Here in Austin, we know how to throw one heck of a Cinco de Mayo party. I mean, the margarita is practically our official drink, and tacos might as well be our city mascot, so we get in some good practice on the other 364 days of the year. I always embrace the challenge of putting a new spin on my Cinco de Mayo festivities, and today I’m sharing my first one of the season in this dinner party that takes its inspiration from the shades of the Sauza Blue tequila bottle on the table. Click through the slides for all the details on the feast I prepared for a few friends, including the recipes for our Blood Orange Jalapeño Margaritas, Jicama Slaw Salad, and much more.
photographed by wynn myers, flowers by Sweet Magnolia Floral
*this post is sponsored by Sauza Tequila – Beam Suntory provided Sauza Tequila for the shoot (which I have been a fan of for years.) All content is original, opinions are my own, and trademarks are the property of their owners. Thanks for supporting our partners!
Sometimes the prettiest tabletops are also the simplest: I folded a Mexican blanket to make an inexpensive runner, then topped it with a fun mix of pattern and more stripes for an eclectic vibe. My friends at Sweet Magnolia Floral brought the colorful flowers and cacti.
The basis for every good Cinco de Mayo party: these Blood Orange Jalapeño Margaritas are perfected with Sauza Blue Silver Tequila — made with 100% Agave.
I’ve been experimenting with a healthier taquito recipe, and this version with tequila-glazed chicken and black beans is the result — they’re baked instead of fried for a crispy taquito without any of the greasy factor.
Stay tuned for the recipe for these chicken taquitos later this afternoon!
Cinco de Mayo happens to coincide with an abundance of spring flowers hitting the market: roses, ranunculus, and anemones are three of my favorites, and these pink and ivory tones contrast beautifully with the blues on the table.
Jenn brings out a tray of margaritas.
Get the recipe for my Blood Orange-Jalapeño Margaritas here.
There’s just something about a platter of guacamole and chips paired with a salt-rimmed margarita that makes me feel like I’m on vacation in Baja… or at least, kicking off a weekend in Austin.
To add a little Cinco de Mayo flair to our ensembles, Chanel made these flowered barrettes (yep, we’re bringing ’em back) to pin in our hair. Click here to learn how to make them.
Also on the menu was this jicama slaw — one of my signature recipes at any Mexican-themed party, though this one got the flavor turned way up with a delicious tequila-lime dressing.
Get the recipe for this Jicama Slaw with Tequila Lime Dressing!
When I was in Mexico a few years ago, I got turned on to Sangrita: a spicy accompaniment that’s meant to cleanse the palette between each sip of tequila. We hollowed out cucumber cups to hold the sangrita (way easier than it looks), and then served with Sauza Blue Reposado for an incredible pairing.
Learn how we made our cucumber cups with homemade sangrita here.
Cheers to one of our best Cinco de Mayo parties yet! This margarita is definitely one of my new signatures to serve at parties: I love the spicy kick from the jalapeño, and the Sauza tequila gives it the fresh agave flavor I’m always looking for in my margaritas.
We’ll be sharing lots more Cinco de Mayo ideas on Instagram with #MyKindofCinco this month, and we’d love to see yours! Show us your party tips, margarita recipes, and fiesta menus with the hashtag so we can see how you’re planning to celebrate this spring.
