Celebrate National Margarita Day

Every February 22nd, cocktail enthusiasts across the United States raise their glasses to celebrate National Margarita Day, one of the most beloved drink holidays of the year. This special day honors the iconic margarita cocktail, a perfect blend of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur that has captured hearts and taste buds worldwide.

Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or simply someone who enjoys a good drink, National Margarita Day presents the perfect opportunity to explore the rich history, diverse variations, and cultural significance of this legendary cocktail. From classic recipes to innovative twists, this international margarita day celebration brings people together to appreciate one of Mexico’s greatest contributions to the world of mixology.

History and Origins of Margaritas

The National Margarita Day history is as colorful and complex as the drink itself, with multiple tales claiming to be the true beginning of this beloved cocktail. The most widely accepted story dates back to the 1940s when Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a Tijuana restaurant owner, created the drink for a customer who was allergic to all spirits except tequila but found it too harsh to drink straight.

Another popular legend credits Margarita Sames, a Dallas socialite who allegedly invented the cocktail in 1948 at her Acapulco vacation home. She combined her two favorite spirits – tequila and Cointreau – with lime juice, creating what would become the foundation of the modern margarita recipe.

The drink gained massive popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, coinciding with the rise of Mexican cuisine and the introduction of frozen margarita machines. The establishment of National Margarita Day as an unofficial holiday further cemented the cocktail’s place in American drinking culture, making it the third most popular cocktail in the country.

International margarita day celebrations have since spread globally, with variations of the drink appearing in bars and restaurants worldwide, each adding their own cultural twist to the classic recipe.

Top Margarita Recipes for National Margarita Day

1. Classic Margarita. The traditional margarita remains the gold standard for this iconic cocktail:

• • 60 ml / 2 Parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
  • 30 ml / 1 Part of Triple Sec
  • 30 ml / 1 Part of Fresh Lemon Juice
  • Salt for garnish

Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with a lime wheel.

2. Frozen Margarita. Perfect for warm weather celebrations:

• • 30 ml / 1 Part of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
  • 30 ml / 1 Part of fresh Lime Juice
  • 15 ml / 0.5 Part of Triple Sec
  • 2 tablespoons of Agave Syrup
  • 6 cups of Ice

Blend all ingredients until smooth and serve in a chilled glass.

3. Spicy Jalapeño Margarita. For those who like heat with their sweet:

• • 60 ml / 4 Parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
  • 15 ml / 1 Part of Orange Liqueur
  • 2 Jalapeño coins with the seeds removed
  • 1 Lime wedges
  • 15 ml / 1 Part of Agave Syrup
  • 15 ml / 1 Part of Lime Juice

Muddle jalapeños gently, add remaining ingredients, shake with ice, and serve with a Tajín-rimmed glass.

4. Strawberry Margarita. A fruity twist on the classic:

• • 60 ml / 4 Parts of Olmeca Altos Plata tequila
  • 30 ml / 2 Parts of freshly squeezed lime juice (about 5-6 limes)
  • 15 ml / 1 Part of honey or sweetener of choice
  • 15 ml / 1 Part of Triple Sec
  • Lime wedges and strawberries
  • Salt for the rim

Muddle strawberries, add remaining ingredients, shake with ice, and serve in a sugar-rimmed glass. For more inspiration, explore our collection of best cocktail recipes that showcase the versatility of premium tequila in mixology.

How to Celebrate National Margarita Day

Celebrating National Margarita Day goes beyond simply ordering a drink at your local bar. One of the most enjoyable ways to celebrate is by hosting a margarita tasting party where you can gather friends and family to sample different margarita variations, from classic recipes to contemporary twists. Setting up tasting stations with various tequilas, mixers, and garnishes creates a memorable and interactive experience that everyone will appreciate.

This celebration also presents the perfect opportunity to learn the art of mixology and master the perfect margarita technique. You can practice your shaking skills, experiment with different ingredient ratios, and discover your preferred balance of sweet, sour, and strong flavors. 

