Thanksgiving day came and went, and Christmas and New Year’s are right around the corner. This is the time of year when everyone starts brainstorming Christmas party ideas and Christmas gift ideas and dreaming of their favorite recipes for Thanksgiving. But while the holidays are a wonderful time for enjoying long-held traditions and favorite foods, it’s also the perfect opportunity to try new things.

Here at KPacho, we love Latin cuisine and all the fun culinary traditions Latin culture has to offer around the holidays. That’s why today, we’re sharing ten of our favorite Latin foods and drinks to help you add a fun twist to this year’s ideas for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any kind of family celebration.

1. Pisco Sour

The pisco sour is a classic South American cocktail originating from Peru and Chile. This iconic drink seamlessly blends the robust character of pisco (a grape brandy) with the zestiness of fresh lime juice, the sweetness of simple syrup, and the velvety texture of egg white. Accentuated with a few dashes of bitters, the pisco sour has become a symbol of sophistication in Latin American mixology. Its frothy texture and tantalizing combination of flavors make it a staple at festive events of many kinds.

2. Tamales

Tamales are a dish that’s deeply rooted in Mesoamerican culture. These delicious treats are made from masa (corn dough) and filled with various ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or chilies, then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. Tamales carry a great deal of Latin cultural significance and can often be found on the menu at parties and community gatherings. Add them to your Thanksgiving dinner, or bring them out as one of your Christmas party appetizers and watch them become an instant favorite!

3. Cuban Rum Punch

Embodying the laid-back charm of the Caribbean, Cuban rum punch is a delightful fusion of Cuban rum with pineapple and orange juice, finished with a touch of grenadine and a hint of lime. This fruity concoction transports you to sun-soaked beaches with every sip. Whether enjoyed under the sun or at this year’s New Year’s Eve party, Cuban rum punch channels the joyous and carefree ambiance of the region.

4. Empanadas

Empanadas are a culinary treasure that originated in Spain and were later adapted into diverse regional variations. These hand-held pastries consist of a delicate, flaky crust that envelops a whole host of fillings. From savory meats and cheeses to many different kinds of vegetables, empanadas showcase the culinary creativity inherent in Latin American cooking. Bake or fry them to golden perfection for a perfect appetizer at any New Year’s Eve dinner or Christmas office party. They also make one of the best Thanksgiving sides.

5. Coquito

The coquito is a beloved Puerto Rican tradition. It’s more than just a drink — it’s a creamy, coconut-infused experience. This luscious coconut eggnog embodies the holiday season with a combination of coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and a generous pour of rum. A hint of cinnamon adds a warm, festive touch to the mix, making each sip a celebration of Puerto Rican culture. Whether you’re sharing with everyone at a large New Year’s gathering or sipping around the fire with friends on a cozy evening, the coquito invokes holiday cheer like few other drinks can.

6. Cuban Paninis

Inspired by the classic Cuban sandwich, Cuban Paninis are an ode to the fusion of Latin and Caribbean culinary influences. Layer thinly sliced ham, succulent roasted pork, Swiss cheese, zesty pickles, and a touch of mustard (or sometimes salami), and carefully press between slices of Cuban bread. Grill them until they’re nice and crispy, and dig into a symphony of flavors and textures, from crispy exterior to melty, savory interior.

7. Piña Colada

Who doesn’t love a good piña colada? Born on the shores of Puerto Rico, this classic cocktail tastes like a liquid vacation in a glass. It combines the rich creaminess of coconut cream with the sweet tang of pineapple juice — all balanced around the spirited kick of white rum. Blend to a smooth consistency with ice and serve to your New Year’s Eve guests to send them on a tropical sensory journey.

8. Plantain Chips with Guacamole

Plantain chips are the perfect snack to have on hand for holiday parties (or all kinds of events year-round). Slice plantains thinly and fry them until crispy for a delightfully crunchy snack. Add homemade guacamole made with ripe avocados, lime, and a dash or fresh cilantro to turn your plantain chips into an elegant appetizer fit for any fun-filled event. If you want, you can bulk up your guacamole even more with an assortment of diced vegetables like onions, tomatoes, peppers, or whatever you like best.

9. Paloma

The Paloma is a cherished Mexican cocktail that delights the taste buds with its perfect balance of flavors. Tequila takes center stage in this drink, paired with the effervescent grapefruit soda, a splash of lime juice, and just a touch of salt. This lightly carbonated concoction not only refreshes the palate but also perfectly complements the bold and spicy notes found in many types of Latin cuisine. Serve it at any party or gathering this holiday season and delight your guests with a refreshing Mexican classic.

