Celebrating National Margarita Day
National Margarita Day is observed annually on February 22 and is the perfect excuse, as if we needed an excuse, to indulge in this classic cocktail. Below we’ll dive into the history of the margarita, offer up some tequila 101 and share a signature recipe from our very own bar master, Mike Tipton.
Like many cocktails, the exact origin of the margarita is a bit hazy. One legend says the first margarita was made purely by accident in 1936 when a bartender in Tijuana grabbed the wrong bottle of liquor (tequila) while mixing up a Brandy Daisy – brandy, lemon juice & Chartreuse. Other lore includes claims from Johnny Durlesser, a bartender at the Los Angeles restaurant McHenry’s Tail O’ The Cock, Carlos “Danny” Herrera, the owner of the previously referenced Tijuana-area restaurant Rancho La Gloria and Francisco “Pancho” Morales of Tommy’s Bar in Ciudad Juarez. All claim to have invented the popular tequila libation. Others say a 1940 socialite named Margarita Sames was the first to mix up the concoction of tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur during an Acapulco vacation.
No matter where it came from – and it’s likely there’s truth in many if not all of these origin stories – the margarita is here to stay.
Now, to learn a little about this cocktail’s star ingredient, tequila.
Made from blue agave plant, there are four main types of tequila based on the amount of time the spirit is aged.
- Blanco is bottled immediately after distillation or within no more than two months. It’s a bold, crisp clear tequila.
- Reposado, aged from two to 11 months, has a smoother finish than its Blanco counterpart.
- Añejo is aged for up to three years in oak barrels which adds a smoky, caramel note. Extra Añejo is aged for more than three years. This varietal is most often considered a sipping tequila vs. a mixer.
- Joven or Gold designations can be a mix of Blanco and an aged tequila (Reposado or Añejo) or Blanco tequila mixed with added sugar, color and flavorings.
So … choose your favorite varietal and mix up one of Tipton’s favorite margarita recipes
Run a fresh lime around the top of your glass and then dip in salt to line the rim.
- Fill the glass with ice, then add:
- 2 ounces tequila
- ½ ounce triple sec
- ½ ounce orange juice
- Top with sweet & sour Stir and garnish with a lime
Take it up to Cadillac Status by swapping out the triple sec for Grand Marnier.
Even better, give it an Arizona twist with prickly pear syrup and rimming the glass with Tajin.
- 2 ounces tequila
- ½ ounce triple sec
- ¾ ounce lime juice
- ¾ ounce prickly pear syrup
- Top with club soda
- Stir and garnish with a lime
If you’re coming into our private golf club to enjoy one of these signature margaritas, consider paring it with the Southwest Power Bowl: black beans, cilantro rice, roasted Corn, strawberry pineapple pico, avocado and protein of your choice.
Cheers to great margaritas!
