Nowadays, it seems as if there’s a holiday for everything. Some are more mundane than others (National Cabbage Day? Who knew?), but nothing begs to be honored quite like tequila’s most celebrated shaken concoction: the margarita. Technically, Cinco de Mayo does it justice, but if ever there was a perfect primer, February 22 would be it. Appease your inner margarita aficionado by heading to one (or all) of New York City’s top National Margarita Day destinations.
Here are the winning 5 AND our top 4 Margarita recipes:
1. Platinum Margarita Margherita Pizza | Bodega Negra at Dream Downtown
(in collaboration with Patrón)
Photo by Wes Tarca
It’s about time someone dreamed up a dish to mirror the drink of the day. Patrón and Dream Downtown’s cantina-style cocktail den Bodega Negra have joined forces to create a margarita-inspired edible masterpiece in pizza form, inspired by the tequila brand’s classic margarita and brought to life by Chef Michael Armstrong. The pizza infuses two top shelf expressions, Gran Patrón Platinum and Burdeos, and features a symmetrical mélange of luxe toppings like Osetra caviar, glazed lobster, black truffles, and more. The experience will run you a cool $500 (worth it given the caliber of the tequila and ingredients) and is available through 2/22 only. As for the potable margaritas, those are available all year round.
2. Organic Casa Noble Crystal Margarita | Dos Caminos
As if we’d expect anything less from Dos Caminos on this important holiday, the city’s numerous locations are coming together to keep the party going all night. Expect prizes, giveaways, tacos, and of course, margaritas. Standard menu prices will be in effect, however the Dos Caminos classic organic margarita featuring Casa Noble Crystal along with agave and lime juice takes the spotlight.
3. All-Day Happy Hour | Añejo
TriBeCa’s Mexican-inspired darling will be a prime downtown destination on National Margarita Day given its all-day happy hour ($8 margaritas). The Hell’s Kitchen location will also be offering the same deal, so head to either for a classic or one of its more inventive cousins (the avocado version is totally tempting).
4. Something Wicked | Tapestry
Tequila’s often smoky cousin, mezcal, is having a moment, particularly in cocktails that bring out its floral qualities from underneath the salinity. This riff on a true margarita speaks to those with a penchant for heat, and it features a spicy pink sangrita along with lime, pineapple, and smoked salt. Regular menu pricing.
5. Tommy’s Margarita | The Palm Court at The Plaza
The Plaza Hotel is iconic in its own right, but while it might seem odd to sip anything besides champagne beneath the shade of a thousand fronds, The Palm Court overcomes its old-school stigma and consistently churns out cool, well-executed cocktails. Opt for the classic Tommy’s Margarita (Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime, and agave). Regular menu pricing.
And last but not least, a Rolodex of recipes to make for those planning to party it up big at home:
Imperial Margarita | The Anderson Bar, Miami
1oz Mandarine Napoléon
2oz 100% agave tequila
1oz fresh lime juice
.5oz agave nectar
Shake all ingredients and strain into a margarita glass or over fresh ice in a rocks glass. Garnish the rim with salt and a lime wheel or wedge.
Cadillac Margarita | Galaxy Taco, San Francisco
2oz Cimarron Reposado tequila
1.5oz fresh lime
1oz agave
.5oz Mandarine Napoléon float
Add tequila, lime, and agave to an iced shaker; shake and strain into a rocks glass over additional ice. Pour Mandarine Napoléon slowly on a bar spoon against the inner side of the glass to control float.
Cucumber Margarita | The Roof at Viceroy New York, Central Park
5 cucumber wheels
1.5oz Casamigos Blanco
0.75oz fresh lime juice
0.5oz Cointreau
0.5oz simple syrup
Muddle cucumber with simple syrup and lime juice. Combine all ingredients in an iced mixing glass. Shake and strain over fresh ice; garnish with cucumber slices.
Montresor’s Concoction | Nox Cocktail Lounge, Rochester, NY
Photo by VickyWasik Photo
1.5oz Soltado tequila
1oz fresh lime juice
1oz Amontillado sherry
.5oz Farmer Homer’s Sweet Sweet Syrup
Combine all ingredients in a shaker and add ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over new ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.