No particular excuse is needed to mix up a delicious Margarita cocktail.
But National Margarita Day is a fixture in my calendar. It takes place annually on 22nd February and whilst mid-February is still one of the darkish, cold winter months in the part of Europe I call home, playing around with the flavours of lime and tequila always gets me in a Spring-like mood.
If you live in the Americas, especially in the US and Mexico you might be well acquainted with this particular day. Locally, there are many restaurants that will take advantage of the huge popularity of the drink. Thus, you will find Margarita specials on the menu, and in many cases it will not only be the cocktail itself but matching food as well.
I am starting to get really tired repeating this year will be different, but well, this year will be different and independently to where you live in the world, there the options to head out celebrating National Margarita Day will be limited. Likewise, you might not be able to throw a party at home as you might still be required to socially distance.
Still, you could get together with friends virtually and have a go mixing up different Margaritas while nibbling at matching food.
Alternatively, pour yourself a Margarita and safe this post for future years when inviting your friends will be possible again.
How to throw the perfect Margarita party – in person or virtually
By mixing up that perfect Margarita, of course. But why not go a step further?
Below I have listed some ideas how to throw an amazing Margarita party – and they will also work perfectly well for a virtual get together this year.
Make your own Margarita
If it is a virtual get together this year, you will have to mix your own cocktail off course. No diligent host that will safe you the time and create the perfect drink for you.
However, even inviting friends to your house, why not ask them to make their own drinks.
Provide a buffet with all the needed ingredients, including those making different versions of the classic drink. Have everybody come up with their own versions. Ideally, ask guest to bring their own jiggers, cocktail shakers and muddlers so there are enough for everyone.
Having everybody creating their own Margarita will end up in a lot of competition, discussion about different flavours and possibly tasting some of other people’s creations.
Alternatively, you could ask everybody to submit their own Margarita recipe ahead of the party (or your virtual get-together). Then chose three or more different versions from the suggestions. These will be the variations that will be served during the party.
Have a tequila tasting
A tequila is a tequila? Nope. Not at all.
There are so many different tequilas out there, and it is absolutely worth trying a couple of different brands offering different taste profile to find you favourite.
In addition, find out more about the various types: White tequila, tequila joven (young), tequila reposado, tequila añejo, tequila reserva and even the complete substitute, mezcal.
So instead of the well introduced wine tasting where you will have a range of different wines, why not use different tequilas to mix up your Margarita cocktail.
Make it a themed evening
Well OK, it’s a Margarita party so that’s your theme.
But you could well go a step further and instead of limiting the Margarita theme to the drink you will have, go for the right Mexican party decoration and outfits as well.
Why not make it a contest for the best outfit?
Serve matching food – Food that work well with Margarita cocktails
Though the Margarita should be the star of the evening, it never hurts having something to eat as well.
Tacos and salsa are the most classic pairing with Margarita and there is a reason why. However, there is more food that works perfect with a tasty glass of Margarita.
Chicken sticks are the perfect dish to be paired with the mix of sweet and salty from the Margarita.
Of course, a tequila cured salmon would pair with just any type of Margarita.
Other food that pairs well include ceviche, sashimi, spicy food like a Thai curry or any spicy Mexican food such as jalepeño chicken poppers, cajun chicken, and spicy beef skewers.
Three smashing Margarita cocktail ideas everybody will love
The classic Margarita is a fantastic drink that requires only few ingredients and is quickly mixed together. In fact, you could call it cocktail perfection.
But the most beautiful thing about this all-time favourite is the almost unlimited number of variations you can mix up.
These three versions are currently high on my list as they not only taste fantastic, but they also look beautiful.
Avocado Margarita
This one calls for a bit of advance-preparation but believe me, it is so worth the extra time.
Serves 1:
1 large ripe avocado
45 ml agave nectar
1 tablespoon of lime or lemon juice
60 ml tequila reposado
30 ml lime juice
15 ml Cointreau
2-3 tablespoons avocado purée (see below)
sea salt and lime wheel for garnishing
Start with preparing the purée. Add the flesh from the avocado and the agave nectar to a blender and blend until obtaining a smooth purée. Add a tablespoon of lime or lemon juice to preserve the colour.
Rim a cocktail glass with sea salt.
Add tequila, lime juice, Cointreau and avocado purée in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 25-30 seconds. Strain into the cocktail glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Tequila Sunrise Margarita
One of my current favourite cocktails is the classic Tequila Sunrise. Possibly because of its popping colour that is a welcome reminder of warmer days ahead.
Serves 1:
45 ml tequila blanco
15 ml Cointreau
15 ml lime juice
30 ml orange juice
15 ml grenadine syrup
lime wheel, maraschino cherry or orange slice for garnishing
In a shaker filled with ice add tequila, Cointreau, lime and orange juice. Shake well for about 20 seconds.
Strain into a cocktail or lowball glass filled with ice.
Add the grenadine using a spoon to let it carefully slide down the side of the glass.
Garnish with a lime wheel and an orange slice or maraschino cherry.
Blue Margarita
Another colour popping verion that immediately reminds me of a large white sandy beach, gentle sea breezes and palm trees.
Serves 1:
45 ml tequila blanco
25 ml simple sirup
30 ml lime juice
30 ml blue curacao
sea salt and lime wedge for garnishing
Rim a cocktail or highball glass with sea salt.
In a shaker filled with ice, add tequila, simple sirup, lime juice and blue curacao. Shake well for about 20 seconds.
Strain into a glass over ice.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
Carrots and Tigers 