It might seem like February isn’t the right month to drink Margaritas. But it will probably surprise you to learn that it absolutely is. That’s because February 22nd is National Margarita Day.
This tequila-centric holiday is an annual celebration of the iconic cocktail. Whether you prefer the drink frozen, on the rocks, with a salted rim, or without salt, you’ll probably want to imbibe a Margarita or two on this most epic holiday. That means you’re going to need to right tequila for your base.
A timeless cocktail
Before we get into National Margarita Day and all it entails, we should first get into the history of this truly timeless drink. While there are different stories about its origins, many believe the Margarita was created in 1942 by a bartender named Francisco “Pancho” Morales at Tommy’s Place in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.
While there are variations, the classic Margarita recipe is made with tequila, an orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec, and fresh lime juice. It’s served in the well-known, wide Margarita glass, and often finished with a salted rim to add a little salinity to this sweet, agave-driven cocktail.
As an alcohol writer (and fan of tequila), I eagerly await this holiday. It’s a great time to try different variations of the popular drink with different types of tequilas.
The best tequilas for your Margarita
You can take a trip to your favorite local Mexican restaurant on National Margarita Day and pair this boozy drink with tacos, burritos, and other Mexican fare, or you can whip some up at home. If you’re going on the latter route, you’re going to need a bottle of tequila or two. While you can use reposado or añejo tequila, your best bet is blanco (silver) tequila. They’re agave-centric and will shine without overpowering the other ingredients.
Fear not, you don’t have to find these tequilas yourself. We did the work for you. Keep scrolling to learn about our favorite tequilas to mix into your Margarita.
Espolòn Blanco
There’s a reason Espolòn Blanco is one of the most popular unaged tequilas on the market. This 100% blue Weber agave tequila is double-distilled in a combination of column and pot stills and unaged. The result is a crisp, memorable blanco tequila that opens with aromas of roasted agave, citrus peels, vanilla beans, and cracked black pepper. The palate is centered on vegetal agave sweetness, cracked black pepper, tropical fruits, and vanilla beans. The finish is crisp and spicy, leaving you craving more. This balanced, gently spicy tequila is a great base for a Margarita.
$22.99
Mayenda Blanco
This isn’t your average blanco tequila. Mayenda Blanco is a truly unique tequila perfect for a Margarita. This 100% Blue Weber agave-based tequila is made with a process that includes maceration of oven-baked agave piñas and the blending of agave miel (also known as agave syrup) before the distillation process. The result is a sweet, complex tequila that starts with aromas of candied orange peels, honey, baking spices, and roasted agave. Sipping it reveals notes of toffee, baked agave, citrus peels, vanilla, and white pepper. The finish is clean, crisp, and ends with honey sweetness and baking spices.
$65.99
Gran Centenario Plata Tequila
This award-winning 100% Blue Weber agave tequila was double distilled and gently aged in American White Oak Pipones for 4-6 weeks. The result is an award-winning expression that begins with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, ripe pears, citrus peels, agave sweetness, and cracker black pepper. The palate is a medley of flavors, including tropical fruits, baked agave, light herbs, oak, and vanilla. The finish is velvety smooth and crisp, ending with notes of vanilla and vegetal agave sweetness. Use this tequila as the base for an elevated Margarita on the holiday and any other day of the year.
$22.49
Herradura Silver
While some blanco and silver tequilas are unaged, Herradura Silver is a 100% Blue Weber agave-based tequila that was rested in white oak barrels for around 45 days. Made using traditional methods, the result is an epically smooth, easy-drinking tequila that works just as well as a rainy day sipper as it does as the base for a flavorful Margarita. Before you first sip, you’ll be met with a nose of orange peels, light herbs, baked agave, toasted vanilla beans, and just a hint of pepper. Drinking it brings notes of charred oak, lemon zest, roasted agave, vanilla, and cracked black pepper. The finish is long, lingering, and warm, ending with a blend of agave sweetness and spicy pepper.
$34.49
Bottom line
Now that you’ve learned about the appeal of National Margarita Day and read about some of the great tequila choices, we hope you purchase one or more of the above choices. Whip up a few tequilas on February 22nd for your friends and family. Pair them with some tacos or quesadillas, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect night.
