Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead,, is a vibrant fiesta celebrated across Mexico and Latin America every November. Far from being sombre and mournful it is an upbeat celebration of life, with friends and family gathering together to remember and honour their absent loved ones.
1. Wahaca's Day of the Dead Celebrations
As you might expect, Mexican-style street food chain Wahaca is going all out. Throughout its Day of the Dead 2023 celebrations, which run from 4th October to 8th November, their restaurants will be showcasing some special calacas hand-crafted by Mexican artisans from Oaxaca; these colourful skeleton figurines are traditionally displayed across Mexico during the fiesta. You can also see traditional papel picado with specially-created altars reflecting the traditional ofrendas set up each year in homes across Mexico to honour loved ones that have passed away.
Wahaca is introducing two new seasonal specials to celebrate. - the Four Cheese & Jalapeño Empanada (£6.75) and the Marmalade Mezcalita (£8.95) - and on the evening of Day of the Dead itself, 2nd November, diners in every Wahaca restaurant will be offered a shot of Gran Centenario tequila on the house - a wonderful way to round off the evening and toast the memory of absent loved ones.
2. The Bottle Cocktail Shop's Cazcabel Margarita
Drawing inspiration from the iconic smokey and piquant Cascabel pepper, a staple ingredient in Mexican cuisine, the new Cazcabel Margarita is a real celebration of Mexico’s vibrant flavours and traditions.
The bottled cocktail creation is based on the citrus and black pepper notes of the award-winning Cazcabel 100% Agave Blanco Tequila enhanced by a spicy kick of the Poblano Chile Liqueur, while the caramel-roasted blue agave notes shine through to deliver a well-balanced, flavourful cocktail. Each bottle contains five 100ml servings, coming in at a very affordable £5.00 per serve.
RRP: £25.00 for five servings
3. Boxtails Pink Margarita
When you can’t get to Mexico, bring Mexico to you - in letterbox-sized and ready-to-pour 125ml pouches with free delivery. The Boxtails Pink Margarita is a sharp, refreshing cocktail made with Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila, perfect for Day of the Dead celebrations. Viva la fiesta!
RRP: £22 for four (see website for offers)
4. Purely Plantain Chips
Ideal for environmentally-conscious ‘Día de los Difuntos’ snackers, Purely’s plantain chips are made from plantains sustainably farmed from small organic plantations in Ecuador before being kettle cooked in the traditional Ecuadorian manner - in sunflower oil, not palm oil - making them even kinder to the planet.
With a range of delicious flavours including Lemon and Salt, Wild Garlic and Nice & Spicy, they make a healthier, gluten-free, vegan snack option to help soak up all that tequila.
RRP: £5.99 for 3x75g sharing bags, or 6x28g bags.
[Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases]
Deputy Editor, Chatting Food London: Amanda David
Amanda David is a freelance food writer specialising in London’s restaurants, bars, exhibitions and events. She is the Events Editor and a contributing writer for London Cheapo and a regular contributor to Palate Magazine.