Why margarita is so popular in Mexico?
Margarita Cocktail
Why the name “Margarita”?
The Margarita, a renowned Mexican cocktail, has an origin shrouded in mystery, with multiple tales attributing its creation to different individuals and locales. One prominent account suggests that in 1936, bartender Danny Negrete crafted the drink as a wedding gift for his sister-in-law, Margarita, at the Garci Crispo hotel in Puebla, Mexico.
Another narrative credits Francisco "Pancho" Morales, who, in 1942 at Tommy's Place in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, concocted the Margarita when an American patron requested a Magnolia cocktail—a drink he was unfamiliar with—leading him to improvise and create a new beverage.
Despite its ambiguous beginnings, the Margarita gained widespread acclaim for its refreshing blend of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, often served with a salted rim. Its balanced flavors and versatility have solidified its status as a staple in both Mexican and global cocktail culture.
When we celebrate the “Margarita Day” in Mexico?
National Margarita Day is celebrated on February 22nd each year. The choice of this date is not tied to any specific historical event or significance. Instead, it was selected by Todd McCalla, a commercial real estate agent from Ohio, who founded the day around 2008 to share his love for margaritas and to promote a more sophisticated appreciation of the beverage.
How to prepare an authentic Margarita?
An authentic margarita is a classic Mexican cocktail known for its simplicity and refreshing taste. Here's how to prepare one:
Ingredients:
2 ounces (60 ml) blanco tequila
1 ounce (30 ml) orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
1 ounce (30 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
Optional: ¼ to ½ ounce (7–15 ml) agave syrup or simple syrup, if a sweeter taste is desired
Ice
Coarse salt or tan, for rim (optional)
Lime wedge, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Glass (Optional):
Take a fresh lime wedge and run it around the rim of a rocks or margarita glass.
Spread coarse salt evenly on a small plate.
Gently dip the moistened rim of the glass into the salt, ensuring an even coating.
Fill the glass with ice and set it aside.
Mix the Drink:
In a cocktail shaker, combine the blanco tequila, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed lime juice, and agave syrup or simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter margarita.
Add a generous amount of ice to the shaker.
Secure the lid on the shaker tightly.
Vigorously shake the mixture for about 10–15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty and cold to the touch.
Serve:
Carefully strain the mixed cocktail into the prepared glass over the fresh ice.
Garnish with a fresh lime wedge or wheel on the rim or floating in the drink.
