While margarita-making is the obvious choice for celebrating Cinco de Mayo or National Margarita Day, this quintessential Mexican drink is too good to have only a couple times per year. We say you should be able to enjoy a margarita on any day that ends in “y”. If you agree, then keep reading because we have some killer recipes for you to try out. But first, some quick facts and history.
One of the reasons margaritas are so good is that this cocktail is built on simplicity, good ingredients, and balance. To authentically enjoy a margarita, one must appreciate tequila–a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant in the Mexican city of and near Tequila (yes, it’s a place).
There are 200 types of agaves found in Mexico, and they are classified much like fine wines. Tequila that is labeled 100% Agave can only be bottled in Mexico. It refers to being made from the blue agave plant and does not have added sugars. Mixto refers to tequila that is made with blue agave plus non-agave sugars such as sugar cane. These are usually simply labeled Tequila.
One story goes that in 1938, Carlos "Danny" Herrera (at his restaurant Rancho La Gloria, located between Tijuana and Rosarito) created the drink for customer and former Ziegfeld dancer, Marjorie King, who was allergic to many spirits, but not to tequila. Another tale says in 1948 a wealthy Dallas socialite by the name of Margarita Sames claimed to have whipped up the drink for friends at her Acapulco vacation. Armed with a bit of brief history and tequila knowledge, go out and confidently mix and relish in your own margaritas all year round. To whoever concocted it first, we say, gracias!
Deciding which type of tequila to use for your margarita can be a bit overwhelming since there are several options: blanco, joven, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo. All are special in their own way but when it comes to margaritas, there are a couple clear winners in our book; blanco and reposado.
Blanco is tequila in its purest form. With notes of citrus and pepper, blanco tequila is made for mixing, making it the perfect go to for your mixing pleasure. Since it’s only aged for 2 months or less, it’s versatile to pair with many flavors as well. Reposado provides a bit more flavor because it is aged in oak barrels for 2 months to one year. Unlike the transparent “color” of a blanco tequila, reposado has a slight shade of color that comes from the aging process. It’s still great for mixing and arguably a better choice for margaritas with the smokier taste.
For the orange liqueur, Caballero is incredible. Other good options include Cointreau and Grand Marnier.
Now that you know what you need to get started with creating a margarita, here are a few delicious margarita recipes you can start with!
Before diving into anything too fancy, give our signature recipe a try, we call it Haskell’s Magnificent Classic Margarita. Clever, we know. But something so good and so classic doesn’t need a frilly name to pack a punch.
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How to make a classic margarita:
Speaking of packing a punch, these next two recipes below do just that! Add some spice to your life with one of these concoctions.
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How to make 4-6 Cucumber Jalapeño Margaritas:
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How to make 2-4 Spicy Sriracha Margaritas:
Feeling thirsty and ready to mix something of your own? Check out our selection of tequila at any of our Haskell’s locations, or buy them online to pick-up in-store or get delivered right to your door. Salud, amigos!