? Tequila. More specifically Joven Tequila.

If you don’t know how to make ceviche, well we’ve got you covered there as well.

White Fish Ceviche

Ingredients

• ½ lb. White fish fillets (like sole or tilapia), as fresh as possible
• ½ cup Lime juice
• ¼ cup Grapefruit juice
• 2 cloves Garlic, pressed or finely minced
• ½ cup Diced red onion
• ½ cup Diced tomato
• 1 Jalapeño, finely sliced or diced
• ¼ cup Chopped cilantro
• 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
• 1 diced Avocado
• Salt & pepper

Directions

1. Cut the fish into small, equally sized pieces. (smaller pieces = shorter “cook” time)
2. Combine the lime and grapefruit juices in a bowl, and add the chopped fish.
3. Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes, until all pieces are opaque.
4. When the fish is done, drain off most of the juice—leaving about 2 Tbsp.
5. Add the remaining ingredients, except for salt and pepper, and stir to combine.
6. Taste, and add salt and pepper as desired.
7. Serve with thick tortilla chips

Now, if it’s a party, it’s safe to assume you’ll have more than one main course spread out for your guests to choose from. So, let’s jump into dishes and pairings so you can get back to daydreaming about ‘ritas.

First up, enchiladas. A classic Mexican dish with a variety of fillings and toppings. For our purposes we’ll limit the fillings to chicken or carne asada and the sauces to a green poblano or a roasted red chili. The savory and spicy flavors contrast wonderfully with a Sangria Roja made with an aged rum, brandy, dry curacao, citrus, and of course, red wine.

Fajitas are a staple of any Mexican-themed party as they’re easy to prepare and contain simple ingredients. The smokiness of the grilled meats goes quite well with the chocolate fruitiness of this Cranberry Chocolate Tequila Rita.

Cranberry Chocolate Tequila Rita

Ingredients

• 2 oz. Blue agave tequila
• ½ oz. Chocolate liqueur
• 3 dashes Chocolate bitters
• 2 oz. Cranberry juice
• Juice from ¼ lime

Directions

1. Combine on the rocks and stir.
2. Garnish with a lime twist.

What kind of party is it without tacos? We suggest slow roasted pork tacos for their lovely rich flavor that pairs great with a Michelada due to its acidity that helps cut the richness.

Michelada

Ingredients

• Mexican lager beer
• Salt
• Cayenne pepper
• ½ oz. Lime juice
• 2 drops Tabasco sauce
• 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 1 pinch Ground black pepper
• 1 pinch Celery salt

Directions

1. Rub the lime wedge along half the rim of the pint glass and dip into a mix of equal parts salt and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the remaining ingredients except the beer.
3. Fill with beer and garnish with a fresh lime wedge.