AUSTIN, Texas — If there’s one thing Austin’s good at (we’re good at a lot), it’s making a mighty fine margarita, which comes in handy, on National Margarita Day.
Although the true origin of the margarita is unknown, one story goes that the drink was first concocted by Mexican restaurant owner Carlos (Danny) Herrera in 1938.
It's said that he made it for Ziegfeld showgirl Marjorie King. According to National Geographic, King was allergic to all forms of alcohol except tequila, but didn’t like to drink the stuff straight. Herrera supposedly solved the problem by adding salt and lime and creating the world’s first margarita.
A classic margarita is simple:
- 3⁄4 oz fresh squeezed lime juice
- 1 oz Cointreau, triple sec or another orange liqueur
- 1 1⁄2 oz
- Blanco tequila
- Kosher salt for rim (optional)
But as time has gone on, the variations are far and wide, and you can find margaritas of every kind of flavor these days.
Margaritas are the most common tequila cocktail in the U.S., many served on the rocks, frozen, or straight.
5 favorite ATX places to grab a marg:
1. Curra's Grill, 614 E. Oltorf St. — Two words: avocado margarita.
2. El Naranjo, 85 Rainey St. — This critically acclaimed resturant has a variety of margaritas on the menu, including its best seller, the Mezcaliña (Union Silver Mezcal, muddled serranos, basil agave nectar, lime juice and pineapple juice). If mezcal isn't your thing, we've heard the La Fresa is pretty great. It comes with Cimarron Silver Tequila, muddled strawberries, agave nectar and lime juice.
3. El Chile Café y Cantina, 1809 E. Manor Road — Try the spicy orange Chilango margarita on for size. Word on the street is that they've got a $5 special all day. Its sibling restaurants, El Alma and Alcomar, will also offer the $5 Margaritas de la Casa from open to close on National Margarita Day.
4. La Condesa, 400 W. 2nd St. — Not technically a marg, the El Cubico is a cocktail that blends flavors including tobacco, vanilla, pineapple, lemon and saffron, and of course, tequila. Their Margarita La Condesa features cimarron blanco, damiana, fresh pineapple and lime juice, agave nectar with a cactus-lemongrass salt rim.
5. Rio Rita, 1203 Chicon St. — This joint's jalapeno margarita is where it is at if you can take the heat.
HONORABLE MENTION
Holly Roller, 509 Rio Grande St. — The staff at Holy Roller can whip up a mean classic marg any day of the week, but their Mexican Fist Fight (Lunazul El Humoso Tequila, Lime, Cinnamon Grenadine, Xocole Mole Bitters) will have you hollerin' tequila in no time.
IF QUANTITY IF YOUR GAME
El Arroyo, 1624 W. 5th St. — The iconic Mexican eatery, most famous for its hilarious marquee statements, offers $2 margs Monday-Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. all the time!
*BONUS*
Voodoo Doughnuts, 212 East 6th St. — The 24-hour doughnut shop will serve up margarita-inspired doughnuts for a limited time this week. Though not technically alcoholic, the doughnuts are inspired by tequila company, Jose Cuervo. Of the three offerings, one looks like an actual margarita, with lemon jelly, vanilla frosting, lime dust and white sprinkles on the side. It’ll be available from Thursday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 24. The doughnuts are free on Thursday, and will cost $2.50 later on.