Drinks with Mexican Food Reception?

[E B]

Last night, I was looking at cases of wine (kinds, prices). As I was reading a description of a red ("...goes wonderfully with chicken and beef"), I realized we're having both, but not in that fancy, goes-well-with-wine kinda way. When beef and chicken make their introduction at OUR reception, they'll be in fajitas, enchiladas and tacos.

So it got me thinking...what sort of drinks will go well with mexican food at our reception? I figured our "signature" drink could be blue margaritas, and in keeping with theme, we could get several cases of mexican beer (Corona, Dos Equis, ?), but what after that? Wouldn't wine clash completely?

If our guests were all 18-27, I'm sure we'd be fine with just beer and margaritas, but *real* adults are coming (

)! Adults with a sophisticated palate, who probably enjoy wine above all else and, well, I don't want them to feel like they're at a frat party.

So, what do you guys recommend?

 

[appletini]

Sangria!

 

[E B]

Date: 5/5/2006 1:16:36 PM
Author: appletini
Sangria!

*slaps forehead*

Sangria! Brilliant. Could it really be this simple? Would you guys be happy with a beer, sangria and margarita reception? We were planning on a full bar, but I believe that''s the caterer''s doing (if it isn''t, please correct me!) and I''m not sure if mexican restaurants bring a full bar with them.

Thank you tons, appletini!

 

[eks6426]

I 2nd Sangria--You could have both the red and white versions.

 

[amyg]

Sounds perfect to me too!!!! Especially with both Red and white...there will be something for everyone!!!

 

[decodelighted]

Sangria has the added appeal of LOOKING beautiful & smelling great too ... in pitchers or a punchbowl or tall decanters.

I''d LOVE the mexican beer/sangria/margarita reception ... (but would have water & limeade or sodas or something for the non-drinkers too)

For our BBQ/Pig-Roast thingie we''re planning to do glass bottles of beer/sodas/hard cider with maybe a zesty (spiked) punch. That''s it ... (well, bottled water too)

 

[E B]

Date: 5/5/2006 1:39:52 PM
Author: decodelighted
Sangria has the added appeal of LOOKING beautiful & smelling great too ... in pitchers or a punchbowl or tall decanters.


I'd LOVE the mexican beer/sangria/margarita reception ... (but would have water & limeade or sodas or something for the non-drinkers too)


For our BBQ/Pig-Roast thingie we're planning to do glass bottles of beer/sodas/hard cider with maybe a zesty (spiked) punch. That's it ... (well, bottled water too)

Oh, definitely! Thanks for reminding me. Water, and perhaps lemonade/non-alc sangria? Hmm. Much to think about!

 

[LizzieC]

Wow that sounds like such a fun reception! Can I come?

 

[AmberWaves]

There''s always mojitos, but that''s not wine! Just more hard alchy stuff!

 

[JulieN]

nonalcoholic? jamaica?

 

[flopkins]

m.... sangria. and margaritas... mmmmmmmmmmm.....

oh and I love the mexican fruit drinks, I always forget what they''re called. frescas? yum.

 

[teebee]

Sounds like fun!!! I love the idea of having both a white and red sangria.

We''re doing a very similar theme for our rehearsal dinner and will have a Mexican buffet w/ fajita, taco, and nacho choices, Mexican beer (w/ plenty of lime), margaritas, & sangria for adult beverages. I looooooooooooooooove mojitos and was considering adding them in as well, but nixed it since it''s really a Cuban drink, not Mexican. I also found some really cute invites that are in the shape of maracas that were perfect for our casual rehearsal dinner.

 

[E B]

So, out of curiosity, for around 115 people....

10 12 packs of Corona (120)
10 12 packs of Pacifico (120)
14 750mL bottles of Jose Cuervo Gold for Margs
16 bottles of red and white (8 of each) for Sangria

Does that sound like too much, or too little? Gah. I''m stumped as to how much people will drink.

 

[TravelingGal]

EBree, it all sounds YUMMY, and I totally give a thumbs up to the Sangria idea.

Can''t help you too much on the amount of alcohol...I''m trying to figure out the same thing myself. But my boyfriend''s buddies are Aussies, and he jokes Aussies can toss ''em down. I can tell you, at least with my guests, that what you have listed would not be enough!

It''s cinco de mayo...how bout we all go out for a trial run and come back with our best sangria recipes? I am happy to sacrifice my sobriety for your cause...

 

[indecisive]

That sounds amazing!!! I want to come!!

 

[flopkins]

Ebree - Bevmo has a beverage calculator here:

http://www.bevmo.com/PDF/PartyPlanningGuide.pdf

that helps you estimate the amount of alcohol.

 

[E B]

Thanks Flopkins!

I''m glad everyone seems to like the idea (mexican food, margs). I was a little afraid that people would miss "wedding food", but then I remembered that I wouldn''t! Neither would FI! I just hope our guests won''t, either!

 

[diamondfan]

Love the sangria idea. what about adding mojtos? they are more cuban but they are refeshing and great!

 

[monarch64]

Date: 5/5/2006 1:31:32 PM
Author: EBree

Date: 5/5/2006 1:16:36 PM
Author: appletini
Sangria!

*slaps forehead*

Sangria! Brilliant. Could it really be this simple? Would you guys be happy with a beer, sangria and margarita reception? We were planning on a full bar, but I believe that''s the caterer''s doing (if it isn''t, please correct me!) and I''m not sure if mexican restaurants bring a full bar with them.

Thank you tons, appletini!

Heck yes I''d be happy with beer, sangria and margaritas! Soooo fun!!! I''m putting my sombrero on right now and mentally toasting you, lol!!!

 

[teebee]

Date: 5/5/2006 4:54:03 PM
Author: TravelingGal
EBree, it all sounds YUMMY, and I totally give a thumbs up to the Sangria idea.

Can''t help you too much on the amount of alcohol...I''m trying to figure out the same thing myself. But my boyfriend''s buddies are Aussies, and he jokes Aussies can toss ''em down. I can tell you, at least with my guests, that what you have listed would not be enough!

It''s cinco de mayo...how bout we all go out for a trial run and come back with our best sangria recipes? I am happy to sacrifice my sobriety for your cause...

Mara posted a fabulous white sangria recipe on the Family & Home forum - I''ve made it several times with many rave reviews.

Oh, Ebree, another thought, kinda along the sangria line... but one of our Mexican restaurants here (it''s one of our faves because it''s very authentic, not TexMex) puts fruit in their water pitchers and everyone loves it. I usually don''t get any of the fruit pieces in my water when they fill up my glass - but my water has a fruity fragrance and a touch of fruit flavor from the infusion of flavors in the pitcher. Plus, it looks really pretty! They usually use strawberries and cantaloupes and I''d say maybe just 5-7 pieces per pitcher. I did the same thing the last time we had some friends over for dinner (fish tacos and other Mexican stuff) and everyone loved it. Very refreshing, but simple.

 

[E B]

I''ll definitely look into mojitos AND fruity water. Thanks for the suggestions, you guys!

 

[Kaili]

Totally Sangria!! I''m late to the thread, but that was the first thing that popped in my head. Depending on what kind of glass you are serving it in, you can have fruit floating in it or garnish the glass. It will be beautiful and delicious!

Your reception sounds like a lot of fun!!!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

I''m also late to the party!
The sangria idea sounds muy bueno! However, if you also want to add a red wine to the mix then I recommend a Rioja from Spain. I almost always pick up a bottle or two of Marques de Caceres when I''m at Trader Joes.