Cinco de Mayo is a Mexican holiday that commemorates a major Mexican victory. But what does it really mean? And how can you celebrate? In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of Cinco de Mayo and provide some ideas for how to celebrate the holiday in a fun and festive way, including some Cinco De Mayo food and Cinco De Mayo drinks! So get ready to learn more about this important Mexican holiday and get inspired to celebrate!

What Is Cinco De Mayo?

If you know that Cinco De Mayo is tied to Mexican culture and heritage, you’re certainly right! However, this day probably has more significance than most of us realize. In fact, Cinco De Mayo is a major United States holiday, and not a major Mexican one – more on that later.

Cinco De Mayo celebrations usually involve a general celebration of Mexican heritage and will include things like Mexican beer, food, and music. 

Fun Fact: Cinco de Mayo became popular in the United States in the early 20th century, when it was seen as a way to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.

When Is Cinco De Mayo?

Translated from Spanish, cinco de Mayo means “fifth of May.” This gives us the answer to our question, of course! Every year, on the fifth of May, this major holiday is celebrated all across America. Since this holiday doesn’t move around, you can expect it to fall on a different day of the week every year. In 2023, Cinco De Mayo is on a Friday – basically the perfect day for a celebration, we think.

Cinco De Mayo 2024 will be on a Sunday, and in 2025 it will be on a Monday. 2026 will see Cinco De Mayo on a Tuesday, and in 2027 it will be a Wednesday.

What’s the History of Cinco De Mayo?

As we mentioned above, many of us know that Cinco De Mayo is a Mexican holiday, but many of us don’t exactly know the significance of the holiday. The fifth of May in 1862 was a critical turning point in Mexico’s defense against Britain, Spain, and France.

Fun Fact: Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico’s Independence Day. Mexico’s Independence Day is celebrated on September 16.

The Background of the Battle

In 1861, Mexico was in a state of political and financial turmoil. The country had recently been through a civil war, and the government was struggling to pay its debts to European powers. In response, France, Britain, and Spain sent naval forces to Veracruz, Mexico, demanding repayment.

Britain and Spain eventually negotiated with Mexico and withdrew their forces. However, France decided to stay and invade Mexico. The French army was much larger and better equipped than the Mexican army. The French also had the support of the Mexican conservatives, who opposed the liberal government of President Benito Juárez.

The Battle of Puebla

The Battle of Puebla took place on May 5, 1862, in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The Mexican army, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, was outnumbered by the French army by a ratio of about two to one. However, the Mexicans were fighting for their homeland, and they were determined to win.

The battle lasted for several hours. The Mexicans fought bravely, and they eventually defeated the French army. The French suffered over 500 casualties, while the Mexicans only suffered about 200 casualties.

The Significance of the Battle

The victory at the Battle of Puebla was a major morale boost for Mexico. It showed that the Mexican people were willing to fight for their country, and it helped to prevent the French from taking control of Mexico. The victory also helped to unite the Mexican people against the French invasion.

Fun Fact: The Mexican army was led by General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguín, who was only 33 years old at the time of the battle.

So, celebrating Cinco De Mayo is more than just a celebration of Mexican heritage – it’s a time to remember the perseverance of those soldiers who prevented French takeover of Mexico back in the late 1800s.

Six Ways to Celebrate Cinco De Mayo:

Cinco de Mayo is a great opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage with friends and family. There are many different ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but here are a few ideas to get you started:

#1: Have a Mexican Food Feast 

One of the best ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is to eat Mexican food. There are many different traditional Mexican dishes to choose from, such as tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. You can also make your own guacamole and salsa to go with your meal.

If you don’t have time to throw a party or make a bunch of food, you can always visit a Mexican restaurant for a delicious meal. Many restaurants offer special Cinco de Mayo menus that feature traditional Mexican dishes.

#2: Drink Mexican Beer

Another popular way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo is to drink authentic, Mexican beer. There are many different Mexican beers to choose from, such as Corona, Modelo, and Pacifico. You can also make your own margaritas or Micheladas from Mexican beers.

#3: Listen to Mexican Music

Mexican music is a great way to get into the Cinco de Mayo spirit. There are many different types of Mexican music, such as mariachi, banda, and norteño. You can find Mexican music to listen to on the radio, online, or in stores.

#4: Learn About Mexican Culture

Cinco de Mayo is a great opportunity to learn about Mexican culture. There are many different resources available to learn about Mexican culture, such as books, websites, and museums. You can also find Mexican cultural events happening in your community.

#5: Go to a Festival

Many cities and towns hold Cinco de Mayo festivals that feature food, music, dancing, and other activities. These festivals are a great way to learn more about Mexican culture and celebrate with other people who love Mexican culture. Here are a few tips for you if you’re looking to visit or travel to a festival for Cinco De Mayo:

• Find a festival near you. There are many Cinco de Mayo festivals held all over the United States. You can find a list of festivals online or in your local newspaper.
• Plan ahead. Some festivals require tickets, so it’s important to plan ahead and buy your tickets in advance. You should also dress comfortably and bring a hat and sunscreen, as it can be hot at festivals.
• Bring your friends and family. Cinco de Mayo festivals are a great way to celebrate with friends and family. Bring your loved ones along and enjoy the festivities together.
• Explore the festival. Most Cinco de Mayo festivals have a variety of activities and events to enjoy. There will be food vendors, music, dancing, and more. Take some time to explore the festival and see all that it has to offer.

#6: Throw a Party!

