The History of the Margarita

The Mystery of the History of the Margarita

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Every February 22nd is National Margarita Day! Shaken, stirred, rocks, up, frozen, salt, no salt, flavored, or traditional… it doesn’t matter. We agree that the margarita deserves its own holiday.

Did you know that the history of the margarita is a mysterious one? Several claim to be the inventor of the margarita. Here are a few of the top margarita tales. You choose which one you want to think is true!

A socialite and a two-week party - 1948

The most popular tale of the original margarita starts with a socialite, Margaret ‘Margarita’ Sames. She was looking for a cocktail to break the heat for her party while on vacation in Acapulco. She mixed together tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. One of her guests was Tommy Hilton who added the delicious drink to his hotel chain menus. The legends says the party went on for two straight weeks… we bet THAT was a good time!

An allergy and a showgirl - 1938

Another popular story is from Carlos ‘Danny’ Herrera who claims he invented the cocktail at his restaurant, Rancho La Gloria in Tijuana, in 1938. A showgirl, named Marjorie King, came into to his restaurant  and claimed to be allergic to all hard alcohol except tequila. She didn’t like drinking it straight and asked Danny to make her something tequila based. To appease his fussy client, he incorporated the ingredients of a tequila shot (salt and lime) and turned it into a refreshing drink.

A simple matter of translation  - 1939

Or perhaps the name margarita was just given to an already existing drink. During the early 20th century, a drink call The Daisy was all the rage. The daisy could be based on any liquor. The other components were something sour, something sweet, and soda water. The spanish word for ‘daisy’? You guessed it… ‘margarita’.

No matter who invented this perfect cocktail, we think it should be celebrated!

Here are a few suggestions for how you can raise a glass to National Margarita Day!

Margarita Recipes

Mango-Melon Margarita

Mango-Melon Margarita

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz Patron Citronge Mango
  • 12 oz Cantaloupe
  • 4 oz Lime Juice
  • 1 oz Agave Nectar
  • 16 pieces Ice
  • Garnish Lime

Directions:

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until a uniform consistency is achieved. It may be necessary to add more ice or sweetness to adjust to your liking. Pour into wine glasses or, if poolside, plastic goblets. Garnish with lime wedges and serve with a straw.

*Cantaloupe juice: The preferred method is to use a pulp extractor style juicer. If you do not have a juicer, cut the melon into 1-inch cubes and blend with the smallest amount of water possible in a high-speed blender until the fruit is liquefied. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and allow to settle. Skim off the foam before using the remaining juice.

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Patron Honey-Ginger Margarita

Patron Honey-Ginger Margarita

Ingredients:

Directions:

Directions:
In the bottom of a mixing tin, muddle two ginger coins (round slices of fresh ginger about the size of a quarter) with the honey syrup.* Add Patrón and lime juice; shake vigorously with ice to chill. Strain onto fresh ice in a double old fashioned glass and garnish with a lime wheel and ginger coin.

*Honey syrup: Combine equal parts honey and warm water, stirring until the honey is dissolved thoroughly.

Perfect Patron Margarita

Perfect Patron Margarita

Ingredients:

Directions:

Directions:
Combine ingredients in the cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill. Strain into a salt-rimmed martini or rocks glass and garnish with a lime wheel.