25 Mexican-inspired recipes for Cinco de Mayo

Most don’t need an excuse to mix up some margaritas and take down some tacos, but just in case you do, Cinco de Mayo is the perfect opportunity. Every year on May 5, Americans and Mexicans celebrate Mexico’s 1862 defeat over the French invasion of the state of Puebla. And even though the Mexicans won the fight, the spirit of resistance spread to America at a time when the country was engrossed in the Civil War. According to HISTORY, this is why the holiday is celebrated with such fervor in the U.S. One hundred and fifty years after the unexpected victory, parades still take over city streets and tequila flows freely. Want to partake in the party but avoid the crowds? Here are 25 Mexican-inspired recipes you can whip up at home for your own Cinco de Mayo fiesta. (AP Photos)

AP Photos

Mexican-style chicken wings Have a crowd coming over? Try these Mexican-style chicken wings from Sara Moulton. (Sara Moulton via AP)

Sara Moulton via AP

This April 2017 photo provided by The Culinary Institute of America shows Mexican-style corn salad in Hyde Park, N.Y. This dish is from a recipe by The Culinary Institute of America. (Phil Mansfield/The Culinary Institute of America via AP)

Mexican-style corn salad The perfect side dish for all of your summer get-togethers. Find the recipe here. (Phil Mansfield/The Culinary Institute of America via AP)

Phil Mansfield/The Culinary Institute of America via AP

Mexican tortilla soup Katie Workman’s recipe for Mexican tortilla soup allows for a few shortcuts: tortilla chips instead of fried tortillas and store-bought shredded chicken. (Todd Coleman via AP)

Todd Coleman via AP

Green Pozole with chicken Green Pozole with chicken, a traditional Mexican soup, is the perfect dish for any occasion. Find the recipe here. (Sara Moulton via AP)

Sara Moulton via AP

Healthy fish tacos with avocado Hoping to avoid the calorie pit of queso dip and tortilla chips? This Sara Moulton recipe for fish tacos will satisfy your cravings and keep your trainer happy. The fish in this recipe is lightly floured and sauteed. A creamy avocado dressing and crisp veggies pile on the flavor. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

This Feb. 15, 2016 photo shows chicken mole served with a side of wild and brown rice in Concord, N.H. Mole is a style of Mexican sauces often served with meats. It usually is made from ground nuts, chocolate or cocoa and a variety of seasonings. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

Chicken mole Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce made from ground nuts, chocolate and seasonings, and is often served with meat. Don’t let the chocolate fool you: Mole is a savory sauce, not sweet. Give it a try with this recipe from The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

Margarita frozen pops It’s not Cinco de Mayo without a margarita or two! This year, ditch the straw. You can enjoy the classic lime and tequila cocktail in Popsicle form. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

Grilled Mexican street corn salad Combine grilled corn, lime juice and chili powder for a fresh and tasty side. Try this recipe for grilled Mexican corn salad at your next cookout. Your taste buds will thank you. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

This April 4, 2011 photo shows a minted margarita in Concord, N.H. Two classic summer cocktails, mojitos and margaritas, inspired this pitcher cocktail. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

Minted margarita Can’t decide between a mojito and a margarita? Try this recipe for a minted margarita. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

This Nov. 30, 2015 photo shows healthy Mexican chicken stew in Concord, NH. The secret to this quick stew is that the chicken already has so much flavor that adding just a little spice and a little acid (lime juice) makes the flavors taste far more complex than the quick and healthy little dinner gem that this dish is.(AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

Healthy Mexican chicken stew Need to get dinner on the table fast? Using a rotisserie chicken for this healthy stew is a real timesaver. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

This Dec. 15, 2014 photo shows shrimp scampi guacamole in Concord, N.H. There are multiple ways to serve up guacamole for the Super Bowl. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

Guacamole A Mexican spread isn’t complete without a heaping bowl of guacamole. Try Alton Brown’s simple recipe for a chunky and creamy dip that’s packed with fresh flavors. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

