Margarita With A Straw: A Reading List For The Classic Cocktail
FEW cocktails enjoy the universal and enduring popularity of the Margarita. And as tequila becomes the spirit of choice for a new generation, the Margarita is enjoying its renewed era in the limelight. In light of both the spirit it is an homage to, and the cocktail itself, February 22 is celebrated as International Margarita Day. It's a day to raise a toast (or do we mean, down a shot?) to the Margarita — deliciousness in a rimmed glass, personified. Browse our reading list to sharpen your Margarita-mixing skills, and get a taste of its history as well.
1. The Classic Margarita Recipe
Before you sprint, you must learn to saunter. And before you go about experimenting with your Margarita, you need to master the classic recipe. This is the Margarita as it was meant to be.
"The genesis of the Margarita is traced to 1938, and Mexican restaurant proprietor Carlos (Danny) Herrera," The Bar stated, in this post recapping the cocktail's history and classic recipe. "The muse for this iconic concoction was the stunning Ziegfeld showgirl Marjorie King, who, despite having an allergy to all types of alcohol except tequila, was not fond of consuming it directly. Herrera, the inventive mixologist, purportedly found a solution by introducing salt and lime, thus crafting what is believed to be the world's first Margarita."
It's a tale as old as time and twice as interesting. Head over here to read the article.
2. How To Freshen Up A Classic Margarita
The Margarita's perfect balance of ingredients and flavours means that even though mixing it doesn't require a great degree of skill, it does need one to pay attention to the details. Not doing so can mean the difference between a great tasting Margarita, and one that barely passes muster.
"The combination of tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice in a 3:2:1 ratio is perfection in itself, which stands testament to the brilliance of a well-crafted cocktail," The Bar explained in this post compiling practical and expert tips to freshen up the classic Margarita. After all, as we noted then: "for those who relish the art of mixology, the Margarita serves as a canvas waiting to be adorned with delightful nuances." Read the complete article here.
3. A Fan Of The Margarita? Here Are 5 Other Cocktails To Try
While the Margarita is in a league of its own, there are a few other cocktails that come close to the experience of savouring it. From The Caipirinha to the Mexican Mule, these options are sure to please your Margarita-appreciating tastebuds. Don't just take our word for it! Bookmark this listicle and try these Margarita-adjacent cocktails when you next have a chance.
4. Beyond The Margarita, 6 Cocktails To Mix With Tequila
The Margarita may be the chief diadem in the pantheon of tequila cocktails. However, "while Margaritas are undeniably beloved, a treasure trove of exciting concoctions is waiting to be explored," The Bar enthused in this feature listing tequila-based cocktails that were *not* the classic Margarita. "This journey takes you beyond the familiar lime and salt, inviting you to venture into tequila mixology's diverse and flavorful landscape. Ranging from cocktails infused with other spirited components to simple non-alcoholic blends, these represent the finest companions to enhance your tequila experience," we attested. A statement we proudly stand by.
5. The Perfect Spicy Don Margarita: Cocktail Recipes Don't Get Better Than This
For those who like their cocktails to pack a little heat, it doesn't get better than a Spicy Don Julio Margarita. The premium tequila is the perfect partner for the jalapenos that give the classic Margarita a fiery twist. The cherry on top (or the spicy rim on the glass?) is that this Margarita variant isn't daunting to mix at all. Simply follow the recipe we've outlined here to make your own Spicy Don Julio Margarita. And then let the compliments flow in!
6. Margaritas For The Modern Age
While the classic recipe will always have our heart, the Margarita has proved remarkably versatile in terms of adapting to modern trends as well. A case in point is the Blue Margarita, or even better, the Cosmorita (which, as the name suggests, is a cross between the Cosmopolitan and the Margarita). Don't just read about it here though, try our Blue Margarita and Cosmorita recipes, and experience a new and refreshing twist on the much-loved classic.
Whether it's a classic Margarita or its variants, do remember that delicious cocktails are best enjoyed in moderation. Drink safely and responsibly, and ensure those around you do so too! Cheers!