Exploring Mexican cuisine alongside your margaritas enhances the cultural authenticity of your celebration. The cocktail’s bright acidity and tequila’s distinctive agave notes complement spicy, rich, and savory Mexican flavors perfectly, creating harmonious flavor combinations that elevate both the food and drink experience.

Supporting local businesses by visiting Mexican restaurants and bars adds a community element to your margarita cocktail day celebration. Many establishments offer special promotions and unique margarita creations specifically for this holiday, allowing you to discover new variations while contributing to your local economy.

Fun Facts and Statistics About Margaritas

The margarita’s popularity extends far beyond just being a delicious cocktail. Here are some fascinating facts about this beloved drink:

• Americans consume over 185,000 margaritas per hour on National Margarita Day
• The margarita is the most ordered cocktail in the United States, accounting for nearly 17% of all cocktail orders
• The world’s largest margarita weighed 8,500 pounds and was created in Las Vegas in 2012
• Salt rims became popular because they help balance the drink’s acidity while enhancing the tequila’s natural flavors
• The frozen margarita machine was invented in 1971 by Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez
• Premium tequila sales increase by 30% during the week leading up to National Margarita Day

These statistics highlight why it’s National Margarita Day has become such an important celebration for both cocktail enthusiasts and the hospitality industry.

Pairing Margaritas with Delicious Foods

The margarita’s bright, citrusy profile makes it an excellent companion to various cuisines, particularly Mexican and Latin American dishes. Understanding proper food pairings can elevate your National Margarita Day celebration to new heights.

Traditional Mexican pairings showcase the margarita’s natural affinity with authentic cuisine from its homeland. Classic margaritas pair beautifully with tacos, especially those featuring grilled meats, fish, or shrimp, as the cocktail’s acidity cuts through rich, fatty meats while complementing the lime and cilantro commonly used in Mexican cooking. Guacamole and fresh salsa also create perfect harmony with the margarita’s lime-forward profile, enhancing the overall dining experience.

The margarita’s bright citrus notes make it an exceptional match for seafood preparations, particularly ceviche, grilled fish, and shrimp dishes. The cocktail’s inherent brightness enhances the ocean flavors while effectively cleansing the palate between bites, allowing each taste to be fully appreciated without overwhelming the delicate seafood flavors.

Fruit-based margaritas open up exciting dessert pairing possibilities, working wonderfully with treats like tres leches cake, churros with chocolate sauce, or fresh fruit tarts. The key is ensuring the cocktail’s sweetness level complements rather than competes with the dessert’s sugar content, creating a harmonious finish to the meal.

Surprisingly, margaritas also pair exceptionally well with aged cheeses, particularly those with nutty or fruity flavor profiles. Cheeses like Manchego, aged cheddar, and goat cheese create interesting flavor contrasts with the cocktail’s naturally tart profile, offering sophisticated appetizer combinations that elevate any gathering.

Olmeca Altos, the Best Tequila for Your Margarita

When celebrating National Margarita Day, the quality of your tequila makes all the difference between a good margarita and an exceptional one. Olmeca Altos represents the pinnacle of tequila craftsmanship, created specifically with mixology in mind while maintaining the authentic character that makes great tequila special.

The brand’s collaboration with renowned bartenders during its development process ensures that Olmeca Altos Plata tequila delivers the perfect balance of agave flavor and mixability. This makes it ideal for both classic and contemporary margarita recipes, allowing the tequila’s character to shine through while harmonizing beautifully with other ingredients.

While National Margarita Day on February 22nd represents the pinnacle of margarita celebrations, the appreciation for quality tequila and exceptional cocktails extends throughout the year. Tequila enthusiasts also celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24th, providing another opportunity to explore the rich heritage and craftsmanship behind Mexico’s national spirit.

These celebrations, along with World Margarita Day and other regional drink holidays, create a calendar of occasions perfect for discovering new recipes, hosting gatherings, and deepening your appreciation for premium spirits like Olmeca Altos.