17 Easy Ideas for an Outdoor Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Home

Set up a Cinco de Mayo party bar area with colorful cocktails arranged on a bold tablecloth or against a bright backdrop. Let family members mix their own margaritas or palomas to get the party started—or mix up a big batch of our nonalcoholic Rhubarb Agua Fresca!

This margarita-whiskey sour combo is a must-have at any Mexican-theme celebration. Our tasty recipe combines dark tequila, orange liqueur, sweet vermouth, and classic orange soda to create a cocktail your guests will be raving about long after the party ends. To get the perfectly garnished look, brûlée orange slices (with a kitchen torch or in the oven) to place directly on the drink's surface.

For an outdoor Cinco de Mayo party, these tasty tostadas—with shrimp, fennel, and grapefruit—are the perfect make-it-yourself option. Lay out the corn tortillas and all the toppings (you'll just need to prep the toppers the vegetables), and let each diner put together their own.

Green onions, fresh cilantro, and hot pepper sauce make up this coarsely mashed crowd-pleasing Mexican appetizer. Because this guacamole is made with sour cream and lime juice, you can make it a day in advance and it won't brown in the refrigerator, saving you time on party day. Be sure to cover the guacamole with plastic wrap to keep out air that will also cause the avocado mixture to brown.

Stuffed peppers topped with roasted corn will be the star of your Cinco de Mayo party food spread. Char the poblanos to make them soft and tender while giving them a smoky flavor that perfectly accents the mild heat of the pepper. This vegetarian dish packs just the right amount of punch.

A margarita is a must at any Mexican celebration. Try a sparkling margarita (made with a splash of champagne) at your Cinco de Mayo party, or mix up a big batch of classic lime on the rocks.

When you start planning your Cinco de Mayo party menu, fried chicken is likely not at the top of your list—but it should be. Our jalapeño marinade instantly turns an American classic into a spicy main dish that pairs well with the rest of your Mexican cuisine.

It wouldn't be a Mexican fiesta without enchiladas! These beef enchiladas are big on flavor, thanks to green onion, garlic, and jalapeño. For a fresh and fruity kick, top the enchiladas with fresh pico de gallo.

You're looking at the perfect Mexican party dessert. These hand pies are golden and delicious after just six minutes in your air fryer.

Test Kitchen Tip: Serve this Cinco de Mayo recipe with plenty of homemade whipped cream!

Put our delicious tres leches spin on this classic American dessert. To make the cake, pour the classic tres leches milk mixture over a freshly baked shortbread, then top with fresh berries. It's quick, easy, and so tasty!