There's no better way to celebrate Mexico's proud culinary heritage than with intensely flavored, authentic recipes. Here, we're featuring our favorite Mexican dishes and drinks that turn any gathering into a delicious fiesta. 

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Fresh Cherry Margarita

Muddled sweet cherries add a burst of bright color to the classic Mexican cocktail. Look for agave nectar at the supermarket near the honey and maple syrup.

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Impossible Chocolate Flan

This rich dessert, also called chocoflan, is made with cajeta, a sweet Mexican syrup made of caramelized milk. Making the flan is not the impossible part—while baking, the custard appears hidden behind the cake.

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Crabmeat Empanadas with Grilled Corn Salsa & Poblano Cream Sauce

In Mexico, small plates, called antojitos, are more than quick bites, they're a way of life. These empanadas are a creative, stepped-up version of a traditional antojito.

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Jícama, Avocado, Radish & Orange Salad with Cilantro

The cool, crunchy jícama and radishes in this salad make a glorious contrast to the buttery avocado and sweet-tart oranges.

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Grilled Chicken Salad with Tomatoes, Avocados, and Chile Dressing

Serve this Tex-Mex salad with a stack of warm, fresh flour or corn tortillas.

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Spicy-Smoky Mexican Pork Kebabs

The marinade on these quick-cooking kebabs is a celebration of Mexican flavors. Tortillas, queso fresco, black beans, and grilled scallions make the kebabs a complete meal. 

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Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime-Cayenne Butter

Take your Cinco de Mayo party outside with this smoky grilled corn with a knock-out tart and spicy butter.

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Tequila-Infused Queso Fundido

In this queso fundido, the tequila not only shines through with its agave brightness, but gives the melted cheese a luscious texture.

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Skirt Steak Tacos with Spicy Sour Cream

Ground chipotle chiles add a fiery kick to the creamy sauce for these tacos, and you can find it right in the supermarket spice section. Add bowls of fresh shredded lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and buttery avocado and let everyone dress their own tacos. 

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Guacamole with Roasted Chile, Cumin, and Feta

Rather than the expected jalapeño, this recipe uses roasted poblano or New Mexico chile for a more rounded flavor. A pinch of cumin, crumbled feta, and crisp slivered radishes flatter the avocado as well.

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Gorditas de Piloncillo (Sweet Fried Masa Cakes)

The name gorditas is used in an endearing manner in Mexico to describe many small but "fatty" (referring to thickness) foods. These are fried, which makes them double gordita.

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The Michelada

If you like your beer with a spicy kick and a squeeze of lime, this simple and delicious beer cocktail is the perfect way to toast Cinco de Mayo.

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