Taco ‘bout a Charcuterie Board!!!!

Happy Cinco De Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, a day marked with vibrant splashes of color, the zestful sounds of Mariachi bands, and the irresistible aroma of tantalizing cuisine, encapsulates a celebration deeply rooted in history yet bursting with contemporary joy. This occasion, while often enveloped in the jubilant echoes of festivity, originates from the historic Battle of Puebla in 1862, where Mexican forces claimed victory over French invaders. Far from being merely a local holiday, Cinco de Mayo has transcended borders, embodying a symbol of resilience and pride for Mexican culture around the globe.

In the modern tapestry of celebration, Cinco de Mayo has evolved into an opportunity to embrace and indulge in the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. For aficionados of Mexican cuisine, this day provides a perfect excuse to revel in the complex flavors of tacos, the refreshing zest of margaritas, and the subtle sweetness of palomas. Tacos, in their myriad forms, from the traditional street-style tacos al pastor to the more contemporary fusion variants, offer a bite-sized exploration of Mexico’s diverse regional flavors. Margaritas, with their perfect balance of sweet, sour, salt, and bitter, craft a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate, encapsulating the spirit of celebration. The Paloma, a more understated but equally exquisite cocktail, blends the bitterness of grapefruit with the sweetness of soda, creating a refreshing concoction that sings of summer days and festive nights.

As we gather to commemorate Cinco de Mayo, amidst the laughter and music, it becomes a moment to reflect on the enduring strength and vibrant culture of Mexico. It is a day to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward with hope to the future. Through the simple act of enjoying tacos, sipping on margaritas, and toasting with palomas, we partake in a tradition that bridges history with modernity, and in doing so, we celebrate not just a victory, but the enduring spirit of joy, resilience, and community that defines Cinco de Mayo.

So let us raise our glasses, adorned with a rim of salt or sugar, to the endless joy and the exquisite experiences that await. Let us embrace this day with a heart full of joy and a spirit willing to explore the depths of a culture that continues to inspire and enchant us with its timeless allure. So, here’s to Cinco de Mayo, to tacos and margaritas, and to the endless moments of joy that they bring into our lives.

Cheers, my friends, to a celebration that is as infinite as it is joyful!!

Margarita Mocktail Recipe:

  • 1/2 oz Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 oz Orange Juice
  • 3 oz Lemon Lime Olipop
  • 1-2 oz Topo Chico
  • 1 Tsp Agave
  • Crushed or Shaped Ice
  • Lime wedge
  • Flaky Salt or Sugar

Paloma Recipe:

  • 1/2 oz Lime Juice
  • 2 oz Grapefruit Juice
  • 1-2 oz Silver Tequila – use Topo Chico for Mocktail version
  • 3 oz Sparling Grapefruit Juice
  • Agave (optional)
  • Splash Lemon Juice
  • Topo Chico to top off
  • Crushed or Shaped Ice
  • Lime Slice & Grapefruit Wedge
  • Flaky Salt or Sugar

Taco Board: use small dishes you have on hand for separation of items and organize onto a tray, use cilantro and a space filler and garnish where needed

  • Lime wedges
  • Scallions – chopped
  • Red Onion – chopped
  • Jalapeños – sliced
  • Radishes – thinly sliced (recommend using a mandarin)
  • Red Cabbage – shredded
  • Iceberg Lettuce – shredded
  • Queso Fresco – crumbled
  • Pico de Gallo
  • Pineapple Mango Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Sour Cream
  • Cilantro
  • Salsa Verde Chicken – using an InstaPot, combine chicken, salsa verde and cilantro and cook, keep warm until ready to serve
  • Soft Shell Corn Tacos
  • Hard Shell Corn Tacos