If you asked me when National Margarita Day was I would probably guess sometime in the summer. Cinco de Mayo always has people scrambling for a margarita or two, and warm weather really lends itself nicely to a little tequila and lime.
Strangely enough, the day is actually in the heat of winter: February 22. If you’re looking to celebrate (and of course you are) we’ve rounded up some of the best options out there for making it happen.
Grilled Pineapple Margarita
Available at Makoto
Makoto’s unique smoky-sweet margarita features house-infused grilled pineapple tequila, cilantro and a spiced salt rim.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. grilled pineapple infused Sauza
1 oz. pineapple juice
.5 oz simple syrup
Directions: Muddle 1 lime wedge and small handful cilantro. Add ice and ingredients to a mixing glass and stir. Pour into a glass and garnish with pineapple and togarashi on rim.?
Mango Chile-rita
A slightly spicy margarita made with Mango HI-CHEW infused reposado tequila is sure to give you a sweet, tropical escape. The fresh orange and lime juices mixed with the chile salt garnish brings the joy of vacation to your tastebuds with each sip.
?Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Mango HI-CHEW Infused Reposado Tequila
1 oz. fresh orange juice
.75 oz. fresh lime juice
.5 oz. simple syrup
1 dash Bittermens Hellfire Habanero Shrub (optional)
Kosher salt and cayenne pepper for garnish
Directions: Run a lime wedge along the lip of one half of a rocks glass, then roll that side of the glass in an equal-parts mix of kosher salt and cayenne pepper. Measure all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Fill with ice, shake vigorously, then strain over fresh ice in the prepared rocks glass.
INFUSIONS: The infusion ratio is one piece of candy per ounce of liquor. Soak the candy until dissolved.
Jessica Rabbit
Available at Terra Mare
Who said you can’t enjoy carrots with your tequila? This spicy cocktail was designed to be a modern – more healthy – version of the classic margarita. Best enjoyed next to ocean views.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Milagro Silver Tequila
.5 oz. Cointreau
2 oz. carrot juice
.5 oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. fresh orange juice
.5 oz. cilantro simple syrup
3 slices of jalepeño
Directions: Combine all ingredients with ice and shake. Rim glass with kosher salt. Garnish with 1 lime wheel.
Tipp Top
Available at Blackbird Ordinary
Blackbird Ordinary gives a classic margarita an upgrade with the sweet taste of passion fruit.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Fidencia Mezcal
.75 oz. Passion Fruit
.5 oz. Agave
3 drops Yucateco
4 Mint Leaves
Directions: Place all ingredients into mixer with ice. Shake then strain into glass with tajun rim. Garnish with mint leaves.
La Margarita
Created by Jorge Ortega from Los Angeles, CA
Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Patrón Reposado
.75 oz. Patrón Citronge Orange
1 oz. Lime Juice
.5 oz. Lychee Syrup
.5 oz. Ginger Syrup (such as Monin or Ginger Reál)
Whole lychee for garnish
Sprinkle of chia seeds and salt for rim
Directions: Combine liquid ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill. Strain onto fresh ice in a glass rimmed with a 50/50 blend of chia seeds and
kosher salt. Garnish with lychee.
Lychee syrup: Empty the complete contents of a can of peeled/pitted lychees into a blender. Blend until completely liquefied, then strain through a mesh strainer to remove solids.