If you aren’t a tequila drinker, you may not be able to appreciate the day. But February 22nd is known as National Margarita Day. While its origins and ingredients started simple, this cocktail has evolved and now can be prepared in a variety of ways and flavors.
Whether you prefer them on the rocks or frozen, many consider margaritas the official drink for having fun! Preparing this cocktail at home can be simple, with just some triple sec, tequila, and lime juice. Add some ice in the shaker cup and pour up the tangy drink. Or you can check out some local spots that feature margarita deals to celebrate the day!
History Of The Margarita
According to National Today, the first margarita was made in 1938 by Carlos “Danny” Herrera. It’s said that he created the drink at his restaurant in Baja California and named it after a famous customer.
The customer was Marjorie King, a dancer known for her role in an American Broadway show called “Ziegfeld Follies.” The story says that King was allergic to most spirits, except tequila. That’s why he created the cocktail.
But, there are others who claim to be the creator of the original margarita. One was a bartender in Mexico, Francisco “Pancho” Morales. He apparently created the cocktail in Juarez, Mexico, but that didn’t happen until 1942.
And in 1948, yet another person claims she was the creator. Her name was Margarita Sames. She was from Dallas, Texas, but says she created the drink at her vacation hom in Acapulco, Mexico. A friend of hers then took the recipe and brought it back to his hotel chains and added it to the menu. That friend was Tommy Hilton.
Then there’s Jose Cuervo, the man behind the famous tequila, said he had an advertising campaign for the cocktail back in 1945 with the catchphrase: “Margarita: It’s more than a girl’s name.”
Regardless of its origins, many people enjoy this cocktail and the many ways they can be prepared.
Love For Margaritas
In a survey of 1,000 people, over three-quarters of Americans enjoy margaritas, and almost one-third love them (and I’m in that category). And when it comes to preparation, 33 percent of people prefer their cocktail on ice, while 67 percent prefer it frozen. This is where I’m in the minority, because I definitely prefer it on the rocks!
And you can’t forget the salt! Sixty-five percent of people enjoy a salted rim on their margaritas. Another statistic I can agree with! When it comes to happy hour, 30 percent of people said margaritas were their favorite drink.
Fun Facts About Margaritas
- The largest margarita was made in Las Vegas at Margaritaville in 2011. The cocktail was put in a large 8,500 gallon tank and took around 300 hyours and 60 people to create the drink. (Guinness World Records)
- The most expensive margarita is called The NYC Billionaire Margarita. It uses one of the oldest and rarest Patron tequilas (that cost $7,500 per bottle). The cost of just one drink? $1,200! (Forbes)
- A report from 2022 says Americans consume 185,000 margaritas per hour. (SOMM TV Magazine)
Margarita Day Deals
See local restaurants participating in National Margarita Day deals!
