What do hard hats have to do with National Margarita Day?!

According to the article “The History of the Margarita and How to Make it Right” by Kara Newman, one story claims the drink was created in 1938 by Carlos Herrera who mixed the drink for a showgirl named Marjorie King. 
 

“Supposedly, Tequila was the only alcohol King would abide, so Herrera added lime juice and salt.” 

Others say a Texas socialite named Margaret Sames mixed the first drink at a house party in Mexico during 1948 – whereas, yet another more famous name (Rita Hayworth – whose real name was Margarita Casino) was the real origin behind the drink.  (I would have kept Margarita Casino as my stage name – it sounds amazing!)

A margarita is, according to Wikipedia, “a cocktail consisting of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice often served with salt on the rim of the glass.  The drink is served shaken with ice, blended with ice or without ice!”

The word ‘margarita’ means ‘daisy’ in Spanish – so I suppose after a few, on a hot summer day, you could pull a flower from your garden and pluck each petal to discover if he loves you or loves you not!  Just try not to do this in Manhattan, New York where apparently the most expensive margarita was sold for $1,200 (US dollars of course).  In 2013, 230 Fifth Rooftop Bar & Penthouse Lounge used tequila costing $1,800 per bottle and ice made from $450 bottles of Lois Roederer Cristal Champagne.  The drink was poured into a Ralph Lauren hand-blown Hungarian crystal glass which you could take home afterward… hmmm if we bring back the glass is there a choice between a refund or free refill?

While you contemplate the best margarita to get you through the rest of February, here is a recipe for a fairly classic (and reasonably priced) margarita. 

Oh, yes, the hard hat picture… well – after a few of these you may want to wear one to protect your head when you stumble. 
 

Single Margarita

1 ½ ounce tequila

1 ounce orange liqueur (ex: Cointreau or Grand Marnier or Triple Sec)

¾ ounce lime juice

Ice & lime wedge

Coarse salt

Creation

Rim your glass with the lime wedge and dip the rim in coarse salt to coat the rim, then set aside.  In a cocktail shaker, add the tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice.  Shake vigorously, at least 5 times over your shoulder (make sure the lid is on securely).  Fill your rimmed glass with ice and pour your mixture over the ice.  Enjoy immediately with an extra lime wedge for garnish.