History of the Margarita Cocktail

Jump to the Margarita recipe

The margarita cocktail is a beloved classic with a rich, albeit somewhat mysterious history. This iconic drink can be enjoyed frozen or on the rocks, offering a refreshing blend of tequila, Cointreau (or Triple Sec), and lime juice. While frozen margaritas are blended to a slushy consistency, the iced version, known as 'on the rocks,' is served over ice. The glass is typically rimmed with salt and garnished with a lime wedge, adding an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

TL;DR

• The margarita has a mysterious history with roots in Mexico.
• Competing origin stories date back to the 1930s and 1940s.
• Popular variations include blue margaritas, triple sec margaritas, and fruity twists.
• Perfecting a margarita involves using quality tequila and fresh lime juice.

The Mysterious Origins of the Margarita

The true origin of the margarita is shrouded in mystery, with several competing stories emerging from the 1930s and 1940s. Despite the differing accounts, a common theme is the cocktail's Mexican roots and its evolution during this vibrant era. Here are some of the most widely circulated tales:

1936: Tijuana Connection

One of the earliest accounts comes from 1936 when James Graham, an Iowa newspaper editor, reported discovering a cocktail in Tijuana, Mexico. This drink resembled the American beverage known as the Daisy, which used brandy instead of tequila. Given that 'margarita' is the Spanish word for 'daisy,' it's plausible that the margarita evolved from this similar-sounding predecessor.

1941: The Hussong's Cantina Story

Another popular tale attributes the invention to Don Carlos Orozco, a bartender at Hussong's Cantina in Ensenada, Mexico. According to this account, Orozco was experimenting with new drink recipes when Margarita Henkel, the daughter of a German ambassador, walked into the bar. Orozco served her one of his concoctions, and in honor of her appreciation, he named the drink after her.

1947: Rancho La Gloria and the Ziegfeld Dancer

Carlos "Danny" Herrera, a bartender at the Rancho La Gloria Hotel between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico, also stakes a claim to the margarita’s creation. Herrera reportedly crafted the drink for Marjorie King, a Ziegfeld dancer who was allergic to most spirits except tequila. Albert Hernandez, another bartender, is often credited with popularizing the drink in California, particularly at La Plaza restaurant in La Jolla in 1947.

1948: The Balinese Room Legend

Yet another origin story comes from Galveston, Texas. Bartender Santos Cruz is said to have created the margarita at the Balinese Room for singer Peggy Margaret Lee in 1948. He named the drink after the Spanish equivalent of her name, further cementing the cocktail’s Mexican connection.

Evolution and Variations

While the base ingredients of a margarita are well-established, numerous variations have emerged, reflecting the drink’s versatility and wide appeal. Here are some popular twists on the classic recipe:

• Blue Margarita: A vibrant variation that substitutes Cointreau with blue curaçao, giving the drink an eye-catching azure hue.
• Triple Sec Margarita: As suggested by a 1953 issue of Esquire magazine, replacing Cointreau with Triple Sec offers a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the cocktail’s essential character.
• Fruit Margaritas: Adding strawberries and sugar creates a sweet and fruity strawberry margarita. Similarly, a peach margarita is concocted by blending peaches and sugar with the base ingredients. Essentially, any fruit can be incorporated into the margarita framework, providing endless possibilities for customization.

Perfecting the Margarita

Creating the perfect margarita involves more than just combining ingredients. Attention to detail, such as the quality of tequila and the freshness of lime juice, significantly impacts the final product. Here's a refined version of the classic margarita recipe:

• 50ml Tequila
• 20ml Triple Sec
• 15ml Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• A pinch of salt (for rimming the glass)

Preparation Steps

1. Rim the edge of a chilled margarita glass with a lime wedge, and then dip it in salt.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, Triple Sec, and lime juice.
3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled, about 15 seconds.
4. Strain into the prepared glass over ice (for an 'on the rocks' version) or into the glass without ice for a more concentrated flavor.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.

Conclusion

The margarita is more than just a cocktail; it's a symbol of relaxed, festive times and a testament to the rich blend of cultures that it represents. Whether you prefer it classic, frozen, or with a fruity twist, the margarita offers a delightful taste of summer in every sip. Its storied past only adds to the allure, making each glass an opportunity to ponder the cocktail's intriguing origins.

So next time you mix up a margarita, take a moment to appreciate its deep-rooted history and the many hands that have contributed to its timeless charm.