Every February 22, the world comes together to celebrate International Margarita Day, honoring one of the most beloved cocktails that perfectly blends sweet, sour, and salty flavors. This celebration has its roots dating back to 1938 when Carlos “Danny” Herrera is said to have created the Margarita in his Baja California restaurant for a famous customer, Marjorie King, a dancer who could not drink spirits but enjoyed tequila.
Despite Herrera’s claim, the origins of the Margarita are contested. Francisco “Pancho” Morales, a bartender from Mexico, asserts that he concocted the cocktail in 1942 in Juárez. Adding another layer to the story, Dallas socialite Margarita Sames believed she invented the drink for her guests in her Acapulco home in 1948, which was later popularized by hotelier Tommy Hilton who included it on his drink menu.
Adding to the cocktail’s lore, the renowned tequila brand Jose Cuervo asserted they were promoting the Margarita as early as 1945 with the catchy phrase, “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.” Regardless of its origin story, the Margarita has solidified its place in bars around the globe, with an array of variations from frozen to fruity, and the quintessential classic remaining a favorite.
For those looking to mix their own, a traditional Margarita recipe includes high-quality blanco tequila, triple sec like Cointreau, and fresh lime juice. The preparation involves rimming glasses with salt, shaking the ingredients with ice, and serving with a garnish of lime wheels.
In addition to the classic recipe, numerous creative twists have emerged that keep the spirit of the Margarita alive. The Spicy Mango Margarita combines tequila with mango purée and chili for an invigorating balance of sweetness and heat. The Smoky Mezcal Margarita substitutes mezcal for a rich, smoky flavor, while the Cucumber & Elderflower Margarita presents a light, floral option perfect for summer. For a vibrant twist, the Blood Orange Margarita features blood orange juice for a deeper citrus note. Finally, Tommy’s Margarita stands out as a modern classic, emphasizing a cleaner, tequila-forward taste.
As cocktail enthusiasts raise their glasses this Sunday, the Margarita’s diverse history and delicious possibilities will undoubtedly continue to bring joy to many. Embrace the spirit of International Margarita Day and try out these delightful versions of the iconic drink!