I think y’all know by now that I never need an excuse to drink margaritas and eat guacamole. But if you do need an excuse, Cinco de Mayo is pretty much the best there is. I would urge you not to go to a lame chain Mexican restaurant (e.g. Chi Chi’s). Instead, seek out a Mexican restaurant owned and frequented by actual Mexican people, or make your own pitcher of margaritas and some delicious street tacos at home.

Here are a few recipes, ranging from the semi-traditional to the completely-not-traditional-at-all, to get you started:

Margaritas
Classic margaritas
Strawberry margarita on the rocks
Watermelon margarita
Pineapple margarita with pineapple and jalepeno-infused tequila
Peach-jalapeno frozen margarita
Beergaritas
Cranberry-orange margarita

Salsa and guacamole
Restaurant-style salsa
Charred tomatillo salsa
Danielle’s delicious guacamole

Salads and sides
Guacamole salad
Tropical fruit salad
Green chile corn pudding
Smoky bean salad

Entrees
Sweet potato tacos
Chicken tacos
Southwestern pulled beef
Tequila-roasted pork
Cheese enchiladas
Chicken enchiladas
Beer-braised carnitas nachos
Chalupas
Pork fajitas with mango

Dessert
Sopapillas
Mexican wedding cake
Mexican wedding cookies
Spicy chocolate mousse