WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Cinco de Mayo celebrates the date of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War.
Here in the United States it's become a day filled with Mexican festivities. There's plenty of wonderful places around the Washington, DC area to celebrate but you can also throw a celebration at home with your friends.
The folks at Don Taco in Alexandria, VA have some easy ways to plan an authentic Cinco de Mayo party.
Anita Block is the Events Director for Don Taco and responsible for prepping the venue for special occasions, including Cinco de Mayo.
She says the fun all starts with a festive tablescape.
- It's all about bright colors and mixing textures to create something that it appealing and inviting.
- Reuse Corona bottles as flower vases.
- Party favors can include the cacti can planters you made at home or DIY lanterns.
- And don't forget the Sombreros!
What about the food? Here's some ideas for tacos:
Surf & Turf
Grilled skirt steak, battered shrimp, sriracha sauce
Fried Avocado
Roasted corn, smoked chili aioli, cabbage Dos Equis battered avocado
Chicken Fajita Taco
Grilled chicken, sweet pepper, onion, jack cheese, pico de gallo, Mexican crema.
Don Taco Mixologist Kristina Murphy offers the perfect tequila and margarita pairings with the featured tacos from Don Taco.
Virgin Margarita
- Juice from 2 full limes
- Half ounce of Organic Blue Agave
- Topped off with Club Soda
- Salted Rim
Prickly Pear Margarita
- An ounce and a half of Milagro Silver Tequila
- Quarter of an ounce of Prickly Pear Puree
- Quarter of an ounce of Organic Blue Agave
- House made Margarita Mix to taste
- Half Sugar Rim on Glass
Blood Orange Margarona
- 2 ounces of Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila
- Half an ounce of Cointreau
- Half an ounce of Blood Orange Puree
- House made Margarita Mix to taste
- Topped with a Coronita
Don Taco will be kicking off the Cinco de Mayo celebration Sunday, May 5th, with drink specials and live entertainment (two popular DJs: DJ Trickset & DJ Vroc) beginning at 12:00 noon to close. 808 King St, Alexandria, VA.
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