In my opinion, Margaritas are the officlal cocktails of Texas. It’s a highlighted staple of nearly every happy hour in the state and no matter how many bars and restaurants you visit, everyone boasts about their “must-have” house margarita that outshines every other margarita ever created elsewhere.
In the current age of the craft cocktail, there always seems to be a new spin on this classic. But whether you enjoy it frozen, on the rocks, or muddled with natural juices, jalepenos and a salt rim, the margarita is a true staple cocktail on nearly every bar menu.
There’s literally hundreds of restaurants and bars serving margaritas and Austinites have a very long list of favorites that continues to grow as mixologists become more creative. In the spirit and celebration of this year’s National Margarita Day (Feb. 22nd), I’m highlighting my absolute favorite 7 spots to enjoy Austin’s finest margaritas.
Fonda San Miguel
Fonda has been one of Austin’s favorite spots for margaritas since the late 70’s. We especially love the Silver Coin Margarita Watermelon infused Patron Silver, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice. While you’re there you might as well try every other margarita as well, just to make sure you have your own favorite. Photo by Hayden Walker
ATX Cocina
ATX Cocina’s amazing house margarita is about as authentic regional Mexican flavors as they come in Austin. The Margarita De La Casa is made with Lunazul Blanco, agave, and lime juice. ATX Cocina is located at 110 San Antonio Street in the Northshore residences building. Photo by Hayden Walker
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El Naranjo
With one of the best selections of tequila and mezcal in town, El Naranjo is the perfect destination to celebrate National Margarita Day. The house favorite is the Mezcaliña Agava De Cortéz Silver Mezcal with muddled serranos, basil agave nectar, lime juice and pineapple juice,
Jack Allen’s Kitchen
Beverage director, David Toby, will feature a special margarita only available during the week of National Margarita Day (February 19-25), the Blood Orange Rita, using fresh blood oranges from Rio Grande Valley, Texas. Plus, JAK boasts an extensive margarita list, like the Frozen Black Cherry Rita, Cucumber Jalapeño Rita and Mango Habanero Rita.
Guero’s Taco Bar
The South Congress hangout spot They will extend their happy hour to 3 p.m. until close, with $4 frozen and custom margaritas and $2 off of their signature margaritas. They will be serving up their famously strong strawberry and mango margaritas both on the rocks and frozen.
La Condesa features a large selection of blue agave and mezcal as well as a craft bar program, guests will feel as if they are transported to Mexico City. The Margarita La Condesa is an Austin staple that is made with cimarron blanco, damiana, fresh pineapple & lime juice, agave nectar and a cactus-lemongrass salt rim. Enoy happy hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Monday through Friday. Photo by Chelsea Martin
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- Photo Credit: Fresa’s
Fresa’s Chicken Al Carbon
Fresa’s Traditional house margarita is made with a classic blend of tequila blanco, lime juice, agave, with a twist of orange liqueur. Their Cucumber Cilantro Margarita, a salty-and-sweet combination of tequila blanco, lime juice, combier, finished with a sugar-lime salt rim. Finally, the Ancho Chile, is a unique margarita featuring tequila blanco, lime juice, ancho reyes, agave, with a sweet chile salt rim.
Fun Margarita Facts:
ONLY 8% OF AMERICANS HATE MARGARITAS
32% love them, while another 44% say that they like them. The 17% that say they actually dislike them must be thinking of a different drink!
2X AS MANY AMERICANS PREFER FROZEN MARGARITAS
Only 33% say they prefer margaritas on the rocks, while 67% opt for the frozen slushy. That’s ice cold!
65% OF AMERICANS LIKE TO GET SALTY
35% say they like their margarita san-salted rim, but more than 6 in 10 disagree. However, only 26% of Americans always lick the salt off the rim of their margarita, while 74% never do.
1 IN 3 SAY MARGS ARE THEIR FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR DRINK
That’s despite 15% of Americans saying margs are “always deceptively strong.” Let’s hope they’re not going to happy hours with their coworkers!
For more information about National Margarita Day, visit https://nationaltoday.com/us/