National Margarita Day is celebrated around the world every year on 22nd February.

HISTORY

This classic tequila cocktail was supposedly invented in 1948 by Dallas socialite Margarita Sames. The story goes that during a party at her cliffside hacienda in Acapulco, Margarita began experimenting. Looking for something to cut through the heat of a scorching afternoon, she mixed Tequila Herradura, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. It’s rumoured that her cocktail kept the party going for two weeks!

THEN AND NOW

While there are other stories linking the Margarita to everything from prohibition America to 1930s Mexican bartenders, today the Margarita remains one of the most popular cocktails in the world. We’re with everyone else – at Toast we’re huge fans of the incredible taste of this delicious mix of tequila, Cointreau and lime. But first, selecting the right tequilas.

THE HOUSE OF TEQUILA

Keeping great tequila in the same family, the Casa Herradura distillery was founded in Mexico in 1870, and now produces tequilas under the Herradura and el Jimador labels (the latter is the best-selling tequila in Mexico, which says a lot). Here's our selection of the top tequilas for making margaritas...

EL JIMADOR BLANCO

This young, fresh tequila is made with 100% hand-harvested blue agave, and has aromas and flavours of citrus, fruits, spices and herbs, with a warm and spicy finish.

EL JIMADOR REPOSADO

Given a two month siesta in American oak barrels, this golden tequila delivers smells and tastes of vanilla, toasted wood, fruits, spices and toasted hazelnut, with a soft and warming finish.

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HERRADURA PLATA

A slightly sweet, high quality silver tequila with notes of fruit, vanilla and woody oak, and a smooth, clean finish.

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HERRADURA REPOSADO

The world’s first Reposado tequila, this special sip is “rested” in oak barrels for 11 months, to give it sweet and smooth vanilla and butter flavours and aromas, plus scents of spices and fruits. Herradura Reposado has a smooth and sweet finish with a touch of spice.

Now you’ve discovered the back-story, select your favourite from the above tequilas – and get cracking on making yourself a Classic Margarita, recipe below…