Cinco de Mayo and the Margarita: Mexico’s Innovation Embraced in American Celebrations

Written by: Amanda Csolak – Spice blogger for Spice Station Silverlake

The Origin of the Margarita Cocktail 

The cocktail known as the margarita has some interesting stories behind it. It’s such a well-loved alcoholic beverage that there are several stories going around claiming who invented it. Here we will dive into the origin of this iconic cocktail.

One such story is that of a Mexican bartender named Carlos “Danny” Herrera. He was the owner of Rancho La Gloria in Tijuana, a restaurant-bar frequented by the Hollywood crowd in the 1930s, and he is widely credited with inventing the margarita. 

The story goes that in 1938, Herrera wanted to accommodate his regular customer, Marjorie King, who had an allergy to all alcoholic beverages except tequila. Knowing she wasn’t fond of consuming tequila shots, a popular method in Mexico, Herrera crafted a mixed drink inspired by a deconstructed tequila shot, which is made with lime, salt, and of course, tequila! She loved this cocktail which he named the “Margarita,” in her honor.

Arguing against that claim is bartender Don Carlos Orozco. A few years later, in 1941, at Hussong’s Cantina in Ensenada, the oldest and most renowned cantina in the Baja area, aimed to impress Margarita Henkel, the daughter of the German Ambassador. He named his new tequila-based drink after her, or so the story goes.

Not too many years later in 1948, Texas socialite Margaret Sames claimed to have created the “Margarita” as her signature cocktail, serving it to entertain friends at her home in Acapulco. One of her guests, Tommy Hilton, introduced the recipe to the bar menus of his family’s Hilton Hotel chain in the United States, making the margarita available to guests of his hotels. Thus further cementing American’s love for the cocktail.

Another contender in the claim to fame with the margarita’s creation is bartender Danny Negrete, who supposedly invented a signature wedding cocktail at the prestigious Garci Crespo Hotel in Puebla, christening it the “Margarita” in honor of his future sister-in-law. Some suggest that Negrete drew inspiration from Margaret Cansino, a talented young dancer who performed at the glamorous Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, where he also worked. This dancer would later gain fame as the legendary Rita Hayworth.

While Mexicans may argue that the term “margarita” actually translates to “daisy,” historians note that the “Daisy” was a popular brandy cocktail in the 1930s. The recipe remains essentially the same, with the margarita substituting tequila.

Margarita’s Popularity

Regardless of the true origin, one thing is clear—the margarita holds a special place in the hearts of Americans. According to a recent survey, the margarita claimed the top spot as their favorite cocktail.

Around the holiday, the sales of margarita mix skyrocket by a staggering six hundred percent during Cinco de Mayo. Additionally, half of all Americans express a preference for crafting their own margaritas at home instead of venturing out to a bar or restaurant. You can make your own too without venturing out to a bar, and no pre-made mix necessary. Besides, those often contain excessive amounts of sugar. Look to the end of this blog, where I’ll share with you how to make this classic cocktail with a bit of kick. 

Components of a Great Margarita

Nailing down the exact definition of the “Perfect Margarita” isn’t an easy task, given its unique blend of flavors that cater to individual tastes. One of the great things about the Margarita is the ability to experiment with different variations. However, there are times when simplicity is key. In its purest form, the Margarita is a delightful beverage that requires no unnecessary frills.

While some may argue what makes a perfect margarita, it’s important to know the three traditional parts to this classic cocktail. Those three elements are tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice. It’s important when shopping for these three things to aim for high-quality ingredients. This is a crucial part of crafting an exceptional drink. Opting for the cheaper bottle is a big mistake as it may not yield the best results. 

Here are some guidelines to lay the groundwork for the perfect margarita:

• Tequila

          When it comes to the Margarita, the soul, and foundation of the drink lie in its choice of tequila. For the best results, it’s recommended to go for a tequila                that is made from 100% blue agave. Look for the label “100% (puro) de agave” on the tequila bottle to ensure you’re getting the highest quality product.

          Now, the question arises: should you choose blanco (also known as “white” or “platinum”), reposado, or añejo? While blanco is the most commonly used                tequila in margaritas, the other two options can work equally well. They often offer a smoother and more mellow flavor that some people prefer.                              Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste and embarking on your own exploration to find the tequila profile that best suits your palate.

• Orange Liqueur

          Now let’s talk about the sweetener. Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, and Cointreau are commonly used as the essential secondary ingredient in a margarita.                    Triple Sec has a lower alcohol content compared to the other two options, but it still adds a nice touch of sweetness. Cointreau provides a lighter base and            more subtle flavor, while Grand Marnier has a darker, orange liqueur base with a richer taste. Despite their differences, all three impart a distinct orange                flavor to the drink, adding a delightful twist to the Margarita.

