The “Spanish Daisy” ~ the Margarita Cocktail

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There are very few cocktails that conjure up memories of wild, hot, fun-filled nights quite like the classic tequila-based Margarita cocktail. The Margarita cocktail is regarded as one of the all-time classic concoctions and its popularity shows no sign of letting up – the many variations and twists on this classic cocktail, such as the Golden Margarita, have helped to bring it to an even wider audience. The original Margarita cocktail recipe consists of tequila mixed with orange-flavoured liqueur, such as Cointreau, and lime or lemon juice. The cocktail can be served in various ways: shaken with ice, on the rocks or straight up. A Margarita which is blended with ice is often referred to as a “Frozen Margarita”. The IBA Official List of Cocktails states that the standard ratio is: 50% Tequila, 29% Orange-flavoured liqueur and 21% lime/lemon juice.

The exact origin of the Margarita cocktail has been open to much debate over the years and the reality is that we will probably never know the full truth abouts its conception. Author William J.Tarling, in his Café Royal Cocktail Book, published in 1937, mentions a drink called a Picador, which had the ingredients: Tequila, Cointreau and lime juice, so we can only assume that Picador was a prototype name for the Margarita. One of the most popular origin stories is that the Margarita cocktail was invented in October 1941, at Hussong’s Cantinain Mexico, by bartender Don Carlos Orozco. The story goes that Don Carlos was busy experimenting with mixing new drinks when Margarita Henkel, the daughter of a German ambassador, walked into the bar. Don Carlos offered her a newly developed concoction of equal parts tequila, orange liqueur and lime, served over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. The “legend” is that he went on to name the drink after its first taster.

Another common story related the Margarita being invented at the Rancho La Gloria Hotel, halfway between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico, by Carlos “Danny” Herrera, for a dancer named Marjorie King. This story was related by Herrera and also by bartender Albert Hernandez, who is acknowledged for popularizing the Margarita in San Diego after 1947, at the La Plaza restaurant in La Jolla.

It is also often argued that the Margarita is simply a tequila Sidecar (with lime instead of lemon), a cocktail which had been a popular drink for at least a decade prior the emergence of the Margarita in the mid-1930s. Another explanation, however, is that the Margarita cocktail is merely another popular American drink, the Daisy remade with tequila instead of brandy, which became popular during Prohibition as people drifted over the border for alcohol. A telling fact that supports this claim is the fact that Margarita is Spanish for Daisy.

Irrespective of its true origins, the one thing that we can all agree on is that the Margarita is a sublime cocktail. It is also very easy to prepare, so perfect for all cocktail novices. Below we have selected 4 variations on the classic Margarita cocktail that we urge you to give a try, particularly if its a sunny afternoon!

Golden Margarita

BIG Orange flavors at play in the zesty and refreshing Golden Margarita.

Ingredients:

37 1/2 ml Gold Tequila, 12 1/2 ml Orange Liqueur, 12 1/2 ml Lime Juice, 75 ml Sour Mix, dash of Orange Juice, Lime Wedge, Salt,

Peach Margarita

For those who like their Margaritas fruity and sweet, this is an ideal choice.

Ingredients:

37 1/2 ml Tequila, 5 ml Triple Sec, 5 ml Peach Schnapps, 5 ml Lime Juice, 1 Skinned and Pitted Peach

Silver Ghost

This is sensational Margarita, with the falernum, rocky-candy syrup and cardamom giving it a flavour unlike anything we have ever tasted.

Ingredients:

37 1/2 ml Rum, 12 1/2 ml Velvet Falernum, 25 ml Lime Juice, 25 ml Apple Juice, 12 1/2 ml Rock Candy Syrup, 2 Cardamom Pods, dash Egg-White, Lime Wheel