Red Cocoa: Cinco de Mayo

I swear I was Mexican in a past life. My obsession with Mexican food, culture, holidays (and did I mention FOOD???) make Cinco de Mayo one of my favourite holidays!!
It originated with Mexican-American communities in the American West as a way to commemorate the cause of freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War (history lesson courtesy of Wikipedia - now on to fun stuff!)

The beautiful weather in store for the Toronto area this weekend alone is enough reason to celebrate! Here are some things you need to throw the ultimate Cinco de Mayo bash!

Decor
Why not add some colorful décor? Studio DIY has created some beautiful Papel Picado Streamers

Drinks

Really - what Cinco de Mayo party can you have without them? As soon as guest arrive serve them an ice cold margarita. Dip the glasses in lime juice and then rim the glass with salt as an added touch. Make sure to also have a few virgin cocktails on hand for those who don't drink. My fav is a strawberry margarita....

Here's a quick recipe you can whip together in no time (serves 4).

6 oz tequila
2 oz triple sec
8 oz frozen strawberries
4 oz frozen limeade concentrate (you can find this in the frozen aisle in you local grocery store where the frozen juices are)
6 cups of ice

Place ice in a blender and crush for 15 to 20 seconds. Add frozen strawberries, tequila, triple sec, and limeade. Blend until smooth.

I also love this pineapple one!

Photo Credit: Taste, Love & Nourish

Food

Why not make life a 'lil easier on yourself and have a make your own taco display.

Place shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa in serving bowls. Fish tacos are also quite popular and tasty. Have some hard and soft shells close by so guests can pile them on. Try to have unique serving bowls for your appetizers and desserts. Hollowed out watermelons or cactus leaves are just a couple of items you can use.

Here's a mouth watering example from dotcomwomen.com for watermelon, mango and pepper salsa.

Here's some other great recipes for appetizers, side dishes etc. courtesy of Taste of Home.

Nacho Party Cheesecake

A classic Mexican dessert is a tres leche cake

Photo credit: Green Eggs and Spam

Or how about some churro truffles?? Yum, yum, yum...

Photo credit: Pizzazzerie

Music

No Cinco de Mayo party is complete with some serious Latin tunes. Songza has amazing Latin playlists. One my go to's is the 'Essential Salsa' playlist. Download the app, hook your speakers up to your phone and dance away to burn off those margaritas!

Last Thoughts...

Hang a Piñata to add some color and to enhance your décor. Just don't try to break it indoors, especially after those margaritas :)