The Margarita: A Cocktail with a Mysterious Past
The margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, but its origin story is shrouded in mystery. No one knows for certain who created the drink or when, but there are several theories about its history. Here's a look at the most commonly cited stories about the birth of the margarita:
The first theory about the origin of the margarita dates back to the late 1930s or early 1940s. According to this story, a bartender in Acapulco, Mexico created the drink for a socialite who was allergic to all alcohols except tequila. The bartender combined tequila, triple sec, and lime juice to create a drink that was both refreshing and strong, and the socialite loved it. She named it after the Spanish word for "daisy," which was a popular type of cocktail at the time made with gin and lemon juice.
Another theory suggests that the margarita was created in the late 1940s by a bartender in Tijuana, Mexico. This bartender was said to have been inspired by a customer who asked for a drink that was both sour and salty. The bartender combined tequila, lime juice, and salt to create the margarita, and it quickly became a hit among local drinkers.
A third theory is that the margarita was actually invented in the late 1930s by a bartender in Galveston, Texas. According to this story, the bartender created the drink for a group of wealthy oil executives who were in town for a conference. The executives were said to have been impressed by the drink's combination of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice, and they took the recipe back to their respective cities, where it quickly gained popularity.
Despite the conflicting stories about the origin of the margarita, one thing is certain: the drink has been a staple of cocktail menus for decades. Whether it was first created in Acapulco, Tijuana, or Galveston, the margarita has become a classic cocktail that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.
Today, the margarita can be made with a variety of ingredients, including different types of tequila, fruit juices, and syrups. Some bartenders even add a splash of orange juice or grapefruit juice to the classic recipe to give the drink a unique flavor. Despite its many variations, the margarita remains one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and it is a staple of any bar.
To make your own homemade margarita (especially to celebrate National Margarita Day!), we recommend using LALO tequila blanco, and a combination of agave syrup, citrus juice, and fresh garnish. Need recipes for your next spicy marg? Check out these recipes: Spicy Pineapple Margarita & Spicy Cucumber Margarita.
To find the closest LALO margarita near you, click here for our Find Us page.
¡Salud!