NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY – SUNDAY 22nd MARCH!
For those not in the tequila know, tomorrow (Sunday 22nd March) is NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY! Not that we need any excuse to quaff these refreshing, zingy and punchy cocktails… but hey, it’s always nice to have an extra reason.
The first mention of the margarita in print is in the December 1953 issue of Esquire, where the following description can be found –
‘She’s from Mexico, Señores, and she is lovely to look at, exciting and provocative’.
Yep, sounds about right to us. So, where are the best places in London to grab this Mexican staple of the cocktail menu?
El Camion on Brewer Street is famous for its awesome authentic food (the chicken tinga nachos are to die for), and for the funky downstairs member’s bar Pink Chihuahua that has become a staple of Soho nightlife. It also has a fabulous array of tequila and mezcal, and the guys mix a mean margarita. Choose from the classic and the pomegranate variety – or for those wanting something a bit different, try the Tommy’s Margarita, which swaps triple sec for agave syrup, making for a sweet, citrusy drink.
This buzzing bar is located on Maiden Lane, and has the kind of atmosphere that makes you feel like it’s Cinco de Mayo every day. The perfect place to stop in for a cocktail, they are one of a few bars in the world who have received the Distintivo T award, given by the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico. This basically means all the staff are experts on everything agave, so their 100% blue agave margaritas are top notch. Apart from classic and fruit varieties, you can go margarita mental by trying the Beat The Beet – Ocho Reposado Tequila, cardamon bitters, lime and agave, in a beetroot and salt rimmed glass.
This superb margarita haven is raved about by those in the know, and has been a favourite haunt of various celebrities from the likes of Tom Cruise to Kate Moss. They serve delicious food and even more amazing tequila drinks. Try their frozen margarita for a bit of kitsch fun, or get them to whip up one of their bespoke margaritas, made with premium tequila or mezcal from their extensive list.
OR MAKE ONE AT HOME…
We all know the fun of Margarita-Mixing in the homestead (awesome and dangerous in equal measures). Now the guys at 1800 Tequila have come up with an exotic and, quite frankly, mouth watering twist on the classic drink, using their brand new Coconut Tequila. Get some friends round, dig out your sombreros, and get ready to go coco-loco for National Margarita Day.
1800 Coconut Margarita
50ml 1800 Coconut
15ml Agave Syrup or Triple Sec
20ml Fresh lime juice
Desiccated coconut rim (wet glass rim with lime juice & dip in desiccated coconut)
Shake & strain all ingredients into a Cocktail or rocks glass
Written by Rebecca Milford
Posted: February 22, 2015