Invite your friends and family over for a festive Cinco de Mayo party. Decorate with Mexican flags and streamers, and serve traditional Mexican food and drinks. You can also play Mexican music and dance the night away. For Cinco De Mayo party ideas, check out the next few sections – we have plenty of ideas to help you brainstorm!

Cinco De Mayo Party Ideas

Here at Distillery Nearby, we love any reason to throw a party, and Cinco De Mayo is no exception! This is a fantastic holiday to celebrate America’s diverse culture and heritages that come together to form a unified people. If you’re looking to throw a fun Cinco De Mayo party, we have several tips and tricks for you:

• Plan, plan, plan. The more you plan ahead, the smoother your party will go. Make a list of everything you need to do, such as sending out invitations, shopping for food and drinks, and decorating.
• Set the mood. Create a festive atmosphere by decorating with Mexican flags, streamers, and other decorations. You can also play Mexican music in the background.
• Serve traditional Mexican food. No Cinco de Mayo party is complete without traditional Mexican food. Some popular dishes include tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and quesadillas. You can also serve guacamole, salsa, and chips. If you’re concerned about just how “traditional” your food will be, see if a local restaurant can cater your party!
• Have plenty of drinks on hand! Mexican beer is a popular choice for Cinco de Mayo, but you can also serve margaritas, sangria, or other drinks. We’ve included recipes for several Cinco De Mayo drinks and Cinco De Mayo cocktails below.
• Get some entertainment. Live music, dancing, or a piñata are all great ways to keep your guests entertained. Get creative and have fun!

Cinco De Mayo Menu & Cinco De Mayo Foods

No party would be complete without snacks and foods for your guests to munch on, of course, so here are several Mexican-themed foods that you can shower your party guests with! Classic dipping snacks like chips, salsa, and guacamole are always a hit, but if you’re looking for something a little more substantial, tamales are a good choice. You could also try things like burritos, tacos, or quesadillas!

If you’re looking for delicious side dishes, Mexican street corn is a good choice (you can make it into a salad, too). Churros make a good dessert, but you could also make small servings of flan, too! The possibilities are endless, and you can put your own personal spin on anything you choose to make!

Cinco De Mayo Drinks & Cinco De Mayo Cocktails

If you’re looking for some delicious Cinco De Mayo drinks, we’ve got you covered. Here are several Cinco De Mayo cocktails for your fun, themed party:

The Classic Margarita

The margarita is the quintessential Cinco de Mayo drink. It is made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur or agave syrup. It can be served on the rocks or frozen. To make a classic margarita, you’ll need 2 oz good tequila blanco, 1 oz orange liqueur, 1 oz lime juice, and ½ to 1 oz simple syrup, depending on your tastes. Shake all ingredients in a cocktail mixer with ice, then strain into a margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wedge or twist, and enjoy!

The Michelada

The Michelada is a popular Mexican beer cocktail. It is made with 12 oz beer, 2 oz lime juice, 1 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, and 4 oz tomato juice. It can be garnished with a lime wedge, celery stick, or a salted rim. To make this cocktail, simply stir all the ingredients together in a highball glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

The Bloody Maria

The bloody Maria is a variation of the bloody mary that is made with tequila instead of vodka. It can be garnished with a lime wedge, celery stick, or a salted rim. To make a Bloody Maria, stir ice, 2 oz tequila blanco, 4 oz tomato juice, 1 oz lime juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper into a highball glass. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!

The Tequila Sunrise

The tequila sunrise is a popular cocktail made with local, craft tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. It is typically served in a tall glass with a layer of grenadine at the bottom, a layer of orange juice in the middle, and a layer of tequila on top. It can take some practice to keep the layers separate, but there are many tutorials online that can help you. When you get it right, this is a stunning drink that’s perfect for your Cinco De Mayo party.

For the ratios, you’ll need these measurements per drink:

• 2 oz tequila blanco
• 4 oz orange juice
• 1 oz grenadine
• Orange slice and Maraschino cherry for garnish

The Sangria

If you would like a “pitcher” cocktail or something that can be mixed up in a punch bowl, sangria is a good choice. There are many different variations on sangria, but a classic one would include:

• 1 bottle red wine
• 1 cup brandy
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced lemon
• Optional: ½ cup another sliced fruit, like berries

Sangria is a perfect party drink because you can very easily toss this together in advance, then add ice to a punch bowl during the party. Make sure not to add too much ice so you don’t water down your punch (or have an alternative to ice, like a double walled punch bowl).

3 Tips to Help You Make the Most Delicious Party Cocktails

Anyone can mix up a simple cocktail, but if you want to make fantastic Cinco De Mayo cocktails, we have a few tips for you:

1. Use high-quality spirits. You might be tempted to spend as little as possible, especially if you’re mixing up drinks for lots of people. However, trust us when we say that your cocktails will taste better with quality booze.
2. Buy local. Your Cinco De Mayo cocktails are also an opportunity for you to support local distilleries and keep money in your local economy.
3. Use fresh ingredients. It’s definitely easier to squeeze lime juice out of a concentrate bottle, but the fresh stuff just tastes so much better! Try to use fresh ingredients where possible.

Find Your Cinco De Mayo Spirits With Distillery Nearby

Here at Distillery Nearby, we have a passion for local, craft-distilled spirits and liqueurs. Our unique search feature allows you to browse distilleries in your local area. You can filter the results by state to get a big-picture view of what’s being offered near you. To check out our local listings, visit “Browse Distilleries By State,” right here on our website.