Traditional Mexican Independence Day Food and Drinks

Mexican Independence Day is the biggest fiesta of the year and a perfect opportunity to get an insight into authentic Mexican culture and pride! The important event, that is celebrated on September 16th, is commemorated with nationwide festivities.

Some believe that Cinco de Mayo is the biggest holiday in Mexico and although it is celebrated spectacularly, it isn’t as important or as honored as their day of independence.If you are celebrating Independence Day in Mexico be sure to indulge in some of the country’s most patriotic food and drinks!

Traditional Independence Day Dishes

Mexico is famous for having one of the most exquisite and delicious cuisines in the world, with authentic recipes and dishes dating back centuries. As you can imagine, on Mexican Independence Day, a wide variety of food is prepared, consumed, and enjoyed in unity by family and friends.

We have listed the top five traditional Mexican dishes that you need to try this Mexican Independence Day!

Pozole

Pozole is a hearty and traditional Mexican dish that originated with the Aztecs and other indigenous tribes in Mesoamerica. It is commonly enjoyed for events and special occasions such as weddings, baptisms, and Mexican Independence Day.

Pozole is a stew or soup that is made traditionally using pork, although sometimes it can be chicken, and ‘hominy’, which is processed corn. The stew is slow-cooked and seasoned with a delicious combination of herbs and spices, and is typically topped with garnishes including shredded lettuce, onions, and lime juice.

Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en Nogada is an appetizing seasonal dish that is only prepared between the months of August and September, when key ingredients such as pomegranate seeds and walnuts are in season.

Developed in the town of Puebla in the 18th Century by Catholic nuns, the dish incorporates the colors of the Mexican flag (green, white and red) and is said to be one of Mexico’s most patriotic dishes.

Tamales

Tamales are a staple and authentic Mexican dish that you can find being sold on most street corners during the morning hours. The famous dish is usually prepared using a starchy, corn-based masa (dough) that is stuffed with seasoned meat, then wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed to perfection.

Sopa Azteca

Sopa Azteca “Aztec soup” is a warming and soothing broth that is made using strips of fried tortillas covered with a seasoned chicken broth, cooked tomatoes, pepper, garlic, and onions. The mixture is topped with avocado, cheese, and a dollop of cream.

Guacamole

You have likely tried guacamole before while visiting a Mexican restaurant. It’s made using ripe avocados that are mashed and seasoned with chopped tomato, onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper.

In some areas of Mexico, guacamole is traditionally served with crispy grasshoppers or ‘Chapulines’.

What to Drink

As with the cuisine, Mexico is known for having an exciting and delicious array of drinks to try and there is no better day to experiment than Mexican Independence Day!

The Bandera

The Bandera is a festive drink full of Mexican spirit that features the vibrant colors of the Mexican flag. This drink is prepared in three separate shot glasses: lime juice (green), tequila (white), and sangrita (red).

Sangrita is made with tomato juice, serrano peppers, Worcestershire and Tabasco Sauce, orange, and lime juice.

Michelada

The Michelada is made using beer, lime juice, tomato juice, spices, assorted sauces, and chili peppers. It is served in a chilled glass rimmed with salt or chili flakes. In Puerto Vallarta, they’re served with shrimp, jicama, and cucumber.

Tequila

Tequila is native to Mexico, originating from the town of Tequila in Jalisco. It’s made from the blue agave plant and is commonly enjoyed as a sipped shot with lime and salt.