Boy, talk about being one busy day — besides being Washington’s birthday and Ash Wednesday, it’s also National Margarita Day. Today’s the day we pay tribute and honor the margarita.
How did the first margarita come into existence? It’s a question we all have. There are many theories, legends and stories as to how margaritas came about.
One theory or legend about their origin began in 1934 in Mexico City when a bartender named Willie claimed to be the inventor. That story was later countered by Carlos “Danny” Herrera who boasted that he developed the drink at his restaurant in Tijuana in 1938.
In 1948, the margarita became popular after Dallas socialite Margarita Sames introduced the drink for her surprised party guests — one of whom, Tommy Hilton, later added the drink to the bar menu at his hotels.
And then singer Jimmy Buffet made the margarita even more famous with his mega-hit Margaritaville…an ode to the famous cocktail.
The reason there’s salt on the rim of the margarita glass isn’t just decoration or garnish — the purpose is is to bring out the sweetness of the drink. The salt intensifies the aromas and flavors of the margarita.
The world’s largest margarita was mixed in Las Vegas. The drink was 8500 gallons. It was served in a 17-foot tall tank and took 300 hours to create. It was called a “Lucky Rita” and was made to celebrate the Flamingo Hotel’s casino opening.
The most expensive margarita cost $1200. It was created in Manhattan at the 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar and Penthouse Lounge. The ingredients used were super high-end, with the tequila costing $180 a bottle. The ice was made of $450 bottles of Rogederer Cristal Champagne. The margarita was eventually poured into a Ralph Lauren hand blown Hungarian Crystal glass. The glass could be taken home, afterward. Half the money was donated to charity.
On Valentine’s Day in 2015, the Iron Cactus in Austin, Texas offered a $30,000 margarita that came with a very expensive pair of diamond earrings. It was set up by the bar’s “romance” expert.
At the Texas State Fair, a margarita was served up “fried.” A funnel cake was run through a margarita mixer, fried, and later soaked in a margarita again, and all of this was served with whipped cream and in a salt-rimmed glass.
National Margarita Day was founded by Todd McCalla because he believed that there was a need “to spread his love for margaritas around the world.”
There is a national saying for National Margarita Day — “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.”
I’m not sure how National Margareta Day plays out this year, falling on Ash Wednesday. I guess you have to give up something besides Tequila for Lent…..
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