Cinco de Mayo is here, and while it’s a holiday well-known for Mexican beer and shots of tequila (and tequila-based cocktails), you can go all day without eating anything. Even St. Patrick’s Day has corned beef and cabbage and bangers and mash to line your belly before all that Irish whiskey and pints of Guinness. Cinco de Mayo is no different. Lucky for you, there are countless meaty, cheesy, savory, spicy Mexican dishes and sides to pair perfectly with all that booze.
Trust me, if you’re planning to tip back some turbo-charged margaritas and a handful of Mexican pale lagers, or a neat tequila or two, you’re going to want to eat something first (and during the revelry). I’ve enjoyed many Cinco de Mayo celebrations over the years, and I’ve learned that your day will start much earlier than you anticipate if you don’t eat a taco or two.
The best foods to pair with tequila
While we could write an article on the foods to pair with Mexican beer, cocktails, mezcal, or tequila, today it’s the latter spirit’s time to shine. And that’s not all, we’re going to look at the best foods to pair with tequila on Cinco de Mayo.
Whether you’re drinking it neat, on the rocks, as a shot with salt and lime, or mixed into a Margarita, Paloma, or another cocktail, tequila is the most important spirit for Cinco de Mayo revelry. The best part? It pairs well with a variety of Mexican dishes.
If you’re planning a Cinco de Mayo feast to be paired with your favorite jovan, cristalino, Blanco, reposado, and añejo tequilas, you’re going to need a nice mix of complementary foods and sides. You can keep it simple with tacos, or go for a spread featuring guacamole and chips, barbacoa tacos, elote, enchiladas, and cheesy, flavorful quesadillas. Keep scrolling to see them all and learn how they pair well with tequila.
Guacamole and chips
You can’t go wrong with chips and guac. You can go store-bought for both if you don’t have time. But if you really want to get the most out of the day, you’ll make your own. To make homemade chips, all you need to do is cut corn tortillas, fry them, and season them with salt. It couldn’t be easier. Homemade guacamole is made with avocados, salt, lime, and cilantro. This salty, savory side dish pairs perfectly with tequila.
Barbacoa tacos
If you’re going to make tacos for Cinco de Mayo, instead of seasoned ground beef, opt for barbacoa instead. If you have a crockpot and some time, you can easily make barbacoa at home. All you need is a chuck roast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cumin, paprika, beef broth, and limes. Cook it all day and then eat it with flour (or corn) tortillas and a tequila or two.
Elote
If you’re a fan of corn, but you’ve never made elote, you’re really missing out. To make it, all you need to do is grill the corn, then cover it with a mayonnaise-based sauce, chili powder, and cheese. There are many easy recipes online that only take a few minutes. Pair this sweet, salty, savory side with your favorite tequila.
