“She’s from Mexico, senores, and her name is the Margarita Cocktail-and she is lovely to look at, exciting and provocative,” declares a December 1953 issue of Esquire Magazine. Some say that the world-famous tequila drink was named after Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth, who was originally known as Margarita Cansino the dancer. Others claim that bartender Carlos “Danny” Herrera created it at his Tijuana-based restaurant for a beautiful showgirl who was allergic to hard alcohol. While it’s unclear who or what helped to create one of the most popular cocktails in the nation, it doesn’t stop anyone from celebrating with a glass in hand. Whether you prefer yours salty or fruity, blended or on the rocks, everyone has a signature Margarita to call their own. Fortunately, we have another reason to rejoice this beloved classic other than happy hour.
February 22nd may be just another manic Monday to many, but for Latinos, it’s a day to take out the bottles and extend the weekend fiesta. National Margarita Day is a time to honor one of most popular drinks you could ever savor and enjoy anytime of the year. To commemorate the Margarita, we discovered three unique recipes that feature traditional Latin dishes and ingredients, including churros, guacamole, and red pepper. This Monday, grab your shaker and tequila to make some of the top Margarita Day cocktails. Just like Hayworth herself, these concoctions never go out of style.
Top Margarita Day Cocktail: The Churro Margarita
Churros are to Latinos what doughnuts are to Homer Simpson. They look like French fries, but the long, curly pastry is soft and sweet, making it a lip smacking treat that can be enjoyed drizzled with honey or dipped in thick hot chocolate. These warm fritters sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar can give anyone food coma-but who cares? One way to upgrade this decadent dessert is with an equally mouthwatering Margarita that features Tuaca for a rich, vanilla taste, as well as Baileys Irish Crème to add feel-good whiskey and thickness, like a velvety Mudslide. Make sure you prepare plenty because, similar to churros, you just can’t stop at one!
Ingredients
2 oz. Tequila (We used Cabo Wabo Añejo Tequila)
1 oz. Licor 43
1 oz. Bailey’s Irish Creme
¼ oz. Tuaca
Mix of Cinnamon and Sugar for the rim
Preparation
Shake up liquid ingredients with ice. Strain cocktail over fresh ice into a rocks glass, rimmed with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Top Margarita Day Cocktail: Guacarita
Creamy, hearty, and tangy, guacamole is the ultimate fiesta food and a delicious crowd pleaser. However, guacamole shouldn’t only be reserved for dipping. This Mexican appetizer can be shaken up for a good time in the form of a thick Margarita with extra pizzazz and zest. Cilantro leaves, agave nectar, and freshly squeezed lime juice blend perfectly when light tequila is added, giving those candy cocktails a break. The Guacarita is smooth, but be warned; it has more bite than those corn chips from Super Bowl weekend.
Ingredients
2 oz. Tequila (We used Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila)
½ Skinned avocado
¼ oz. Agave nectar
½ oz. Lime juice
4 Cilantro leaves
1 Lime slice
Preparation
Place all ingredients and ice into a blender. Blend on high for 10 seconds and pour into a margarita glass. Garnish with a short cilantro sprig and one lime slice.
Top Margarita Day Cocktail: Hot Pepper Sangrita Margarita
Heat up your Monday night with the sizzling Hot Pepper Margarita that pays tribute to a muy caliente starlet. Similar to Rita Hayworth’s hair and lips, this spicy Sangrita is fiery red and certain to make you sweat. It’ll command an entire room as guests will be tempted to have a quick sip and is a creative alternative for those who just don’t want any sugar for their taste buds. There’s no other way to warm up a chilly February evening. However, be careful when drinking this sinful number. It’ll turn your mouth into Dante’s Inferno.
Ingredients
1 ½ oz. Tequila (We used Cabo Wabo Blanco Tequila)
2 ½ oz. Pepper Mix (3 parts tomato juice, 1 part fresh sour, 1 part red pepper puree, black pepper, and Habanero Tabasco)
1 lime or red pepper slice
Preparation
Combine tequila and pepper mix with ice into cocktail shaker. Roll contents from one shaker into another five times. Strain into chilled martini glass and garnish with lime or red pepper.
