While it’s true that Cinco de Mayo is a delicious day to indulge in some classic Mexican flavors and traditional food and drink, it can be a bit challenging to celebrate if you have dietary restrictions. Keep reading to get some delicious Cinco de Mayo food ideas and drink options for all your party guests, featuring dairy-free, gluten-free, and nonalcoholic alternatives.

Nonalcoholic Cinco de Mayo beverages

Crafting a cocktail or mocktail for Cinco de Mayo to pair with all of those Cinco de Mayo appetizers? That can all mean one thing — handcrafted margaritas! If you’re looking for a nonalcoholic option, try Ritual Zero Proof’s Tequila Alternative to complement your favorite chips and guac. It’s made from all-natural botanicals to echo the aroma, classic taste, and clean heat of traditional tequila.

Another alcohol-free option is Sangría Señorial. Mexico’s original sangria-flavored soft drink offers a refreshing and unique spin to traditional sangria recipes. Other tasty nonalcoholic beverage options to go with all of those Cinco de Mayo food ideas include Jarritos, high-quality carbonated soft drinks, and Mineragua sparkling water. 

If you prefer a punch of flavor to your sparkling water, try a can (or two) of Nixie sparkling water or Recess, which just so happens to also offer a line of zero-proof craft mocktails for alcohol-free moments. Oh yeah, did I mention they have a “Lime Margarita?” Talk about Kismet!

Vita Coco’s Pressed Pineapple, meanwhile, has a subtle taste of fresh pineapple, perfect for enjoying all on its own or as an addition to cocktails and mocktails. Finally, if you want to give your gut health a boost while you celebrate Cinco de Mayo, consider a can of Poppi, a functional prebiotic soda that offers deliciously fun flavors like nostalgic grape. It’s basically bubbles with benefits. 

Allergen-friendly Cinco de Mayo food ideas

1. Beans

Beans are a great addition to burrito bowls, dips, and tacos. If you’re looking for super simple Cinco de Mayo food ideas, then warm up one or two bags of heat-and-eat Mexican Smoky Chipotle Pinto Beans from The Good Bean. 

Made from pinto beans simmered with chipotle chilies, garlic, spices, and tomatoes, these vegan, gluten-free beans are bursting with the flavor of chipotle that’s fruity and warm without being super spicy.

2. Burritos and tacos

Recipes for Cinco de Mayo wouldn’t be complete without a batch of homemade burritos and tacos. If you’re looking for dairy-free cheese alternatives to top off your handheld creations, then try a bag of Cheddar Shreds from Good Planet Foods. Perfect for a big bowl of Queso Dip, this dairy-free cheese alternative goes great with a bag of Beanitos Tortilla Chips, which are, you guessed it, made from beans. These chips are dairy-, gluten-, nut-, and seed-free. (They’re so good! I personally love the hint of lime or sea salt varieties.)

When it comes to even more ingredients for homemade burrito bowls, seven-layer dip, or tacos, opt for an organic plant-based Original Ground Pork from CHi Foods. Ethically sourced, nutritious, and made from whole ingredients (with no gluten or soy), this plant-based pork brings you and your guests a fresh plant-based topping from soil to shelf. This meatless option provides an uncompromised texture that goes great with just about all of your Cinco de Mayo food ideas and recipes for Cinco de Mayo.

3. Charcuterie, Mexican-style

Okay, okay, I get it. A handcrafted charcuterie board on a budget isn’t one of those Cinco de Mayo appetizers you usually think of — but when you have brands like Chomps offering bold, fun flavors like Habanero Beef, Jalapeño Beef, and Taco Seasoned Beef that are free of the top nine allergens, you can’t help but get creative and channel those south-of-the-border flavors and vibes. 

Cinco de Mayo appetizers have never been so deliciously simple. Add a few bowls of guac, melted cheese, and salsa with a few varieties of chips in between and you have a charcuterie board, Mexican-style.

If you enjoy the flavors of black beans and corn, add a bowl of Dennis’ Gourmet all-natural salsa — or if you’re crazy for cheese but prefer to skip the dairy, try this Vegan Nacho Cheddar Cheese Sauce with Jalapeños from WayFare.

4. Chips, guacamole, and salsa

A Cinco de Mayo fiesta isn’t a party without some chips and guac (times 10). And don’t forget the salsa! Mi Rancho offers a variety of crunchy and salty gluten-free tortilla chips, which are perfect for dipping in their organic salsas. 

5. Mexican horchata

If you want to serve up a popular Mexican drink at your Cinco de Mayo fiesta, opt for Mexican Horchata, which is basically cinnamon-spiced rice milk.

Traditionally made using rice milk, like this rice milk from DREAM, you can also channel your culinary creativity and try other plant-based milk like homemade oat milk. You can also save yourself the extra step and buy a few other plant-based options like almond, cashew, and walnut milk from plant-based brands like Elmhurst 1925.

6. Street corn

Another one of those great Cinco de Mayo food ideas includes serving up a side of flavorful Mexican street corn. If you want to avoid making this Cinco de Mayo recipe, whip up a bag of gluten-free, plant-based SOMOS.

7. Taco pizza bites

You and your Cinco de Mayo guests will have a lot to “taco’ bout” with these Cinco de Mayo appetizers from Snow Days: I give you Taco Pizza Bites. 

Made with a homemade organic taco sauce, grass-fed cheddar cheese, and organic pinto beans, these taco bites are loaded with Mexican spices, organic ground pork, and organic veggies, which are then all packed in a gluten-free cassava crust. They also pair perfectly with guac, salsa, and sour cream — but why choose one when you can dip them in all three? Talk about an easy and quick option for Cinco de Mayo appetizers.

8. Cheddar jalapeño sticks

Need another Cinco de Mayo appetizer? Add these Cheddar Style Jalapeño Sticks from Wholly Veggie that will be ready in a jiff. After all, you don’t want to keep party-goers waiting for all the fiesta food and fun.