• Lime Juice

         The souring agent in a Margarita is the only non-alcoholic component, and nothing beats the flavor of freshly-squeezed limes. There’s simply no substitute             that can compare. While it may take a bit more effort and time to select ripe limes and squeeze them yourself instead of using pre-mixed lime juice, the end           result is truly worth it. The lime plays a crucial role in creating a Margarita that aims for perfection. However, if you choose to use pre-made lime juice, it’s              advisable to taste it beforehand to ensure it provides a pleasant flavor when mixed with the other ingredients.

Personalizing Your Margarita

Once you have established a strong foundation with the three key ingredients mentioned above, you can embark on an exciting exploration of how other fresh fruits and vegetables can bring a unique twist to your Margarita. Consider incorporating flavors like lemons, peaches, berries, cucumber, or mint to add a delightful twist to your drink. Whether you prefer your Margarita frozen or on the rocks, you also have the option to garnish it with a lime or orange slice and a sugar- or salt-rimmed glass, depending on your preference.

The beauty of the Margarita lies in its countless variations, catering to diverse palates worldwide. The best way to discover your perfect Margarita is to sample the drink in all its different renditions, including the classic version. 

As a testament to its enduring appeal, the Margarita has stood the test of time and embraced experimentation. It remains an elegant classic that continues to captivate cocktail enthusiasts everywhere.

My Personal Relationship with Margaritas

Let’s face the facts, I’m not ashamed to admit I love margaritas. I tend to drink socially more than at home, and I love celebrating any special occasion with my favorite cocktail. So, it’s no surprise I will seize any opportunity to indulge in them even more than usual, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception, but I usually do it at parties hosted by my Latin-American friends. 

Margaritas Mean Summer Is Here

When the weather takes a turn towards warmth, fruity margaritas often steal the spotlight. As you explore different restaurants in town, it becomes evident that strawberry, orange, rhubarb, and an array of other fruity cocktails are popping up everywhere. These vibrant and refreshing creations perfectly complement the sunny days and bring a delightful burst of flavors to your margarita experience.

Margaritas With a Spicy Kick

While I appreciate the occasional indulgence in a sweeter margarita, my personal preference leans towards the spicy side. That’s precisely why I’ve chosen a deliciously fiery margarita for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations this year! This unique margarita delivers a double dose of smoky heat.

To begin, we infuse the tequila with fresno and serrano chile peppers, creating a chile-infused tequila that adds a bold kick. To enhance the spicy and smoky profile, we adorn the glass with a chili salt rim. The lime juice then provides a refreshing and tangy finish, leaving your taste buds yearning for more after each refreshing sip.

This spicy margarita is a delightful companion for any Mexican cuisine you have in store for Cinco de Mayo or any other time, really. After all, who can resist the irresistible allure of tacos? Whether you’re celebrating a specific occasion or simply craving a flavorful combination, this margarita is the perfect accompaniment to satisfy your taste buds and enhance your culinary experience. So, grab your tacos and enjoy the fantastic pairing of flavors!

 

Chili Lime Margarita Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 hours and 5 minutes

Yield: 1 cocktail + 1 ½ cups Chile Tequila. See below recipe for how to make a larger batch for your next party. 

Recommended Equipment: For this recipe, you will need the following common bar tools, such as a jigger; if you don’t own one, a liquid measuring cup will do the trick. You will also need a cocktail shaker and a rimmer set; while the latter is not necessary, it will make rimming your cocktail glasses easier.

Ingredients:

Chili Salt

• 4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne powder
• Lime wedge

Chile Infused Tequila

• 1 1/2 cups silver tequila
• 3 serrano chile peppers, sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 fresno chile peppers, sliced in half lengthwise

Margarita

• 1 1/2 oz. pepper-infused tequila
• Juice from 1/2 lime
• 1 oz. orange liqueur
• 3/4 oz. agave
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Combine tequila and peppers in an airtight container. Allow the tequila to infuse for at least 5 to 8 hours (or more if you want it H-O-T).
2. When ready to make the margarita, stir together ingredients for chili salt in a small bowl. Rub a margarita or cocktail glass with the lime wedge, then rim with chili salt.
3. In a shaker filled with ice, combine chile-infused tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and agave. Shake vigorously.
4. Fill the rimmed glass with ice. Strain margarita into the glass and serve.

Chefs Notes:

• Be sure not to skip infusing your tequila; this step is what makes this margarita spicy! You can infuse your tequila with peppers in a mason jar or other airtight container. Allow your alcohol to infuse for approximately 4 to 8 hours, depending on how much spice you want. I taste test mine after 3 or 4 hours and, subsequently, every hour after that until it is the right amount of spiciness for me. 
• Fair warning: refrain from using the chile-infused tequila for shots, as the experience may not be pleasant. The intense heat of the infused tequila can be overpowering and may not provide the desired drinking experience.
• To make this cocktail for 8 people, use all of the infused tequila (1 1/2 cups), 1/2 cup lime juice, 1 cup orange liqueur, and 3/4 cup agave. Assemble in a pitcher, stirring vigorously with ice to combine!