Margaritas: How This Iconic Drink Might Have Mexican Roots Instead.
A salted rim, a refreshing lime kick, and that perfect tequila blend—margaritas are the ultimate go-to cocktail for Tex-Mex feasts and summer nights. While they’re often associated with Texas, their true origins may lie south of the border in Mexico.
Like any great cocktail, the margarita’s history is muddled with legend. Several people claim to have invented it, but the most compelling stories trace its roots back to Mexico in the 1930s and 1940s.
The Tijuana Theory – Some believe the margarita evolved from the "Daisy" (margarita in Spanish), a popular Prohibition-era cocktail made with brandy, citrus, and a splash of soda.
When American tourists flooded Mexico looking for alcohol, bartenders may have swapped brandy for tequila, creating a new classic.
The Showgirl Story – Another tale credits Carlos "Danny" Herrera, a Tijuana bartender who, in the 1930s, crafted the drink for showgirl Marjorie King, who was allegedly allergic to all alcohol except tequila.
While Mexico may have created the margarita, Texas made it famous. By the 1950s, it was a staple in Texan bars, and in 1971, Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez revolutionized the drink by inventing the frozen margarita machine.
Whether born in Mexico or perfected in Texas, the margarita is a symbol of cross-border flavor. With its smooth tequila base and tangy lime twist, it remains one of the most beloved cocktails worldwide—cheers to that!
Whether born in Mexico or perfected in Texas, the margarita is a symbol of cross-border flavor. With its smooth tequila base and tangy lime twist, it remains one of the most beloved cocktails worldwide—cheers to that!