18 Oct The Margarita: A Timeless Classic with a Mysterious Past
Few cocktails are as universally loved as the Margarita. With its perfect balance of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, this refreshing drink is a staple of beachside bars, backyard gatherings, and upscale cocktail lounges alike. But where did the Margarita come from? Like many classic drinks, its origin story is shrouded in mystery, with several bartenders and socialites claiming to have created it.
A Cocktail with Many Origins
One of the most popular tales traces the Margarita back to 1938 in Tijuana, Mexico. According to legend, Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a bartender at Rancho La Gloria, invented the drink for a showgirl named Marjorie King, who was allergic to most alcohols except tequila. To make it more palatable, Herrera mixed tequila with lime and orange liqueur, serving it over ice with a salted rim.
Another widely accepted story credits Margarita Sames, a wealthy Dallas socialite, with creating the drink at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948. As the story goes, she mixed up the now-classic combination for her friends, including Tommy Hilton—who supposedly added it to his hotel chain’s menu, spreading its popularity.
Other theories suggest the drink evolved from the Daisy, a popular pre-Prohibition cocktail made with citrus, orange liqueur, and a base spirit. (“Margarita” is the Spanish word for daisy.)
A Global Icon
From Mexico to Manhattan, the Margarita remains a go-to cocktail, adaptable to any setting or occasion. Whether you enjoy it on a sun-soaked beach or as a well-crafted mixology experience, it’s a drink that continues to evolve while staying true to its refreshing, citrusy roots.
So next time you sip on a Margarita, take a moment to appreciate its history, mystery, and endless possibilities. ¡Salud!