Margarita

What is Margarita?

A margarita is a cocktail that combines tequila, orange liqueur (often triple sec or Cointreau), and freshly squeezed lime juice. It is typically served in a wide, shallow margarita glass with a rim dipped in salt or Tajín, a tangy chili-lime seasoning. The drink can be served over ice, straight up without ice, or blended into a frozen slush. The classic margarita is tart and citrusy, with the salt rim adding a savory note. Its color is usually pale green or yellow, depending on the lime and liqueur used.

Where does Margarita come from?

The true origin of the margarita is debated, with several stories placing its creation in Mexico during the 1930s and 1940s. Some accounts link it to the brandy daisy cocktail, which was adapted by swapping brandy for tequila. Early recipes similar to the margarita appeared in cocktail books from the 1930s. Claims of invention come from places like Tijuana, Ensenada, and Juárez, and from bartenders such as Carlos "Danny" Herrera and Francisco Morales. The name 'margarita' is Spanish for 'daisy', a family of cocktails with a spirit, liqueur, and citrus.

How is Margarita made?

To make a margarita, tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice are shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass. The rim of the glass is often moistened and dipped in salt or Tajín before pouring the drink. For a frozen margarita, the ingredients are blended with ice until slushy. The drink is usually garnished with a lime wedge. Variations may use different orange liqueurs, fruit purées, or even spicy ingredients like fresh chili peppers.

How and when is Margarita eaten?

Margaritas are enjoyed as a casual or celebratory drink, often served at bars, restaurants, and social gatherings. They are popular as an accompaniment to Mexican food or as a refreshing cocktail on a hot day. The drink is usually sipped slowly, and the salted rim is licked between sips to balance the tartness. Margaritas can be ordered in a variety of glasses, from the classic margarita glass to old fashioned or pint glasses in informal settings.

Kinds of Margarita

There are many types of margaritas. The frozen margarita is blended with ice for a slushy texture. Flavored versions include fruits like mango, strawberry, or watermelon, and spicy margaritas use chili peppers or bitters. The Cadillac Margarita uses Grand Marnier, while the beergarita adds beer. Skinny margaritas use less sugar or alternative sweeteners. Some recipes swap lime for lemon, or use fruit juices and even vegetables like cucumber or carrot.

What Margarita means

The margarita is a symbol of Mexican cocktail culture and is widely enjoyed in the United States. It was named Esquire magazine's "Drink of the Month" in 1953 and gained further fame through popular music and advertising. The drink's mix of sweet, sour, and salty flavors has made it a favorite at parties and bars. The margarita glass is iconic and even used for serving other foods like guacamole. Its popularity has led to many creative twists and dedicated machines for making frozen versions.

Questions people ask about Margarita

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• The History of the MargaritaSmithsonian Magazine, Article
• Key lime: Handle with careLos Angeles Times, Article
• Status Quo: BritainThe Guardian, Article

• Margarita on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data