A Brief History of Margaritas
Arguably one of the most popular drinks in America, the Margarita is a staple at local Mexican restaurants. What makes the margarita so popular? It’s delicious! This drink finds the perfect balance on your palate: sweet, savory, a little tart, with a salty finish that cuts the sugar and gives each sip a little kick. We're passionate about crafting great margaritas in Smyrna seven days a week, which is why today, we're diving into a (brief) history of the margarita.
Who Invented the Margarita?
There’s a bit of mystery when it comes to the origins of the margarita. One story claims the drink originated in 1938, as Mexican restaurant owner Carlos (Danny) Herrera sought to impress a beautiful showgirl named Marjorie King. Supposedly, tequila was the only alcohol King was not allergic to, and Herrera added lime juice and salt to make it taste more appealing. But others claim it was Texas socialite Margaret Sames who created the margarita when she mixed the first drink at a house party in Mexico during 1948. One of her guests just so happened to own a chain of popular American hotels, and it’s said he added this drink to the hotel menu, solidifying the beverage as a popular cocktail.
Regardless of how the margarita got here, it didn’t take long to prove it had staying power. In the 1950s, the frozen margarita became popular as “high tech” blenders began to appear in more local bars. In 1971, the frozen margarita trend really took off when a Dallas restaurateur named Mariano Martinez invented the very first frozen margarita machine. (The original machine even resides in the Smithsonian museum.)
Back then, as well as today, the basic recipe begins with a good quality tequila, mixed with lime juice and orange liqueur, or triple sec. It’s often served in a glass with a salted rim, with the option of being frozen, or served over ice. One popular variation swaps in agave nectar to replace the standard orange liqueur, but it’s safe to say almost anything goes these days.
Best Margaritas in Smyrna
Want to try something different? The Corner Taqueria is serving up uniquely flavored margaritas seven days a week! Tonight, try one of these deliciously unique margarita options:
- The Avocado Margarita, featuring house tequila, triple sec, agave, and lime, plus cool and refreshing avocado and cilantro.
- Feeling adventurous? The Jalapeno Margarita delivers a spicy kick with Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila, triple sec, cilantro, and hand-made sour.
- The Corner Taqueria Hibiscus Margarita starts with Puro Verde Organic Tequila, lime juice, agave, and soda, and is finished with a delightfully floral organic hibiscus liqueur.
- The Beerita. It’s the best of both worlds! Our delicious frozen margarita is topped with a Coronita, for a deliciously boozy treat you’ll love.
- Feel like customizing your own? The TCT Margarita is available on the rocks or frozen, and you can add your choice of mango, strawberry, watermelon, or pomegranate fruit flavors.
Margaritas ‘Smyrna’ Style
At The Corner Taqueria, we might not know the exact origins of the drink, but we do know great margaritas. If you’re in Smyrna Market Village, stop by and see us! We’ve got drink specials all week, including $5 Margarita Mondays! Our patio is perfect for outside dining in Smyrna Market Village, with plenty of room to spread out, and we’re open seven days a week, late on the weekend. Call, click, or check out our Facebook page for more info on events like Trivia Night!
