Taco and margarita pairings are among some of the most favoured food and drink options out there. Vibrantly flavoured, sumptuous and crunchy, tacos are rather fun to eat. The same is true for margaritas as well. Brimming with bright tasting notes, different variations of this cocktail can bring a fruity, acidic and tangy punch into your party menu.
Together, tacos and margaritas can also become a coupling suited to a Mexican-themed gathering. And the best part? Making this food and drink pairing can be turned into an exciting DIY activity that is low-effort for the host and maximum fun for the attendees. Endlessly customisable and delectably flavoured, tacos and margaritas made at a DIY station can turn this simple menu into the highlight of the party.
Step 1: Tortilla Variations For The Taco Bar
While curating a DIY-themed party, keep the taco and cocktail stations separate for easily manoeuvring the different ingredients required to make each one. Start with the taco station. This part of the build-your-own party can contain essentials like soft flour tortillas, hard shelled tacos or corn tortillas.
Keep a variety of options at hand so guests can pick and customise tacos according to their preferences. Warm the tortillas slightly before serving to retain their softness and freshness at the time of assembling the tacos.
Step 2: Place The Stuffings
The next part of setting up the taco bar is to curate the stuffings. Include multiple protein options such spiced black beans, grilled mushrooms and peppers, lime and chilli grilled chicken or spicy prawns. These have to be accompanied by assorted toppings placed in small bowls including shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced carrots, pickled onions, chopped jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream and freshly chopped coriander. The brighter the stuffings for the tacos, the more colourful they will look when assembled.
Step 3: Stroll To The Margarita Station
Once the basics for the taco bar are planned for, the next step is to work on the margarita station. This will involve placing cocktail ingredients at the bar including tequila, agave syrup, fresh lime juice and triple sec for blending. A salt and chilli mix can be kept on the side for preparing the rim garnish.
Flavour add ons for guests are an absolute essential and can include options like fresh strawberry purée, mango pulp, orange juice, mint leaves and more. Lime wedges can also be placed with these flavourings because their acidity brings a welcoming freshness into the margarita recipe.
Step 4: Recipe Cards
Many times, guests who might be unaccustomed to DIY stations can have a bit of trouble assembling their own tacos or fixing their own drinks. At such moments, recipe cards can come in handy because they will lend a helping hand to the eager attendee slightly muddled about how to put together their own snack platter.
Jot down at least 4-5 taco recipes, with different ingredient combinations on dainty recipe cards. The same can be done for margarita cocktail variations too. Keep a menu at hand which also suggests to guests what kind of taco option pairs best with which margarita concoction.
Step 5: Set The Vibe
This is perhaps one of the more interesting and creative elements involved in curating a DIY party. Your taco and cocktail stations have to look fun, engaging and welcoming for guests to gravitate towards them. If plain and drab, they might resemble the insides of any average kitchen and can be quite dulling.
Bright napkins, string lights, a playlist with genre-specific music, colourful cutlery and wooden boards for serving will set the overall decor. Make the process more interactive by explaining to guests how to bring their tacos together, discussing flavour preferences with them and suggesting the best ingredient combinations for customising their taco choices.