National Margarita Day is upon us this Monday, February 22nd which makes for a perfect time to celebrate this classic all-time favourite cocktail and its origins.
Mexican food is perfect winter fare with its warm, spicy and comfort food feel. It’s hard not to indulge in a Margarita for pairing, and yes although it is winter, these cocktails are delicious anytime of year. There really is a Margarita for every season and every occasion. Feel like some extra warmth during the cold winter months? Well, just add a touch of Grand Marnier for a Cadillac Margarita. When the days start getting sunny and hot, those Frozen Margaritas sure do the job for cooling nicely. Being such a versatile cocktail, it can match easily with any season and any fruit, mango is always a favourite!
It is hard to pinpoint the evolution of the Margarita and its exact origins. Many bartenders around the world have laid claim to the creation of this infamous cocktail. Rumours run abound with regards to the creation of the drink, from a bartender concocting for a female friend named Margarita to its relation to the popular Mexican “Daisy” drink (Margarita meaning daisy in Spanish)
One of the strongest claims known was by Francisco “Pancho” Morales in 1942 in Juarez whilst he was bartending at Tommy’s Place Bar. Morales later left bartending in Mexico to become a US citizen and brought the recipe with him. However, according to Jose Cuervo, the cocktail was invented in 1938 by a bartender to honour a Mexican showgirl called Rita de la Rosa.
Another top contender for the inventor title is Margarita Sames, a wealthy Dallas socialite who apparently whipped up the drink for some friends at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948. Despite which origin works for you, what we do know, was the first publicized debut of the recipe was in Esquire Magazine in 1953 and National Margarita Day emerged sometime in the 1990’s.
A Margarita is a cocktail made of Tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice served in a glass with salt on the rim. Personally, I prefer to substitute the Triple Sec with a dash of Cointreau. Blanco unaged Tequila tends to work best but a lighter reposado with a hint of warm oak spice can add an extra layer. It can be shaken, blended or stirred.
Whatever version suits your fancy, we encourage you to dive in this Monday and celebrate National Margarita Day with us at JAK’S Beer, Wine and Spirits!
Cazadores Mr. Cartoon Blanco Tequila – $34.99
This hand-crafted bottle from the artist, Mr. Cartoon is designed to give a symbolic nod to the Mexican culture. Produced from 100% agave, this Tequila is bottled directly after distillation to preserve the pure character of the agave showing an essence of apple and citrus combined with a slight herbal nuance and a touch of pepper. The palate is smooth showing a trace of sweet spice followed by a fresh yet warming finish.
Hornitos Reposado Tequila - $37.99
Hornitos produces a solid reposado style of Tequila made from 100% agave and rested in oak for a short while. Lead by light herbal aromas mingled with green apple notes and spice, it follows through with sweet flavours of baking spice, bell pepper and a hint of char on the palate. With its medium weight and peppery finish, it can add warmth to any Margarita.