Why wait 'til Cinco de Mayo? 10Best asked the experts at Liquor.com for some top suggestions on where to celebrate National Margarita Day on Feb. 22nd. We even included an “out of the box” selection for beer lovers! And if you can’t make it to one of these venues this year (or even if you do), be sure to check out Liquor.com’s famous Margarita recipe (or these other interesting Margarita recipes) to bring the classic to life at home.
Classic Margarita with salted rim and lime — Photo courtesy of Michael Napoleon
1. Cantina Mayahuel, San Diego
This is a fantastic San Diego neighborhood haunt with great food, an incredible tequila selection, amazing Margaritas and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. What more could you ask for on National Margarita Day?!
Learn more about Cantina Mayahuel.
2. Highball, Boston
Highball is a fun and accessible spot that offers all kinds of spirits and cocktails, and boasts a fantastic tequila and agave selection. They also feature the famed Tommy's Margarita if you're in the east, but looking for a taste of the west. You can even play a variety of board games while enjoying your Feb. 22 fiesta.
Learn more about Highball Vintage Cocktail Lounge.
3. Las Perlas, Los Angeles
Las Perlas is one of L.A.'s best tequila bars. With an absolutely amazing array of tequilas to choose from, Las Perlas is a perfect SoCal spot for celebrating with a Margarita.
Learn more about Las Perlas.
4. Masa Azul, Chicago
Chicago barman Chris Neustadt will be shaking up these Silvercoin Blood Orange margaritas at Masa Azul — Photo courtesy of Masa Azul
This Logan Square spot features a great tequila and mezcal list with dozens of amazing choices. Owner Jason Lerner oversees a cocktail program focused on agave spirits. For National Margarita Day, they'll be featuring their Masa Margarita, along with a Blood Orange Margarita with SilverCoin Tequila. If you’re in Chicago, you should definitely stop in!
Learn more about Masa Azul.
5. Mayahuel, New York
The Margarita could be the perfect cocktail – "It never lies," says Mayahuel's Justin Shapiro — Photo courtesy of Mayahuel
With an incredible pedigree of bartending talent, Mayahuel is a mecca for all things agave and all kinds of cocktails made from the spirit – including the Margarita. Their's comprises Siembre Azul blanco tequila, Cointreau and fresh-squeezed lime juice.
“It’s the perfect vehicle for tequila in its simplest form,” says Mayahuel’s operational director Justin Shapiro.
Learn more about Mayahuel Mexican Restaurant.
6. Oyamel, Washington
Oyamel's signature Salt Air Margarita — Photo courtesy of Oyamel
This José Andrés spot in D.C. has a fantastic selection of Margaritas by the glass and pitcher. Make sure you enjoy some delicious bites alongside. "We toast this libation in many forms," says Jasmine Chae, beverage manager, "from José's signature Salt Air Margarita to our cucumber-infused and sparkling Al Gusto Margarita."
For the holiday, Oyamel will be showcasing a Clarified Margarita. Made with clarified lime juice, it has the transparent look of a martini but the flavors of a Margarita. Busy on Feb. 22nd? Hit Oyamel next month for its eighth-annual Tequila & Mezcal Festival, which kicks off on Mar. 2nd.
Learn more about Oyamel Cocina Mexicana.
7. Playalinda Brewing Co., Titusville, Fla.
Agave nectar, lime and chili peppers give the Mezzcal Margarita Ale its south-of-the-border-inspired flavor profile — Photo courtesy of Playalinda Brewing Company
Out on the sunny Florida Space Coast, Brewmaster and certified Cicerone Ron Raike has created Mezzcal Margarita Ale, brewed with fresh lime juice, back-sweetened with agave nectar and honey, mixed with salt and coriander and aged with smoked Poblano and Ancho chili peppers for a mild, smoky mezcal profile.
“I enjoy using fresh ingredients and historical brewing techniques to challenge the palate,” says Raike.
Learn more about Playalinda Brewing Co.
8. Tequilas, Philadelphia
Tequilas owner David Suro grew up in the agave fields of Guadalajara and has brought his expertise to this Philadelphia tequila haven. If you’re in Philly, this is a great spot to grab a Margarita.
Learn more about Tequilas Restaurant.
9. The Pastry War, Houston
This mezcaleria created by Bobby Heugel and Alba Huerta is a one-of-a-kind tequila and agave spirits destination, featuring bottles from family-owned distilleries and amazing agave-based cocktails, including the classic Margarita.
Learn more about The Pastry War.
10. Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, San Francisco
Led by Julio Bermejo, Tommy’s is the preeminent tequila bar in America and will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Their signature Tommy's Margarita recipe is an “industry standard” known and replicated by some of the best bars across the globe. It consists of three perfectly simple ingredients: fresh lime juice, 100% agave tequila and agave nectar.
“My goal has always been to have everyone who enjoys a Margarita to responsibly enjoy it, where one can actually taste the tequila one orders," says Bermejo. "The Tommy's Margarita, because of its proportions, does that."
Come Feb. 22, Tommy's will have promotions with Espolon Añejo Margaritas, El Tesoro Reposado Margaritas and Fortaleza Blanco Margaritas.
Learn more about Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant.
