THE Margarita is one of the world’s most iconic cocktails, celebrated for its refreshing balance of tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur. Whether in the classic version, acclaimed for its simplicity, or in the hyped frozen version, with ice or in creative variations, this versatile drink has become a classic in bars and restaurants around the globe.
But Where did Margarita come from? How has it evolved over time? Let’s explore its history and the countless variations of this cocktail, as the origin of the Margarita is shrouded in mystery, with several stories disputing its creation.
Discover four most well-known theories about the Margarita:
1. Carlos “Danny” Herrera (1938)
One of the most popular stories attributes the creation of the Margarita to Carlos Herrera, a bartender at a restaurant in Tijuana, Mexico.
He reportedly created the cocktail for a client named Marjorie King, who was allergic to all spirits except tequila. To soften the tequila flavor, Herrera mixed the drink with lime juice and orange liqueur, creating the iconic drink.
2. Socialite Margarita Sames (1948)
Another version attributes the invention to the Texan socialite Margarita Sames . While on vacation in Acapulco, she reportedly mixed tequila, lime and Cointreau to serve to her guests.
The recipe gained fame when presented to Tommy Hilton, who incorporated it into Hilton hotels.
3. Hussong’s Cantina (1941)
Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, Mexico also lays claim to creating the Margarita.
According to this story, bartender Don Carlos Orozco prepared the cocktail for Margarita Henkel, daughter of a German ambassador, and named the drink in her honor.
4. Prohibition and the Daisy connection
Another theory suggests that the Margarita is a Mexican adaptation of the Daisy cocktail, which gained popularity in the United States during Prohibition.
The Daisy — made with brandy, citrus juice and orange liqueur — may have been transformed with tequila when Americans traveled to Mexico in search of alcohol. Interestingly, “Margarita” is the Spanish word corresponding to “Daisy” in English.
The rise of Margarita
Although the true origin of the Margarita is uncertain, it began to gain popularity in the U.S. during the 1940s and 1950s, driven by the greater availability of tequila and the growing fascination with Mexican culture.
In the 1970s, the invention of frozen drink machines helped to further popularize the frozen version, making the Margarita accessible and fun for all audiences.
Today, the Margarita is celebrated worldwide, with variations that show its versatility and adaptability to different palates.
Important moments in the history of Margarita
- 1930 – 1940: First stories about the creation of the Margarita appear in Mexico;
- 1950: The Margarita gains fame in the United States, driven by tequila;
- 1971: Mariano Martinez invents the frozen Margarita machine, revolutionizing the way the drink is served;
- 1980s: Variations of the Margarita, including flavors and spicy versions, make their way onto cocktail menus around the world;
- Today: The Margarita is an essential cocktail, with its official day celebrated on February 22nd, National Margarita Day.
Cultural impact of the Margarita
The Margarita went beyond the limits of bars, becoming a cultural symbol . THE National Margarita Day on February 22, celebrates the drink’s popularity, while the tequila industry heavily promotes the cocktail.
In Brazil, brands like Don Julio invest in special events, such as the Don Julio Nights campaign, which involves bars across the country until June 2025.
Classic Margarita Recipe
The traditional Margarita is made up of three main ingredients:
- Tequila: preferably 100% agave, to guarantee authenticity;
- Lemon juice: always fresh, for a vibrant, citrus flavor;
- Orange liqueur: like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
The classic proportion is two parts tequila, one part lime juice and one part orange liqueur, shaken with ice and served in a salt-rimmed glass.
Popular Margarita Variations
Bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts around the world explore the Margarita in countless creative ways. See some of the best-known variations:
- Frozen Margarita: a shaken version of the classic, prepared with crushed ice and often combined with fruits such as strawberries or mango. It became popular in the 1970s with the invention of frozen drink machines;
- Tommy’s Margarita: created by Julio Bermejo at Tommy’s Mexican restaurant in San Francisco, this version replaces the orange liqueur with agave nectar, further highlighting the flavors of tequila and lime;
- Mezcal Margarita: replaces tequila with mezcal, adding a smoky touch to the drink, making it a favorite among those who like intense, complex flavors;
- Coronarite: Margarita served with an inverted beer bottle in the glass, often in larger sizes, perfect for parties.
Is the Margarita the next trend?
With fascinating stories, creative variations and marketing actions that highlight its versatility, Margarita is in the spotlight. But is this classic about to become the next “fad”?
Regardless of the answer, one thing is certain: Margarita continues to win hearts and glasses around the world.
*The texts published by Insiders and Columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of CNN Viagem & Gastronomia.
Who is Thiago Bañares
Bañares, graduated in gastronomy from FMU (SP), was considered by the ranking “Bar World 100 ”, organized by the important publication Drinks International, one of the 100 most influential people in the global bar industry. His restaurant/bar Tan Tan appears – for the third time in a row – on the list of the best bars in the world in the “The World’s 50 Best Bars”. He runs the also award-winning Kotori, considered the 50th best restaurant in Latin America by “Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants” ; and is in charge of the intimate The Liquor Store, a place that emphasizes the connection between customer and bartender and that delivers cocktails prepared with excellence.
The post Margarita Times: how did one of the most iconic cocktails in the world come about? appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
