By: M. Elise Giller
May 5 isn’t just any old day of the year: It’s Cinco de Mayo! This Mexican holiday is the perfect excuse for a fun fiesta, with loads of guacamole, margaritas, and, of course, family and friends. Hosting a party can sometimes feel overwhelming, but if you prepare beforehand, throwing your Cinco de Mayo celebration can be a snap.
You want to spend time with your guests, not slave away in the kitchen over a blender. That’s why we recommend preparing classic margaritas (not the frozen variety) ahead of time in a big batch. Combine three parts tequila with two parts triple sec and one part citrus juice in a half-gallon pitcher. Store it in the fridge until party time.
To serve: As your friends ask for a drink, measure about two ounces of the margarita mix into a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour into a glass that’s been prepped with lime juice and rock salt around the rim.
Celebrations mean delicious food, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. Your guests will love a buffet-style taco bar, which will help set the Mexican-themed mood. Prepare all the fixings beforehand — fresh corn and flour tortillas, precooked fajita meat, grated cheese, and fresh lettuce, cilantro, tomato, and salsa — and store them in their designated party containers in the refrigerator. When it’s time to set up, heat up the prepared fajita meat, unwrap your toppings, and serve! Don’t forget to supply plenty of classic guacamole to top off the tacos right.
Save time and energy in the party game department. Rather than filing up an empty piñata yourself, pick up one that’s pre-made. Check with your local Mexican grocery or Party City to see if they carry pre-filled options. Fiesta Piñata and Pre-Filled Parties also offer them online. Hang up a traditional donkey or a not-so-traditional option and get the party started! Then blindfold guests and hand them a bat to see if they can crack it open. The candy might go flying across your backyard, but it’s worth it to see those sugar-crazed smiles.