Mexican-style stuffed eggs On Cinco de Mayo, swap out your favorite deviled eggs for these Mexican-style stuffed eggs, which are packed with avocado, tomato and jalapeño. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

Mexican beef brisket and winter squash chili Cooking for a crowd? This hearty Mexican beef brisket chili serves 12. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

Meyer lemon margarita Most margaritas call for lime, but this variation is all about the lemons. Grab a pitcher and pucker up for this Meyer lemon experience. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

Mexican chocolate honey cake It’s sweet, but there’s also a bit of heat in this recipe for Mexican chocolate honey cake. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

Coconut-lime pulled chicken tacos Coconut milk, cumin and lime give these tacos a unique flavor. Try the recipe from The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

This Aug. 1 , 2011 photo shows barbecue Mexican corn in Concord, N.H. Rocco DiSpirito's easy-to-make barbecue Mexican corn offers big flavor without giving you a big gut. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

Barbecue Mexican corn Corn on the cob is delicious, as is, but if you’re looking to truly impress your palate, add a little mayonnaise, some barbecue spice rub and cotija cheese. This recipe from The Associated Press has all the details. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

This July 21, 2014 photo shows grapefruit and corn summer salsa in Concord, N.H. The recipe features a shaved salsa that needs neither tomatoes nor chopping. (AP Photo/MatthewMead)

Grapefruit and corn salsa Not every salsa needs to be tomato-based. Mix up your spread with this grapefruit and corn summer salsa. (AP Photo/MatthewMead)

AP Photo/MatthewMead

**FOR USE WITH AP LIFESTYLES** A Frozen Margarita Pie is seen in this Monday April 6, 2009 photo. Agave syrup, made from a Mexican cactus more known for yielding Tequila, gives this Frozen Margarita Pie its unique, sweet flavor. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe))

Frozen margarita pie You can drink your margarita and eat it, too, with this recipe that is part ice cream, part pie … and part cocktail! (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

AP Photo/Larry Crowe

Sweet and tangy shrimp tacos This recipe for sweet and tangy shrimp tacos takes just a few minutes to make (literally!), so you can use the rest of your prep time chatting with friends (or mixing margaritas). (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead

**FOR USE WITH AP LIFESTYLES** The perfect frozen margarita needs only a blender and the ability to get the proportions of your favorite ingredients right. Salt heightens the sweet and acidic flavors in this Lemon Berry Margarita. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

Lemon berry margaritas Berries are in season, so why not throw them in the blender? This recipe for frozen margaritas calls for lemons, your favorite berries and of course, tequila . (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

AP Photo/Larry Crowe

** FOR USE WITH AP LIFESTYLES ** Mexican-style Tomato Salsa, shown in this July 9, 2007 photo, uses a few classic ingredients, is quick to make and best an hour or two after making. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

Tomato salsa This recipe for fresh tomato salsa takes just a few minutes to make, but is best enjoyed after a few hours in the fridge. Once the flavors meld, you can tackle those tomatoes with some tortilla chips. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

AP Photo/Larry Crowe

**FOR USE WITH AP LIFESTYLES** Monterey Jack Tamales are seen in this Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 photo. After steaming for 75 minutes the tamales sit off heat for 10 minutes before being ready to unwrap and enjoy. Tamales are the perfect food to help celebrate the Posadas, the Mexican and Mexican-American Roman Catholics homage to the journey of Mary and Joseph in search of shelter in a foreign land. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

Tamales These pork shoulder-stuffed corn husks are traditional and tasty. Tamales are a bit labor intensive, but the payoff on the plate is worth the work. (AP Photo/Larry Crowe)

AP Photo/Larry Crowe

This June 1, 2011 photo shows seafood guacamole in Concord, N.H. This recipe from Roberto Santibanez' "Truly Mexican," can be prepared and refrigerated up to an hour in advance, but let it warm at room temperature a bit before serving. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

Seafood guacamole Want to take your guacamole to the next level? Add crabmeat, lobster and shrimp into the mix. Here’s a recipe for seafood guacamole. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

AP Photo/Matthew Mead