On the rocks, frozen, salt or sugar on the rim…however you like it, everyone loves a refreshing margarita cocktail! With today being National Margarita Day, we thought there was no better time to share the origin of this spectacular beverage, as well at some hot spots to enjoy one on your next vacation in Mexico.

Origin of the Margarita

There are many myths that surround the origin of the margarita. One of the earlier stories dates back to 1938, with Carlos “Danny” Herrera at his restaurant Rancho La Gloria, which existed halfway between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico. He was looking to create a cocktail for his customer and dancer who was allergic to most spirits, but not tequila. He simply mixed it with orange liqueur, lime, and crushed ice…and voila! The margarita was born.

Another take, and possibly the strongest claim to the margarita, is that Francisco “Pancho” Morales was the first to mix this cocktail at Tommy’s Place Bar on July 4, 1942. After the fact, Morales left his bartending gig in Mexico to become a US citizen where he worked as a milkman.

Some believe the margarita wasn’t created in Mexico at all! Another common origin tale is that the drink was first concocted in Galveston, Texas in 1948 by Santos Cruz. It was said he made this drink for singer, Peggy (Margaret) Lee and named it after the Spanish version of her name—Margarita.

Best Margaritas in Mexico

No matter where it came from, there is no doubt that this cocktail is as tasty and refreshing as ever. If you are looking to travel Mexico, specifically Mexico City, we’ve got the top three bars you just have to visit for a delicious margarita.

Cantina La No. 20
Featuring over 250 different tequilas, it is not wonder that people cannot get enough of the margaritas at this cantina. Even better, they are all made with fresh fruit. More exotic flavored margaritas include coconut, passion fruit, and cucumber.

Malamén
This fancy restaurant is named after a legendary lady from Mexico City, Malamén. A special margarita they feature at this restaurant is made of tequila 1800 reposado, cointreau, house made fig jam, lime juice, brown sugar, and fresh figs came from this woman’s love of figs. She also has a superstition about drinking from a salt-rimmed glass. Therefore, if you order this fig margarita, it will be served in a clean-rimmed mason jar.

Surtidora Don Batiz
A 21st century edition of an old-school catina will put you in an authentic Mexican mood. Besides ample traditional Mexican comfort food, you’ll find delicious frozen fruit margaritas. They have a couple unique margaritas including the intense, spicy margarita made with chamoy that will wake you right up. As well as a sweet and sour margarita made with tamarindo.

Whether you enjoy a margarita in your local chain Mexican restaurant, or take an impromptu vacation to Mexico (hey, why not! We’ve got affordable Mexico timeshare rentals), don’t forget to celebrate National Margarita Day with a delicious cocktail—you’ve earned it! Cheers!