10. Stuffed Jalapenos

Stuffed Jalapeños are bite-sized explosions of culinary creativity with a fiery kick. They’re typically filled with a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheese and are sometimes complemented by savory meats or vegetables. You’ll find them at many kinds of social gatherings and game day spreads, but they also make an ideal snack or appetizer for a holiday party.

Get a Taste of Latin Cuisine at KPacho

Looking for more fun New Year’s Eve dinner ideas or “New Year’s Eve dinner near me?” Add KPacho to your list of restaurants to try this holiday season for a memorable and fun-filled occasion every time. Need catering or New Year’s dinner ideas? Stop by KPacho for all your catering needs, get some takeout, or grab a seat and dine in with us. We hope to see you soon!

In the sea of brainstorming Christmas gift ideas and searching for New Year’s Eve dinner recipes, one thing is often overlooked: the delicious drinks accompanying your holiday party.

If you’re looking for the best drinks for your upcoming holiday parties, we’ve got you covered with this list – so you can stick with searching for fun Christmas party outfit ideas while sipping on a delicious beverage!

1. Coquito

What’s a better drink to accompany your Christmas party appetizers than a delicious eggnog? Coquito is a delicious Puerto Rican eggnog drink and one of our favorite ideas for Christmas beverages. To make our favorite recipe, which serves 7-10 people, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 7 ounces of 100% canned coconut milk
• 6 ounces of white rum
• 6 ounces of evaporated milk
• 2.5 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, more to taste
• ½ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg

To make the drink:

1. Place all of the ingredients into your blender bowl.
2. Blend for 2-3 minutes until it’s mixed and frothy.
3. Pour the beverage into a bottle and refrigerate until chilled.
4. Shake again before serving and serve in chilled shot glasses sprinkled with cinnamon.
5. For larger glasses, serve over ice – and enjoy one of our favorite Christmas party ideas!

2. Mexican Ponche

This Mexican Christmas punch is another of our favorite ideas for Christmas and will certainly take your Christmas office party or family celebration to the next level. To make 16 servings of this drink, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers
• 24 cups of water divided
• 20 cloves
• 2 oranges
• 2 cups of drained Tejocotes from 1 32-ounce jar of GOYA® Tejocote
• 1 package of frozen GOYA® Guava
• 6 sticks of frozen GOYA® whole sugar cane
• 2 cones of GOYA® brown sugar cane
• 1 medium apple, chopped
• 1 medium pear, chopped
• 1 cup of pitted prunes, chopped
• 1 cup of walnut halves
• ½ cup of raisins
• 4 GOYA® cinnamon sticks
• Optional: rum, brandy, or tequila to taste

To make the drink, complete the following steps:

1. Boil the hibiscus flowers and 4 cups of water in a pot over medium-high heat.
2. Remove from the stove and steep for 20 minutes.
3. While steeping, press the sharp side of 10 cloves into one orange. Repeat with the remaining cloves and oranges.
4. Strain the hibiscus mixture into a large pot and discard the solids. Add 20 cups of water, orange pieces, tejocotes, guava, sugar cane sticks, brown sugar cane, apple, pear, pitted prunes, walnut halves, raisins, and cinnamon sticks.
5. Boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
6. Lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour.
7. Serve the drink warm or chilled, and add liquor if desired.

3. Cranberry Mojito

This recipe is one of our favorite drinks for a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, but it can also be served for your Christmas or New Year’s Eve party! To make 4 servings of our favorite cranberry mojito, collect the following ingredients:

• 15-16 mint leaves
• 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
• ¼ cup of lime juice
• 1 cup of cranberry juice
• 6 ounces of white rum
• 1 cup of seltzer water
• Ice
• Lime slices, cranberries, and mint to garnish

With all your ingredients, make the drink as follows:

1. Break the mint leaves up in a jar using the back of a wooden spoon or a pestle.
2. Add the brown sugar, lime juice, rum, cranberry juice, and seltzer water. Stir.
3. Serve over ice and garnish with desired ingredients.

4. Canelazo

Canelazo is a delicious cinnamon hot drink that we love serving on Thanksgiving Day, but its warmth also makes it one of our favorite Christmas or New Year’s dinner ideas! To make 4 servings of canelazo, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cups of water
• ⅔ cup of light brown sugar
• ⅔ cup of dark brown sugar
• 1 juiced lime
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of whole cloves
• 4-6 cinnamon sticks
• ½ cup of orange juice
• 4 ounces of aguardiente, or rum

Make the drink as follows:

1. Add the water, sugars, lime juice, salt, cloves, and cinnamon to a pot and boil.
2. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.
3. Take away from the heat and add in orange juice.
4. Add the rum.
5. Reheat the drink without bringing it to a boil. Strain and serve.

