We don't really go for all the hoopla over the made-up holidays that have crept onto the calendar in recent times, thanks to clever marketers. You know, like Orange M&M Day and Brown Rice Tortilla Week. (We made those up, don't worry.) But there's one fabricated celebration we're more than happy to honor: National Margarita Day. Cheers, Phoenix. Here are 10 of our faves. What are yours?
10. Margarita at SideBar The classic combo of Jose Cuervo Gold, triple sec and fresh lime juice in SideBar's margarita might elicit a yawn - but not if you've ever had a cocktail at this wonderful bar tucked atop a Pei Wei/Starbucks combo just west of downtown Phoenix. And if you've ever had the margarita, well, forget about it, we know you're in love. For us, it's the little things - like the muddled half-lime at the bottom of our glass - that make life worth living, and make the narrow staircase at SideBar worth navigating, time and again.
9. Aguacate Margarita at The Mission
An avocado margarita may sound a little off, but we promise you it will be one of the best decisions you make at The Mission. Half an avocado is hand-hacked and added to a cocktail shaker, then topped with Cruz del Sol tequila, triple sec, a splash of simple syrup and sweet 'n' sour. A bit of fresh lime for brightness and a salted rim finish off this margarita. The result is a very green tasting cocktail. The avocado is fresh and earthy with a richness that contrasts the sharp bite of the tequila. You wouldn't think it works, but it totally does.
8. Jamaica Margarita at Barrio Cafe
At Barrio Cafe the menus advise that you, "Help conserve water, drink tequila." We couldn't agree more. With well over 250 types of tequila on hand, Barrio Cafe can shake, stir, or blend just about any margarita your little heart desires. The traditional house margarita is easily one of the best in the Valley, but we also really dig the Jamaica Margarita. Bright pink hibiscus flowers add a sweet, floral note to the traditional margarita base of Tesoro silver tequila, fresh lime juice and Grand Marnier.
7. Margarita Flight at Los Sombreros Last summer, Los Sombreros bartender Bruce Durack turned us on to the concept of the tequila flight - and we haven't had wine since. (Only a slight exaggeration.) We are hoping Los Sombreros brings this threesome back this summer - small glasses of Durack's passion fruit, lime and pomegranate margaritas, each made with a different delicious tequlia. For anyone who has trouble making up his mind, this is the margarita (trio) for you!
