Cinco de Mayo is held annually on May 5 to celebrate Mexican heritage and commemorate the army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The holiday is celebrated all over North America and has become synonomous with all things Mexican.

If you're looking to host a Cinco de Mayo event on Saturday, we've pulled together a collection of recipes, drinks and planning tips to make your party a smash.

Food

Go for a classic Mexican dish, like sautéed shrimp in creamy red chile salsa. This recipe created by Food Network star Aarón Sánchez for his cookbook, Simple Food, Big Flavor packs punch.

If you're feeding a crowd, try Emeril Lagasse's empanaditas. Picadillo is a classic Latin dish traditionally made with ground beef, tomatoes and seasonings that vary by region. Emeril uses it as a delicious filling for mini empanadas.

If red meat is more your thing, try this spice-rubbed rib eye steak recipe from chef Bernie Kantak.

For dessert, round out your meal with sopapillas. These deep-fried breads will prove there's more than spice south of the border.

Drink

The go-to classic for Cinco de Mayo is obviously a margarita. Try Jose Cuervo's recipe if that is what you are pouring. Do not forget the salt.

Rediscover Mexico's legendary spirit — tequila. Shelley Arnusch shares how it has advanced past its image problem and left the shot-glassed, salt-licking college days behind.

For the martini-crowd, try a Sauza Blanco Dirty Olive. In a shaker, mix ice with 3/4 part Sauza Blanco Tequila and 1/4 part olive juice. Shake, strain into a shot or martini glass and plop in an olive.

If your hoping for beer instead of the hard stuff, there is always the typical Corona, but you can always try Tecate, Sol, Dos Equis or Pacifico instead.

Party Tips

Set up a taco bar. Cooking and arranging everything before your friends and family arrive and having them fix their own plate creates a laid-back vibe for both the guests and the host.

Your local dollar store will have plenty of party favours. Hunt down margarita glasses, scented candles in scents like tropical fruits or the beach or give away mini-bottles of hot sauce.

For a fun take on the traditional piñata, bake up a batch of sugar cookies with a surprise inside.

Photo provided by schlaeger