Shaken, Stirred, and Salted: A Brief History of Margaritas

Today, we celebrate one of the most popular and iconic cocktails in the world. The margarita has a rich and fascinating history that spans several decades and multiple countries. In this blog post, we will explore the origins and evolution of this beloved drink.

Origins of Margarita: A mystery Wrapped in Lime and Tequila

The origins of the margarita are shrouded in mystery, but there are several theories about how it came to be. One of the most popular stories dates back to the 1930s and involves a Mexican socialite named Margarita Sames. According to legend, Sames concocted the first margarita while she was hosting a party at her home in Acapulco. She mixed tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice, and the drink was an instant hit. The story goes that one of Sames’ guests was a magazine editor who wrote about the drink, and it quickly gained popularity in the United States.

From Wild West Medicine to Cocktail Staple

Another theory suggests that the margarita was invented in the 1940s by Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a bartender at the Rancho La Gloria restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico. As the story goes, a customer ordered a drink that was too strong for her taste, so Herrera added some lime and triple sec to the tequila to make it more palatable. He then shook the mixture with ice and served it in a salt-rimmed glass, and the margarita was born.

Over the years, the margarita has evolved and taken on many different forms. Today, there are countless variations on the classic recipe, from fruity and frozen to spicy and savory. Some popular variations include the frozen margarita, which was invented in the 1970s by a Dallas restaurateur named Mariano Martinez, and the spicy margarita, which incorporates ingredients like jalapenos, hot sauce, and chili powder.

In conclusion, the margarita has a rich and varied history that spans several decades and multiple countries. Whether you prefer the classic recipe or one of its many variations, there’s no denying that the margarita is a beloved and iconic cocktail that has stood the test of time. So, on this National Margarita Day, raise a glass to this delicious and historic drink!