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While no one is quite sure where or when the first margarita made its appearance, it’s undoubtably the most popular cocktail in the United States. Developed sometime in the 1940s, its first appearance in media was as the Drink of the Month in Esquire magazine in 1953. Traditionally made with tequila, lime, and orange liqueur (usually Triple Sec or Cointreau), this beloved cocktail is found on nearly every menu in one form or another.
Naturally, this deliciously refreshing cocktail has its very own holiday. February 22 is officially National Margarita Day — and of course we’re going to have a drink or two in its honor.
Whether you prefer your margaritas spicy, skinny, or traditional, we’re celebrating this national holiday with eight festive margarita recipes that are easy to make at home.
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A classic marg with a touch of tartiness thanks to the addition of fresh grapefruit juice.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Tequila Cazadores Blanco
- 4 ounces grapefruit juice
- 1 ounce fresh Lime Juice
- 1 ounce light agave nectar
- Salt (for rim)
Method: Combine all ingredients with ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge and a lime wheel.
There’s something about a classic margarita that just cannot be beaten. From the salted rim to the citrusy flavor, this margarita will have you reminiscing about that last beach trip you took (…and just might make you want to book another one ASAP).
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounce Espolòn Blanco
- 1 ounce lime juice
- .5 ounce agave syrup
- Sea salt
Method: Shake all ingredients with plenty of ice and double strain into glass with a salted rim. Garnish with lime.
Love a margarita, but crave a little bit of a smokey extra kick? Stick to the classic recipe, but swap out the usual tequila for mezcal. Ilegal Mezcal is the perfect mix of smooth and smokey making for a refreshing mezcal margarita.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Ilegal Mezcal Joven
- 1 ounce lime juice
- 1/2 ounce agave nectar
Method: Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake. Pour into a pre-salted rimmed rocks glass.
Take a classic margarita with a special kick of Ghost Tequila and add sweet mango to make a margarita that’s just festive enough for this fun holiday.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces Ghost Tequila
- 1.5 ounces mango juice
- .75 ounce lime juice
- .50 ounce agave syrup
- Mango slice and lime wheel garnish
Method: Add Ghost Tequila, mango juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously. Pour into a glass of choice and garnish with a slice of mango and a lime wheel.
Created by Mixologist Jessie Svec, this marg is a delightful marriage between the classic tequila cocktail and the ever so trendy Moscow Mule with its addition of ginger beer.
Ingredients:
- 1½ ounces Astral Tequila Blanco
- 1 ounce pomegranate juice
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce brown sugar simple syrup
- Ginger beer
- Pomegranate seeds, lime wheel + rosemary sprig
Method: Combine the first four ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with pomegranate seeds, a lime wheel, and a rosemary sprig.
Created by Julio Xoxocotla, this take on a margarita adds a bit of fresh pineapple and watermelon juice, giving it a light and refreshing kick and making it perfect for picnics or poolside enjoyment.
Ingredients:
- 1½ ounces Tequila Don Julio Blanco
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- 1 ounce watermelon juice
- ½ ounce lemon juice
- ¼ ounce agave syrup
- Pinch of chili powder
- Pineapple slice for garnish
Method: Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker, add ice, and shake well. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice and garnish with a pineapple slice.
Those looking for something a little naughty and untraditional will enjoy this margarita variation that adds a little bit of a red wine floater to the mix — adding a pop of color and fruity flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1½ ounces Volcán Tequila Blanco
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
- ⅔ ounce simple syrup
- ⅔ ounce fruity red wine
Method: Pour tequila, lime juice, and simple syrup into a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass and slowly pour the red wine into the drink using a bar spoon.
Counting calories but still want to take part in the National Margarita Day celebrations? This is the skinny margarita for you.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 ounces Dulce Vida Lime Tequila
- 4 ounces sparkling water
- Big squeeze of fresh lime
Method: Pour over ice in a tall glass. Stir and garnish with a lime.
