Why Mexican food is HOT, HOT, HOT right now
MEXICO is not just predicted to be a hot spot for holiday-makers this year – you’ll spy more Mex-inspired ranges in your favourite supermarket, new restaurants opening and, yep, more tequila (including one by Kendall Jenner).
Nothing brings the holiday vibes quite as much as a round of margs and tacos with the girls.
Jordan Moore, senior food development manager at Gousto, keeps his finger on the pulse, and says Mexican is a big foodie trend for 2024, saying: “Post-Covid, food is the perfect form of escapism.”
It’s so on-trend that Kendall Jenner has launched her own-brand 818 Tequila, which made its supermarket debut in Tesco last month.
What better way to keep yesterday’s National Margarita Day fiesta going into the weekend?
And if you can’t afford the flights to Tulum, don’t worry, you can still have your guac and eat it…
CassPea chocolates, from £15 – BUY NOW
With its roots in a humble chocolate shop in Mexico City founded by Enrique Gonzalez Blanco, this flourishing brand is big on colour and flavour.
More like individual works of art, these artisan hand-painted chocs in bold designs and colour-pop packaging make the perfect present (Mother’s Day is on the horizon, don’t foget!).
Signature flavours include guava cheesecake, passionfruit, blood orange and guava, and even a “breakfast in bed” pancakes and maple syrup variety.
Tesco Tex-Mex Feast, from £3 – BUY NOW
This newly launched range is full of budget-friendly bites to bring a taste of Mexico into your home.
Pick up those essential dips, hero products like jalapeno mac and cheese topped with paprika-spiced breadcrumbs, £3.50, and tear-and-share pulled pork taco bowls, £4.50 – perfect for family fun.
It’s the fuss-free route to your own fiesta.
Just don’t forget your Tesco ClubCard to make the most of even more savings at the checkout!
Cazcabel’s margarita masterclass – BOOK NOW
Never mind barista art or crochet – the must-have addition to your CV this year is salt rimming…
Tequila brand Cazcabel is putting on a month of dedicated margarita menus, masterclasses and more at nearly 400 bars nationwide.
Join a masterclass at London’s Forge on February 28, or a game of Mexican bingo at Cheeky Chicos tonight.
And if you just want to sample some delish flavoured margs, head to Newscastle’s Pleased To Meet You, Horticulture and Pepo bars until March 18; Durham’s Barrio Comida until March 3; Watermark in Leeds until March 18; or Bristol’s Cargo Cantina until February 25.
Or pick up a bottle of Cazcabel Blanco, Reposado, Honey, Coconut and Coffee tequilas, from £26 here.
Nortena by Karla Zazueta, £26 – BUY NOW
It’s not out until April 25, but hit pre-order on your copy of Nortena for a collection of recipes which have been passed down through generations of this North Mexican family.
This is one for the cooks who aren’t afraid to experiment with new flavours or search the aisles for lesser-known ingredients.
Think recipes for baja fish tacos, zingy salads, empinadas and, of course, margaritas.
Of course, if you’re not much of a whizz in the kitchen, it will also look pretty sexy on your coffee table.
Los Mochis City, London – VISIT NOW
This Tulum-Tokyo mash-up restaurant opens it doors in the City next month, led by ex-Nobu executive chef Leonard Tanyag.
While we haven’t yet sampled the menu, we’ve been assured you’ll be able to dive into showstoppers like the “make your own tacos with king crab legs and wagyu grade 5 tomahawk steaks” for an elevated sharing experience.
The outdoor terrace will boast panoramas of some of London’s best-known landmarks, making it a shoo-in for summer socialising.
Mexican flair + Japanese elegance = a winning combination.
Marks & Spencer Margarita can, £2.50 – BUY NOW
Anyone else starting to dream of long, balmy summer days spent in the park or on the beach?
A tinnie is a staple of summer adventures, and if you’re bored of your usual pink G&T, we’ve got just the thing.
Marks & Spencer is predicting its new Perfectly Mixed Margarita will be super-popular.
Boasting a blend of lime juice and two measures of tequila, it’s an easy option if you need your Mex fix on the hoof.
Casazul Salsa Macha, £2.75 – BUY NOW
If you’re a spice fiend and in the market for a new fave, Salsa Macha is basically Mexico in a jar.
The hot arbol chilli and oil blend comes with a “very hot” warning from Brighton’s Casazul restaurant team, led by Gabriel, who serves their much-loved tacos and Mexican dishes at the city’s Open Market.
Feast on great food, or hit them up for take-home taco kits, sauces and more online – and they will deliver to the local area.
Plus the zero-waste approach means we love them even more – return your jar for 50p off your next purchase.
Smirnoff Spicy Tamarind Vodka, £18.50 – BUY NOW
Decorated Day of the Dead style with glow-in-the-dark skull designs, this eye-catching spirit tastes pretty great too.
Vodka, but not as you know it, this Mexican-inspired twist is bursting with limes and chilli, and is guaranteed to pep up your lemonade or even in a margarita.
If your’re not a tequila fan, but want to get in on the Mexican trend for 2024, this could well be the answer!