A Margarita for Every Mood
From left: blue frozen margarita from El Patio, top-shelf margarita from Pastry War, and a Loco Mango margarita from Escalante’s.
Image: Kate LeSueur
Top-Shelf
El Big Bad
Although known for its creative infusions (churro-flavored tequila, anyone?), this gastrocantina’s $21 Texan margarita keeps it simple with only five ingredients: Don Julio 70th añejo, Paula's Texas Orange liqueur, fresh-squeezed lime and lemon juices, and agave.
Hugo’s
Both this place and Caracol sell “The Greatest Margarita Ever Sold,” created by beverage director Sean Beck, for $28. For that price, you get a goblet of Gran Centenario Añejo tequila, 25-year-old Gran Marnier, fresh tangerine and lime juices, and a rim of Murray River salt flakes.
The Pastry War
Bobby Heugel’s passion for tequila is on full display at this mecca of mezcalerías. A standard house margarita—frozen or on the rocks—is $7, though the selection of vintage Herradura and other high-end spirits allows for some delicious, if pricey, variations.
Fruity Favorites
Cuchara
Fresh juices and high-end tequila set these fruity favorites apart, with refreshing watermelon leading the pack. Looking for something a little less sweet? Try a cucumber or hibiscus margarita, perfect for patio weather.
Escalante’s
The Loco Mango comes with sweet chunks of fresh mango among the Cabo Wabo blanco tequila and Cointreau, topped off with a sugary rim.
Ninfa’s on Navigation
Ninfa’s calls its Zandunga a “Margarita 2.0,” combining lemongrass-infused mezcal with muddled ginger, cucumber, and lime for a smoky, spicy drink that’s sweetened with agave syrup and topped with a salty foam in lieu of a salted rim.
Deals and Steals
El Patio
The azure classic turns 53 this year, and the house secret recipe will only set you back $6.25.
Spanish Village
The tart, sweet, frozen margs at Spanish Village are the stuff of legend—a goblet of slushy goodness for just $7.50.
Taqueria Tepatitlan
If you want the biggest bang for your buck, the $2 margaritas during Thursday and Friday happy hours have enough booze to tranq a bull.
