Are you in the mood for some Cinco de Mayo fun? Whether you plan on exploring local restaurants or celebrating at home with your loved ones, this blog has you covered!
Image courtesy of Half-Baked Harvest
To get the day started, I recommend stopping at La Cerveceria Astilleros. This Shipyards Brewery strives to bring the colourful, rich Mexican culture straight into the heart of North Vancouver in the form of delicious craft beers. They honour the authenticity of Mexican culture through their unique lens by sourcing Mexican ingredients whenever possible for their beer, drinks and food items. My ultimate favourite tap selection from La Cerveceria Astilleros is their Strawberry Daiquiri Sour – a twist on a Mexican favourite, a strawberry daiquiri golden sour. Brewed with fresh strawberry purée, vanilla and lactose. This refreshing beverage goes incredibly well with any of their taco selections. I highly recommend checking them out!
After you’ve enjoyed a refreshing beverage and taco or two, I suggest heading up the hill to Tequila Cocina located at 1933 Lonsdale Avenue. I can’t recommend their ceviche enough – fresh shrimp, red onion, cucumber and cilantro marinated in lime juice and marisquera sauce, topped with avocado and served with house-made corn tortilla chips. I also highly recommend their enchiladas, they’re absolutely mouth watering – three corn tortillas stuffed with your choice of meat, topped with green or red salsa, feta cheese, sour cream and pickled onion, served with a side of rice and beans. If you’re a tequila connoisseur, you’ll be very impressed with their extensive tequila selection with many options of Reposado, Blanco, Anejo, Cristalino, and more!
If you’re a bit further away from the Lonsdale neighbourhood, Quesada Burritos & Tacos is also a great option – ideal if you’re looking for more of a grab and ago experience! This fast casual Mexican restaurant is all about representing the flavours of Mexico. Specializing in Burritos, Tacos, Bowls, Quesadillas, Nachos, and other Mexican treats that are made to order. If you’d prefer a sit down meal and are in the Lynn Valley neighbourhood, I suggest stopping at Browns Socialhouse. Their nachos and tacos are absolutely delicious and very filling, and to make things even better they have a margarita bar!! Yes, you read that right! The margarita bar consists of your choice of traditional lime, raspberry, grapefruit hibiscus or pineapple jalepeño, and all of these options are made with fresh pressed lime juice which truly does make a significant difference.
For those of you who may want to stay home this Cinco de Mayo, here are some incredible recipes to try by Half-Baked Harvest to get you in the festive mood!
Baked Queso Fundido Taquitos
We’ve got three kinds of cheese, smoky and spicy poblano, chipotle peppers, plus Mexican chorizo. Everything gets rolled up in tortillas, and oven-baked. These taquitos are crunchy on the outside, but spicy and oh so cheesy inside. It’s queso but reversed, because the dip is inside the chip…and it’s so much better! Serve with a creamy avocado lime crema, and a mix of your favorite sauces. These taquitos come together in minutes and are so delicious. Click here for the recipe.
Cinnamon Churros
Next up we have these sweet churros – the perfect addition for your Cinco celebrations. On the inside they’re light and airy, plus super sweet and doughy. On the outside they’re slightly crunchy and extra cinnamonny. Are you drooling yet? Click here for the recipe!
Last but absolutely not least, we have a selection of margarita recipes:
Spicy Cucumber Margarita
Tequila mixed with fresh lime juice, cucumbers, spicy jalapeños, and topped off with ginger beer for a bit of a fizzy kick. It’s a touch of sweet, a little bit spicy, and so refreshing too! Finish this cocktail off with a salty chili rimmed glass for a delicious stay home spice things up cocktail. This margarita is easy to create, uses minimal ingredients.
Strawberry Hibiscus Ginger Margarita
Fresh strawberries, sweet hibiscus tea, spicy ginger, and a good splash of tequila. Super easy, refreshing, a touch sweet, and extra pretty too. The perfect Cinco de Mayo drink! Click here for the recipe.
Frozen Aperol Peach Margarita
We’re finishing strong with this blend of summer peaches, orange liquor, tequila, and the twist – Aperol. Blend with ice and finish with a swirl of sweet, creamy coconut milk. This is an incredibly refreshing cocktail! A spicy tajin-lined rim keeps everyone coming back for a second round. Make the punch version to serve to family and friends!