While we don’t like to play favourites, a Mexican feast is always a good idea. And with the mercury rising, there’s never been a better time to connect with your crew over a table laden with tacos and tasty tipples.
If you’re nodding your head along with us, already envisioning what a Mexican fiesta at your casa could look like, then you’re going to want to keep reading. We’ve teamed up with Old El Paso to suss out the five non-negotiables you need for your next at-home Mexican dinner party. Muy bueno!
Set The Scene With A Playlist
Get the mood right from the moment your mates turn up with a cracking playlist. Keep things authentic with old-school tunes from Vicente Fernández and Los Tigres del Norte. As the fiesta rolls on, kick it up a notch with Santana, Maná, and Julieta Venegas. Don’t have time to DJ? Whack on this beauty from Spotify.
Scape Your Table
Sure, minimalist table settings are good for the ‘gram and all, but when it comes to your fiesta, it’s all about maximalist colour. Order some traditional papel picado banners from Etsy and string them from wall to wall creating a technicolour rainbow. On the table, opt for colourful glassware (we love these jewel-hued tumblers), fill vases with cut citrus fruit such as limes, oranges and lemons, and finish the look off with clusters of bright candles in various shapes, heights and sizes—we're big fans of these wavy taper candles.
Grab The Ultimate Old El Paso Taco Kit
When your guests can’t decide between a hard or soft taco shell for their meal, ask them ‘“Porque No Los Dos?” and whip out Old El Paso’s Hard n’ Soft Taco Kit. The ultimate people pleaser, the kit comes with a mix of hard and soft shell taco shells, taco sauce and a tasty taco spice mix. Just add beef, chicken or fish and some homemade gauc, and you’ll take your tastebuds on a trip to Mexico in a flash. Hot tip: mix Old El Paso spice mix with sour cream and spread on your soft tortilla or melted cheese, for extra flavour and oomph!
Curate Your Bar Cart
Every epic taco needs an equally epic tipple to wash it down with. Keep the Mexican theme going strong with some spicy margaritas. Next up, impress your mates with a round of palomas (tequila, lima juice and grapefruit-flavoured sparkling water). Not drinking? Whip up a jug of agua fresca, a refreshing Mexican drop made from blended fruit (watermelon is our fave), water, a bit of sugar and lime juice.
Don’t Forget Dessert
As the birthplace of chocolate, no Mexican fiesta would be complete without an array of desserts. Your sweet-tooth pals will thank you as they tuck into plates of warm churros with a dulce de leche dipping sauce, caramel flan, chocolate chilli pots, and conchas—a Mexican sweet bread made with a fluffy brioche-like dough, crispy top and dusted with brown sugar. We’re drooling just thinking about them.
Keep everyone happy at your next Mexican fiesta with an Old El Paso Hard n’ Soft Kit, the solution to serving everyone's favourite type of taco.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Old El Paso. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Supplied.