CONCORD, Calif. – May 4, 2016 – Cinco de Mayo has become the fourth most festive holiday of the year, a day where revelers prefer their margaritas on the rocks, guacamole with their tortilla chips, and parties at home or a friend’s house, according to a new survey by the West Coast beverage retailer BevMo!
More than 1,200 adults were surveyed about their plans and preferences for the upcoming Cinco de Mayo celebration by BevMo!, which has nearly 160 locations throughout California, and in Arizona and Washington.
Of those surveyed, the overwhelming beverage of choice on May 5 is margaritas (40 percent), followed by Mexican beer (19 percent), and tequila (8 percent will sip, while 7 percent will throw back shots).
When asked how they prefer their margaritas, seven out of 10 respondents said they drink them on the rocks, as opposed to 30 percent who opt for the frozen variety. Respondents also left no doubt as to where they stand on the salt issue: 66 percent want it on the rim of the glass, while one-third said they prefer their margaritas without it.
The survey, which was conducted April 12-15, found that Cinco de Mayo is now the fourth most “party friendly” holiday of the year, according to respondents, trailing only New Year’s Eve, Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day in terms of being most festive.
“With more than 80 percent of respondents indicating they plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo this year, or considering plans to celebrate, it’s obvious this is a very popular holiday,” said Michelle Farabaugh, chief marketing officer at BevMo! “And the fact that most people prefer to celebrate at home or a friend’s place is great news to us as at BevMo! since we’re the place to find the drinks you love.”
One-half of respondents plan on celebrating Cinco de Mayo at home this year, while three out of 10 said they plan on visiting a bar or restaurant to ring in the holiday. Twenty percent indicated they would be visiting a friend’s house to celebrate.
On the food side, the dip of choice for tortilla chips was guacamole (55 percent), far outpacing salsa (36 percent) and queso (nine percent).
When asked what the holiday represents, less than two-thirds (62 percent) correctly identified the fact that the holiday commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.