National Margarita Day

It may be hard to believe but a drink exists that embodies the very essence of cheerfulness, the patron saint of joy and the joyful expression of life in the absolute best way. That drink is a Margarita!

On a hot day when gathering with friends, it's hard to find anything better to bring people together than a delectable pitcher of refreshment.

However, be careful, though, as Tequila has been known for T'kill'ya if you drink too much (or at least it can make you wish you were dead). So it's best to know where the limit is.

The good news is that pure margarita drinks (with a lemon-orange flavor but without the alcohol) can be consumed with much less risk. This is also a great option for people who still have to work on National Margarita Day, however, you still want to celebrate with a cocktail at lunch (or mock-tail).

National Margarita Day celebrates this wonderfully delicious drink, and it has a rainbow of colors and flavors. While it may seem like just some ice cold tequila, three seconds, a pinch of salt and a dash of lemon, this drink is more than the sum of its parts.

In fact, a version can be found for almost any case. From the Roasted Basil Blueberry Margaritas to the Sriracha Strawberry Margarita is much crispier. From Smoked Mangonada to Spicy Baked Pineapple — National Margarita Day is a perfect excuse to try it all!

History of National Margarita Day

Since 1938, the father of the drink Carlos “Danny” Herrera has created the earliest appearance of the famous cocktail. He did it at his restaurant in Baja California, for a celebrity customer named Marjorie King, a famous American Broadway dancer “Ziegfeld follies” because she was allergic to spirits and just like that, our favorite drink was born.

The thing is, Herrera isn't the only one claiming to be the maker of OG margarine. Francisco “Pancho” Morales, a Mexican bartender who first made the cocktail in 1942 in Juárez, Mexico was one of them and then he left to become a US citizen and work as a bartender milk production for 25 years. He is supported by the mainstream Mexican newspaper - Notimex.

The most mythical story is this last one. Margarita Sames, a "higher class" citizen of Dallas, believes she created the drink in her motel for her guests in Acapulco, Mexico in 1948. Tommy Hilton (yes… that Hilton), who Margarita's friend attended the party, and then brought it back to her hotel chain and put it on the menu. But before he could catch his breath, Jose Cuervo, the famous tequila brand, announced that he ran advertising campaigns for the drink in 1945, with the catchphrase, “Margarita: It's more than that a girl's name". No matter where the drink is first brewed, one thing is for sure - everyone is happy.

Thankfully, margarine comes in so many different varieties, it's no surprise that 76% of Americans enjoy a delicious margarine. From strawberries and peaches to mangoes and berries, to slightly stronger drinks with beer, there are even healthier versions like skinny margarine and sportier cocktails (just swap three seconds for a Gatorade). It doesn't matter if you're at the bar, at home on the sofa or just finished an important meeting; take the nearest fruit, tequila, three seconds and mix that baby to the rhythm of "one tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor". But drink responsibly, too much tequila is known T'kill'ya!

How to celebrate National Margarita Day

On National Margarita Day, how to celebrate you? Possibly with a large pitcher of Margaritas to start the trip to Margaritaville.

Consider these fun ways to pay homage to this iconic drink:

Try a New Margarita Recipe

A great way to celebrate this day is to brew a glass (or pitcher to share) a unique version of this classic drink. For example, consider the Roasted Blueberry Basil we mentioned before. Pure heaven in a glass!

Basil's Blueberry Margarita

2 Oz Grand Marnier

1 1/2 oz Tequila

Lemonade 2 oz

2 1/2 oz Basil Blueberry Simple Syrup

Lemon slices, fresh blueberries, basil leaves, with salt and sugar on the rim

Alright, those are the ingredients, now for the Syrup!

Place a cup of blueberries in the oven on a baking tray at 400F, sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Keep an eye on them until 15-20 minutes are up, or the berries have started to separate in the oven, then pull them out. Mix 1/2c sugar and 1/2c water in a small saucepan, along with 6-8 basil leaves and bring to a boil until sugar dissolves, then mix with roasted blueberries until fully combined. Blueberry cubes can be left whole or run through a sieve, depending on personal preference. Then just mix as above and enjoy the delicious refreshment.

But enjoying National Margarita Day can be more than just taking out a blender and enjoying a drink. In fact, all kinds of activities can be planned to gather friends, family or colleagues to instill a collection of delicious drinks.

Organize a Blend-Off Margarita

If going to the restaurants and bars that are hosting National Margarita Day events, which doesn't sound appealing, it's always fun to host an event of your own!

For example, invite friends to an after-work Margarita Blend-Off party on a Friday night. Kind of like a roast — but instead, it's the perfect 'Rita' blend. Designate different participants to bring the base ingredients (tequila, three glasses, lemon). Of course, for frozen margarine, a blender will need to be available.

Choose two or three creative mixologists to compete to prove who can make the best margarine. (They can bring their own exotic ingredients to add to the mix.) People can vote on who makes the most winning version of the drink.

The great thing about this kind of party is that everyone wins for the fun already had, and the Margaritas are enjoyed!

Choose delicious food

Even a party centered on this delicious drink will need a few snacks to balance it out. Margaritas are traditionally served with southern border palates such as taquitos, churros or simple fries and salsa

But to really get in the spirit of the day, consider serving up Margarita-themed dishes! Of course, that means giving up some of those precious drink ingredients, but it's totally worth it.

Try a Margarita, similar to a Key Lime Pie but with a little extra tequila. Some recipes are so easy that they don't even need to be baked, just chilled.

Margarita Dip is a popular treat for those who like to add spiciness to their fruit (or crackers for a subtle twist on sweet and savory). The dip is easy to make, and includes cream cheese, whipped topping, tequila, and lemon (of course!).

The Grilled Shrimp Margarita is an easy appetizer to put in the oven. Just marinate the shrimp first in the tequila mix and three seconds of aromatic, lemon, spicy, and then grill until fragrant!

Festive wear, inspired by Margarita

To celebrate this festive occasion, consider inserting lemon green and yellow themes into the wardrobe of the day! Some people like to paint their nails in sparkling lime green, while others choose to wear a light green tie with a shirt and trousers.

Since the word "margarita" actually translates to "daisy" in Spanish, incorporating chrysanthemums into the day's outfits or decorations would be a perfect addition to the festivities.

Limes, tequila, salt and three glasses are simple ingredients, but they bring joy and enjoyment. Big or small, National Margarita Day can be celebrated any way, with adventurous recipes, a party or just a nod in a personal wardrobe!