JONATHAN ZIZZO JONATHAN ZIZZO
The origin stories behind the margarita are as plentiful as today’s menu offerings. Some say the margarita was first concocted in 1938 at a restaurant halfway between Tijuana and Baja, California. Others argue Juarez, Mexico, San Diego, Dallas and even Galveston as the birthplace of the margarita. If you believe the makers of Jose Cuervo, the margarita, which is the Spanish word for “daisy,” was invented by a bartender in honor of the Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa.
The traditional margarita hails from the daiquiri family and came to prominence in 1940s Mexico as more Americans began vacationing south of the border. Having succumbed to the sweet and earthy tastes of Tequila, tourists from all over the world brought their cravings for the sweet and salty sip back home. The classic mix of tequila, triple sec and lime juice has become a staple at bars and sunny patios ever since.
These days, there are many delicious variations to try. From smoked margaritas to spicy ones made with jalapeño-infused tequila, restaurants and bars throughout North Texas customize their own recipes to rave reviews. Whether you like a classic take with salt, take it frozen or want something more inventive, there is never a wrong way to enjoy a margarita. As we firmly plant our feet into the month of May, there are plenty of places nearby to celebrate the joyful expressions of Agave nectar. Just be sure to enjoy your drinks responsibly.
Any list of local margaritas must start with this Fort Worth icon. Since 1935, long before DFW had an airport or Grapevine had a lake, Joe T. Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant was home to the area’s classic margarita experience. Starting with a small patio with a pool and cabana for 16 people, the restaurant’s capacity has grown to serve well over 1,000 loyal customers each night. Come for the family-style fajita dinners but stay for tequila transcendence amongst Joe T.’s lovingly-staffed and decorated patios.
This Tex-Mex hot spot first came to Southlake in 2014 to serve great chips and even better margaritas. With 10 DFW locations, you’re never far from a Chuy’s Famous Rita served on the rocks or frozen. There are plenty of flavors to choose from, like Blackberry, Mango, Peach and Watermelon, all served with Corazon Silver tequila. Or you can go old school with Grand Ma’s Rockin’ Rita, served in a simple pint glass with Espolon Reposado and an extra splash of Grand Marnier.
Cristina's Fine Mexican Restaurant
For some solid Tex-Mex and a signature margarita, stop and enjoy the patio at Cristina's Fine Mexican Restaurant in Southlake. Cristina’s house margarita comes in 10 and 20-ounce sizes and showcases a wide range of flavors that you can swirl for just $1 more. One of them is so good, they named it after the owner. The Cristina Rita is made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado, Cointreau Liqueur, agave nectar and fresh lime juice. Cristina’s also makes a mean mojito, an expertise they blend into their Blackberry Mint Margarita to channel a more relaxed vibe.
When you’re living life fast and furious, there may be no better place for a quick hit of tacos and tequila than Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. At Fuzzy’s near Bicentennial Park in Southlake, they keep it simple with a short margarita list, but they serve them up in a big way in their infamous 18-ounce fish bowl cup. Those looking to go all-out are encouraged to order the Beerita, which is their frozen house margarita topped with a dunked bottle of Corona Extra.
True margarita lovers know this Grapevine eatery is insanely devoted to 100% Blue Agave Tequilas and offers the most eclectic range of tequilas in the area. Their tequilas are infused in-house with strawberries, blueberries and pineapple-chipotle. To stay chilled on a warm afternoon patio, order the Hell Freezes Over, made with green chile-infused herradura silver tequila, Cointreau, lime, cucumber, basil, agave nectar, dry ice and with a Hatch Pepper & Salt Blend on the rim. Always one to be ahead of the tequila curve, Mi Dia’s signature infusions can also be found in its Ranch Water with lime and Socorro Blanco Tequila.
Live music is the next best thing to tacos when enjoying a margarita with friends. At the recently re-established Rodeo Bar inside the Adolphus Hotel, revelers on Fridays and Saturdays can enjoy a lengthy list of tequilas and a rotating list of rock and western musicians. Stay true to form and order the Rodeo ‘Rita, made with Lunazul Tequila, Cointreau, Lime and a Tajin rim.
Even if there are three locations across DFW, Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar is a one-of-a-kind live entertainment experience. Tequila fans in particular will love that it’s also a place for top-notch margaritas. The signature Casarita at Pete’s gives the margarita a manly, bro-vibe twist thanks to George Clooney’s Casamigos Blanco Tequila. After it’s shaken (not stirred) with agave nectar and hand-squeezed lime juice, it’s served old-fashioned style over fat ice. This is a margarita that’s meant to be taken seriously.
Long before Southlake had an immense dining scene, it had Mi Cocina. And Mi Cocina had us thanks to the most appetizing Tex-Mex around. More importantly, Mi Cocina has the Mambo Taxi, their signature frozen margarita made with Sauza Silver tequila and a swirl of sangria. This perennial Readers’ Choice favorite stands apart because of an especially sweet homemade sangria made with Pinot Noir, brandy and fruit juices.
With one of the city’s more enviable patios overlooking the heart of Southlake, Gloria’s Latin Cuisine has become a welcome respite for area foodies and reposado aficionados. At Gloria’s, inventive cuisine pairs with a lengthy list of signature cocktails all with a nod to the founders of the popular Dallas-based restaurant group. At the top of the list is Gloria’s 1986 Margarita, which is made with Casamigos Reposado Tequila, lime juice and St. Germain Elderflower liqueur for a balanced flavor that’s not too sweet. However, the La Duena employs Casamigos Mezcal and chipotle pineapple syrup and a tamarindo rim if sweet is what you desire.
Joe T. Garcia’s greatness expands outward, but Reata expands upwards for four stories to provide the best views a Fort Worth margarita will ever see. Unfortunately, the simple yet delectable Margarita Fresca, made with Socorro Blanco Tequila, triple sec, simple syrup and lime won’t last long. Views like these above Sundance Square deserve a righteous drink, and the Millionaire Margarita fits the bill. Herradura Ultra Anejo combines with Grand Marnier Louis-Alexandre to elevate this drink, but not as high as the Avion “44” Extra Anejo and Grand Marnier Centenaire of the Billionaire Margarita. If the view doesn’t make you catch your breath, its $50 price tag will.