Tomorrow, February 22nd, marks National Margarita Day once again. The tart and assertive citrus notes work so brilliantly with a nice aggressive bite of tequila. We all know that this refreshing concoction is a necessary element to our warm, dry summer evenings here in Boulder, but I have to say that no matter the weather, I can hardly resist the call of an expertly prepared marg. Not that it’s exactly rocket science, in reality what sets a good margarita above the rest is ingredients like freshly squeezed lime and/or citrus juice and good Quality Tequila. Go figure. Seems pretty obvious, but it’s actually surprisingly difficult to find!
That being said, we have several ideas to aid in your preparation for this exciting holiday! Although Colorado is known for its incomprehensibly numerous breweries and restaurants with nationally renowned wine lists, we have no shortage of establishments that can treat you to any variety of margarita variations.
Here are some of our favorites; and please, we willingly accept constructive criticism in this area… we acknowledge and love our decisively impassioned and opinionated followers!
-Zolo Southwestern: Refreshing and dependable. Might we add that their Sopes and pork Ribs and Amazing!
-Tahona: Strong, house-made and delightfully citrus driven. Tequila selections are plentiful and definitely highlight their drink selections. (Yes, its a Tequila House)
-The Rio: Boulder staple, fun environment and creative variations (Light options available!).
-Efrains: Traditional and tasty. No frills home-style Mexican cuisine. They hit the spot when you’re craving savory comforting food that only Mexican can suffice!
-T ACO: Great inexpensive Margs to accompany street style tacos, try the snapper and carnitas.
-Agave: Great margs to accompany their amazing Molcajetes. I have yet to find another available in the area!
Fun Colorado themed Margarita Facts: (Thanks to The Rio Boulder!!)
· The Rio serves an ocean of margs year—so many it’s hard to fathom. Maybe these comparisons will lend some perspective.
· 3 hippos + 1 mouse = weight of limes used in 1 year (average mature male hippo weight = 7,000 pounds)
· 3 goats = cost of 2-ounce shot of Jose Cuervo 250 Aniversario Tequila (average goat cost – $85)*
· 6000+ = cases of Jose Cuervo gold used each year
· Longs Peak (elevation 14,259 feet) = 1 month of marg glasses stacked
· More than 300,000 margaritas are mixed Rio-wide every year.
· Value of tequila vault in Denver: $8,820+
· The Rio is Jose Cuervo largest on-premise account in the United States.
· The Rio’s kosher salt use in one year is equal to the salt content of 16,000 gallons of seawater
· The Rio chops enough limes to put 5 in each seat at Invesco Field each year! Hope some of this is for Ceviche too!
· 26,810 pounds of strawberries are used annually in Strawberry & Strawberry Lite Margs at the Rio!
· Statistics say Americans drink 185,000 margaritas every hour! We are very dedicated!
For those who enjoy the title of at-home mixologist:
The Traditional Margarita:
- Salt, for rimming the glass (optional)
- Ice
- 1 1/2 ounces tequila (blanco, 100 percent agave)
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/2 ounce Cointreau (not Triple Sec)
Fascinating Variations for innovative creatives:
Mango Margarita:
- 1/4 medium mango, chopped
- Ice
- 3 ounces blanco tequila, such as Frida Kahlo
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 ounce agave nectar
- 1/4 ounce of good quality orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
- Fresh mango cubes, for garnish
Or
Cucumber Margarita-
For the cucumber juice:
- 1 medium English cucumber (about 1 pound), peeled and coarsely chopped
For the margaritas:
- 8 ounces silver (blanco), 100 percent agave tequila
- 4 ounces light agave nectar
- 4 ounces freshly squeezed lime juice (from about 8 medium limes)
- 4 ounces Yellow Chartreuse
- Ice
- 4 lime wedges, for garnish
Here is a great list for the 20 best tasting Tequilas! Step up your Margarita making game, and if you decide that you must, for some reason, take a shot of tequila, I’m sure you’ll appreciate this!
Enjoy and Make Good Choices!
“incomprehensibly numerous breweries” ….. oh, you didn’t! …. Nice piece, Shannon. I had no idea this esteemed holiday was upon us. The tasting notes on the various margs in town are really helpful. It sounds like your research was extensive and enjoyable.