Margarita

 

Margarita cocktail with salted rim

A Margarita is a cocktail that typically consists of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec or Cointreau, often served with salt on the rim of the glass. It is one of the most popular cocktails in the world and is often associated with Mexican cuisine and culture.

History

The origin of the Margarita is not entirely clear, but there are several stories and legends about its creation. One popular theory is that it was invented in the late 1930s or early 1940s by Carlos "Danny" Herrera, a Tijuana-based bartender, who created the drink for a customer who was allergic to all alcohols except tequila. Herrera combined the tequila with lime juice and Cointreau, and the Margarita was born.

Another theory is that the Margarita was invented by Margarita Sames, a wealthy socialite who hosted a party at her vacation home in Acapulco in 1948. Sames allegedly mixed tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice together and served it to her guests, who loved the drink and started ordering it at other bars and restaurants.

Regardless of its origins, the Margarita quickly became a popular cocktail and has since become a classic.

Variations

There are many variations of the Margarita, with different types of tequila, sweeteners, and flavorings used to create unique twists on the classic recipe. Some popular variations include:

Frozen Margarita: A blended version of the classic Margarita that is made with ice and blended until smooth. Cadillac Margarita: Made with top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier, a type of orange liqueur. Strawberry Margarita: Made with fresh or frozen strawberries and blended with the classic Margarita ingredients. Spicy Margarita: Made with jalapenos or other hot peppers, giving the drink a spicy kick.

Preparation

To prepare a classic Margarita, the following ingredients are typically needed:

2 oz tequila 1 oz lime juice 1 oz triple sec or Cointreau Salt for the rim (optional) The drink is typically prepared by first rubbing a lime wedge around the rim of a glass and then dipping it into a plate of salt to create a salted rim. The tequila, lime juice, and triple sec or Cointreau are then combined in a shaker with ice and shaken well. The mixture is then strained into the salted glass over ice.

Popularity

The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world and has been featured in many movies, TV shows, and songs. It is often associated with Mexican culture and is a popular drink at Mexican restaurants and bars. National Margarita Day is celebrated on February 22nd each year in the United States.

Gallery

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  Margarita with salted rim

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  Three Margaritas

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  Frozen Margarita

Trivia

The Margarita was the most popular cocktail in the United States in 2020, according to a survey conducted by the website VinePair. The Margarita is the official drink of the state of Texas. The Margarita was the favorite drink of Elvis Presley. The world's largest Margarita was made in 2012 in Las Vegas and was over 8,000 gallons.

In popular culture

The Margarita is mentioned in the 1979 song "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)" by Rupert Holmes. The Margarita is the title of a 1995 song by country singer and actor Tim McGraw. The Margarita is featured in the 2017 movie "The Hitman's Bodyguard," in which Ryan Reynolds' character orders one in a bar in Amsterdam.

See also

List of cocktails Tequila Sunrise

External links

Margarita Recipe at Liquor.com Classic Margarita Recipe at Food Network How to Make the Perfect Margarita at Esquire