February 22 marks National Margarita Day, which means it’s time to shake things up a bit.
The Mexico-hailing cocktail is traditionally made with a mixture of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice, and served with a salt rim on the glass.
That being said, tradition isn't everything, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants around the capital that offer the Latin American classic with something a little different.
When life gives you limes, make margaritas, so here are some of the best places to celebrate.
Toloache at Mezcal Cantina
“Toloache” is the name of a flowering plant used in Mexican love potions. With gold tequila, Triple Sec, hibiscus, fresh berries and rose liquor, this is one seductive cocktail.
£8.20, 16A Stoke Newington Church Street, N16, mezcalcantinabar.com
Margarita at Cafe Pacifico
At London’s oldest Mexican restaurant, margaritas are made with either Ocho Blanco or Ocho Reposado tequila, and can be enjoyed as a salt rimmed single serving or from a party-starting pitcher.
5 Langley Street, WC2H, cafe-pacifico.com
I’m Kinda Hot at Cantina Laredo
There’s a bit of a kick to this spicy Covent Garden concoction. Habaneros are rated up to 350,000 on the Scoville scale, so this green habanero infused 1800 Silver tequila with Cointreau, guava and lime is not for the faint hearted. Wash it down with one of Cantina’s famous Great Eight Guacamoles.
£10.50, 10 Upper St Martin’s Lane, WC2H, cantinalaredo.co.uk
Margarita at Cabana Brixton
Sometimes you want to keep it simple. The margarita at modern Brazil inspired Cabana is a modest mix of tequila, orange liqueur and lime.
£8.95, 201-207 Ferndale Road, SW9, cabana-brasil.com
Margarita Latina at Salvador and Amanda
With candlelight, tapas and Flamenco, this Spanish bar in Bloomsbury lets you immerse yourself in your margarita. This incarnation adds a dose of Latin heart in the form of a passion fruit syrup.
£9.50, 1 Vernon Place, WC1A, salvadorandamanda.com/bloomsbury