5. Cola de Mono

This drink is yet another one of our favorite recipes for Thanksgiving, but it can be served at any of your holiday parties! Collect the following ingredients to make 12-14 servings:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of cold water
• ½ ounce of Mexican cinnamon sticks, about 4
• 2 cloves
• 4 cups or 1 quart of whole milk
• 1 ½ cups of freshly brewed coffee, cold
• 1 ½ cups of Chilean pisco
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

To make cola de mono for your Thanksgiving or New Year’s Eve dinner, take the following steps:

1. Bring the sugar, water, cinnamon, and cloves to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes and place aside to cool.
2. Transfer to a large pitcher and add the coffee, milk, pisco, and vanilla. Stir to combine.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate the drink until cool.
4. Serve in small tumbler glasses.

6. Pumpkin Caipirinha

One of the best Thanksgiving party ideas is serving this classic pumpkin drink! To make this along with your best Thanksgiving sides, collect the following items:

• ½ lime cut into 4 pieces
• ½ ounce of agave nectar
• ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated ginger, optional
• ½ cup of crushed ice
• 1 ½ ounces of white rum or cachaça
• 1 ½ ounces of pumpkin puree
• ½ ounce of ginger liqueur
• Nutmeg, cinnamon, lemon, lime, mint, or pumpkin to garnish

To make this drink:

1. Add the lime, agave, and fresh ginger to a cocktail shaker and muddle.
2. Add the ice, rum, puree, and ginger liqueur and shake well.
3. Garnish as desired.

7. Cinnamon Apple Cider Sangria

No matter what events you’re celebrating, there’s no going wrong with a sangria recipe. To make six servings of this recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 750 ml bottle of wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Grigio work best)
• 2 cups of apple cider
• ½ cup of orange juice
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 2 apples
• 1 orange
• ½ cup of brandy

To make the sangria, complete the following steps:

1. Chop the apples and slice the orange. Add both to a pitcher.
2. Add the cinnamon sticks, brandy, wine, orange juice, and apple cider. Stir.
3. Rest in the fridge for at least 3 hours. Pour into glasses and serve.

8. Sorrel

Who says all of your holiday drinks need to be alcoholic? For non-alcoholic recipes, sorrel is one of our best New Year’s Eve dinner ideas. Gather the following ingredients to make 12 servings:

• 1 pound of sorrel
• 8 cups of water
• 1-inch piece of ginger
• 1 ⅓ cup of brown sugar

To make the drink:

1. Mix the seedless sorrel, ginger, and 8 cups of water over medium heat. Boil and let simmer for 15 minutes.
2. Cool the mixture for 10 minutes, then strain into a large bowl.
3. Add water to lighten the mixture. Start with one cup, then taste and adjust.
4. Sweeten to taste using the sugar, 1-2 cups.
5. Refrigerate until cold and serve.

9. Atole de Elote

Another non-alcoholic recipe for family celebrations is this delicious Atole de Elote. Collect the following ingredients to make 6 cups:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 6 fresh corn
• ⅔ cup of sugar
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons of water for the cornstarch
• 4 cups of milk
• Ground cinnamon for topping

To make the drink:

1. Boil 1 cup of water and cinnamon stick for 5 minutes.
2. Shave the sides of the corn and remove the kernels, reserving ½ cup of kernels.
3. Add the kernels to a blender with 1 cup of water and blend until smooth.
4. Strain the mixture into the pot with cinnamon.
5. Add the sugar and ½ cup of kernels.
6. Dissolve cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water.
7. Add the milk and cornstarch mix to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low.
8. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour into cups, dust with cinnamon, and serve.

10. Rompope

Another eggnog recipe to pair with your favorite holiday food is delicious rompope. To make this drink, gather the following ingredients:

• 6 cups of milk
• 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 clove
• ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• ⅓ cup of slivered almonds
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 8 large egg yolks, whisked
• ½-1 cup of dark rum for serving

To make the drink:

1. Combine the milk, sugar, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg in a pot over medium heat and whisk together. Bring to a simmer, whisking every minute. Remove from heat.
2. Add 2 cups of sweetened milk to a small bowl with the slivered almonds. Set aside and sit for 30 minutes.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick and clove from the first mixture.
4. Place the soaked almonds into a blender and blend until smooth.
5. Place the almond milk and vanilla extract in the pot and whisk to combine.
6. Slowly add the egg yolks, whisking until incorporated.
7. Place over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, whisking every minute until the mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
8. Add ½-1 cup of rum and whisk to combine. Serve in mugs and top with cinnamon.

Celebrate Your Holiday With Our Catering

KPacho meets all of your catering needs to make your holiday special. Instead of desperately searching for “New Year’s Eve dinner near me” or “Thanksgiving dinner near me,” stop into our restaurants for all of your holiday food needs!