Stirred Up Stories: The Margarita - A Tangy Tale with a Timeless Twist

Few cocktails pack as much global punch as the Margarita. Whether you’re at a beach bar in Cancun, a rooftop party in New York, or just chilling at home, this tangy, tequila-based classic delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and salty — all wrapped up in a salted-rim glass. But where did it come from? And how do you make the perfect one? Let’s stir up the story behind the Margarita.

The Origins: A Cocktail Wrapped in Mystery

Unlike many classic drinks with clear-cut histories, the Margarita’s origin story is a cocktail of its own — full of disputed tales, colorful characters, and a dash of legend.

Here are a few popular theories:

• The Showgirl’s Drink: In the late 1930s or early ’40s, bartender Carlos “Danny” Herrera is said to have created the Margarita for a showgirl named Marjorie King, who was allergic to all spirits except tequila. He mixed tequila with triple sec and lime to craft a drink she could enjoy — and named it after her.

• The Socialite’s Sip: Another story credits Margarita Sames, a wealthy Texas socialite, who claimed to have invented the drink during a party at her Acapulco home in 1948.

• The Mexican Bartender: Some attribute the recipe to bartenders in Tijuana or Ensenada, designed to appeal to American tourists wanting something lighter than straight tequila.

Whichever story you prefer, the Margarita exploded in popularity by the 1970s and has remained a staple ever since.

How to Make the Classic Margarita

Ingredients:

• 50ml Tequila (preferably 100% agave blanco or reposado)

• 25ml Triple Sec (or Cointreau)

• 25ml Fresh Lime Juice

• Salt (for rimming the glass)

• Ice

• Lime wedge, for garnish

Method:

1. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a rocks glass, then dip the rim into a plate of salt to coat.

2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.

3. Add tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice.

4. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds.

5. Strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice.

6. Garnish with a lime wedge.

   
   

Tips & Variations

• For a Frozen Margarita, blend all ingredients with ice until smooth.

• Try swapping lime for blood orange or grapefruit juice for a twist.

• Use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky, complex flavour.

• Add a dash of agave syrup if you like it sweeter.

Why It Works

The Margarita’s genius lies in its simplicity — the salty rim contrasts perfectly with the tart lime and smooth agave, making it endlessly refreshing and easy to drink. Plus, it pairs brilliantly with spicy Mexican dishes, making it a go-to for celebrations or casual evenings alike.

Slán go fóill.