Cinco de Mayo is the ultimate spring celebration - bright colors, bold flavors, and laid-back fun with friends. While margaritas may get most of the attention, craft beer is the unsung hero of any great Cinco de Mayo party. This year, skip the imports and stock your coolers with New York State craft beers that bring big flavor and local pride to the table.
Whether you’re planning a backyard bash or a laid-back taco night, here’s how to throw a Cinco de Mayo fiesta that combines festive vibes with the best NY-made brews and perfect beer pairings.
1. Choose the Right Beer Styles for the Occasion
The best beers for Cinco de Mayo are refreshing, food-friendly, and full of character. Here are a couple of crowd-pleasing beer styles to include:
- Mexican-Style Lagers: Light, crisp, and brewed with corn for that signature smoothness. Perfect for sipping in the sun, these easy-drinking lagers are a must-have for any Cinco de Mayo drinks menu.
- Sours & Goses: Fruity and tart beers (especially with lime, passionfruit, or other tropical fruit notes) offer a fun, margarita-like twist. Ideal for guests who want Cinco de Mayo drinks beyond margaritas.
2. Create a Taco & Beer Pairing Bar
Let your guests build their own tacos and pair them with your curated NY craft beer selection. Some simple combos to feature:
- Fish Tacos + Mexican-Style Lager (classic and refreshing)
-
Ceviche + Fruited Sour (bright, citrus-forward flavors)
And no Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without delicious sides like elote (Mexican street corn), guacamole, queso dip, and of course, nachos! All of these make perfect Mexican lager food pairings or complement the zippy, fruity notes of sours.
3. Stock Up on NY Craft Favorites
Support local New York craft breweries while impressing your guests. To make it easy, Drink NY Craft has put together a special edition Cinco de Mayo craft beer bundle full of crisp lagers, spicy sours, and beachy brews, perfect for any Cinco de Mayo beer tasting or taco night.
Whether you're in NYC, the Hudson Valley, or upstate, it's a great way to buy NY beer online and keep your celebration local.
4. Don’t Forget the Garnishes
Provide lime wedges, chili salt, and even michelada mix for guests who want to get creative with their beer. A little extra effort (and flavor) goes a long way in making your Cinco de Mayo party unforgettable.
Celebrate flavor, fun, and New York craft beer this Cinco de Mayo, with style, local pride, and the perfect pint.
¡Salud! 🍻
