February 22nd is National Margarita Day, so get ready for tequila, limes and plenty of good times! Legend is that the drink was first concocted in 1938 at Rancho La Gloria – a restaurant halfway between Tijuana and Rosarito. In honor of this classic cocktail created so close to home, pull up a chair at one of the below revered San Diego hotspots and enjoy your ‘rita just how you like it – whether that means on the rocks, frozen or with a kick of spice!
Coasterra
Take a trip to the San Diego waterfront for an expansive drink menu featuring 7 types of margaritas and over 70 labels of agave spirits, carefully sourced from south of the border. The hand shaken Deb’s Coconut Margarita is a refreshingly sweet tropical sipper blended with olmeca altos reposado tequila, coconut cream, lime juice with a coconut salted rim.
Indigo Grill
Located in the heart of Little Italy, Indigo Grill will be shaking up up a variety of tequila-forward tipples in honor of National Margarita Day. Blending an earthy sweetness with the classic tart character you love, Deb’s Rosemary Margarita spotlights house infused rosemary olmeca altos plata, fresh lime juice, agave nectar and Cointreau.
OB Surf Lodge SEA180 Coastal Tavern
Toast to the epic Imperial Beach sunset with one of SEA180’s specialty margaritas. Created for those craving a refreshing cocktail with a kick, Spicy Mango Tango shakes things up with jalapeno infused tequila, mango syrup and sweet & sour. Topped off with fresh jalapeño slices, this tangy creation just maybe the perfect tequila-forward sipper to get the fiesta started.
Mess Hall
Celebrate National Margarita Day the right way with happy hour prices that last all day long! Venture to Liberty Public Market and nab a seat at Mess Hall Bar, home to a roster of innovative seasonal craft cocktails, beer and wine. Start the festivities off with the classic flavors of a Blue Bridge Margarita, then get a little adventurous with their house infused Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita. With $5 specials served until 9 p.m., plan for a whole lot of margarita goodness at this Point Loma destination.
Hotel Republic
A new hotel in Downtown’s Civic District, Hotel Republic brings fresh, local ingredients to their lineup of signature cocktails at Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar. The quintessential San Diego rooftop bar offers stunning panoramic views that pair perfectly with coastal flavors. Take in the sights with an icy Topside Marg, prepared with Angelisco Reposado, Grand Marnier, fresh lime juice and local chillies. Served with a sea salt and tajin rim, this margarita brings just the right amount of tang to the table.
The Bar at Moniker General
Located amidst the friendly hustle and bustle within Moniker General, belly up to the 1950s-inspired cocktail counter for a taste of the National Margarita Day action. Moniker Margarita mixes El Jimador Silver Tequila, Cointreau, Lime and Agave Nectar – a natural choice for cocktail purists.
Jalisco Cantina
Head up to Oceanside for Jalisco Cantina’s CaliFuego Margarita, made with CaliFino Reposado, fresh orange and lime, orange curacao, rosé syrup, bell pepper and jalapeño. A little bit of spice goes a long way in this specialty drink, that showcases some of the restaurant’s finest tequila. Named for a region in Mexico that sources the best tequilas in the world, Jalisco Cantina also serves small plates including tacos, salads and desserts.
ginger’s
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp nightlife by checking out ginger’s, located just below barleymash. This upbeat cocktail lounge serves a variety of martinis and sophisticated cocktails including the Downtown Chancho. This margarita is made with Herradura Reposado Tequila, which gives off the sweet aroma of vanilla and caramel, along with fresh pineapple, jalapeño, agave and lime.
Wood Ranch
Although Wood Ranch specializes in BBQ, they also boast an extensive cocktail list and name margaritas as the house specialty! Try the Cadiallac Margarita, a refreshing symphony of citrus flavors and premium spirits crafted with Cabo Wabo Reposado tequila and Grand Marnier. Wood Ranch also has a guilt-free, naturally skinny Sofia’s Elegante Margarita, made with Partida Anejo Tequila, agave nectar and freshly-squeezed lime juice.
Del Sur Mexican Cantina
Stop by South Park’s Del Sur Mexican Cantina to enjoy quality Mexican food with a margarita or two this February 22nd! With six different margaritas, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love at this neighborhood eatery. A unique take on the classic tequila drink, Del Sur’s Mango Chili Margarita is the perfect blend of fruit and spice. Concocted with 100 percent agave tequila reposado, mango, pineapple, lime and triple sec, the housemade serrano shrub is what really packs a punch. From 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., enjoy $6 margaritas or $30 pitchers during Happy Hour!
Backyard Kitchen & Tap
Located just off the corner of Garnet Avenue and Mission Boulevard in Pacific Beach, Backyard Kitchen & Tap serves made-from-scratch plates, local brews and craft cocktails. Raise a glass to National Margarita Day with their Black Widow Marg, a refreshing mix of Herradura Double Barrel, orange liqueur, lemon, lime, agave, mine and blackberry.
