Margaritas are a staple for any good night out. So why not celebrate it fully on National Margarita day on February 22nd! This simple drink made up of tequila, lime and Cointreau (could be substituted with triple sec) is refreshing and comes in many different flavors, but the most important ingredient has to be the tequila.
Origins:
Tequila, made from the blue agave fruit, originated in Mexico. Arizona, being so close to the action decided to drink that product right up! It is in Arizona where the well known drink “Tequila Sunrise” was originated. It was created as a “poolside cooler” at the Arizona Biltmore Hotel and has spread across hotels and bars ever since. This little tidbit and many others can be found in Niki Ganong’s book The Field Guide to Drinking in America.
Though, Arizona can’t have the credit of inventing the Margarita. Actually, no one can. The origin of this simple yet yummy drink is a bit of a mystery. One of the most well known stories is that a man by the name of Danny Herrera, owner of the restaurant Rancho La Gloria, created it for the up and coming actress Marjorie King around the year 1938. After its invention, it started to make its way into to hearts of every bar in town. So much so that there was a machine made by Mariano Martinez in 1971 that sped up the process of frozen margarita making.
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
Where to go?
So you may ask yourself, where can I go to celebrate National Margarita Day to its fullest? Well, you can go to any run of the mill bar, but we suggest researching local bars and restaurants that specialize in creating a variety of margaritas and have a wide selection of tequila. If you live in Portland, Oregon (like me!) you can try one of these places:
Tamale Boy: Tamale Boy is a small restaurant that sells large food. Here you can find tamales wrapped in your standard masa, or you can go for something new and try a banana leaf wrap. Make sure to pair it with a fresh pint size margarita for $9.00, or hit up their happy hour Tuesday-Fridays 3pm-6pm for two dollars off!
Location: 1764 NE Dekum St, Portland, OR 97211. Directions
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 11am -9pm
Friday 11am-10pm Saturday 10am-10pm Sunday 10am-8pm
Mi Mero Mole: This restaurant has a Mexican food smorgasbord, including an all day, all you can eat Taco Tuesday. Whether you want regular tacos or a refreshing ceviche, there is no shortage of food here, or margaritas for that matter. Here you can choose from seven different margarita options to accompany your food! Visit the Chinatown location from 2-6 to get a margarita for only $4.00!
Location: 2 NW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97209 Directions
Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11am-9pm Friday: 11am-10pm Saturday: Noon-10pm
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
The Observatory: If you are more of a burger person, or just want to drown in garlic parmesan rosemary fries, The Observatory might be the right place for you. This hip restaurant screams PDX with its edgy and unique meal options, including and Elk Burger! They feature a hibiscus-acai margarita if you feel like adventuring into something new. Their happy hour runs from 3-6 daily and Sun-Thu : 10-close.
Location: 8115 SE Stark Street Portland, Oregon 97215 Directions.
Hours: Monday: 11 am -11 pm Tuesday-Friday: 11 am - 12 am Saturday: 9 am - 12 am Sunday: 9 am -11 pm