National Margarita Day is coming up on February 22nd, so what better time to explore the origins of this classic cocktail and Mexican restaurant staple? At Los Primos, we’re known for our Margarita Towers, so it’s safe to say this drink is pretty important to us. The origins of the Margarita are a little mysterious, but there are two stories that turn up over and over again.
Let’s take a look at the two stories that claim to tell the tale of the origin of the margarita. Which do you think is true?
The Allergy-Friendly Bartender
The first potential origin story features Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a Mexican bartender credited with inventing the cocktail in 1938. The story goes that Herrera crafted the Margarita for a customer allergic to all alcohols except tequila, which he found too harsh on its own. To make something this customer could drink and would enjoy, Herrera combined tequila with lime and triple sec. The result was not only palatable but refreshing and delicious. Herrera named the drink the Margarita after the customer, and the rest is cocktail history.
The Acapulco Vacation
The other story comes courtesy of socialite Margarita Sames, who claims to have created the eponymous cocktail during a lavish vacation in Acapulco in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Sames mixed tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice and served it to her friends, including Tommy Hilton, owner of Hilton Hotels. Apparently, Hilton was so impressed with the drink that he added it to his hotel’s bar menu, contributing to its widespread popularity.
Enjoy a Margarita at Your Favorite Mexican Restaurant!
So, which story do you think is true? Is it the barfly with allergies or the socialite friend of Tommy Hilton? It’s also possible that both are true. After all, both stories date from about the same time. It’s entirely possible that two people had the same idea at the same time. It wouldn’t be the first time something like that has happened. But no matter what the true origin of the Margarita is, there’s no mystery as to why we love it. Get some friends together and enjoy a Margarita at Los Primos Mexican Restaurant this National Margarita Day!
Looking for a new favorite Mexican restaurant? Come visit us at 3 Amherst Road in Merrimack, or order online!