To celebrate National Margarita Day, here are 6 amazing margaritas -- that aren’t at Mexican restaurants
Happy National Margarita Day! This story first ran last May, but has been updated for current menus by CharlotteFive staff. Social media will be a minefield of photos today sure to have you craving an icy margarita before noon. But before you go running to your favorite local Mexican watering hole, here are some options that may be a little outside the norm.
Don’t despair. We’ve found six tasty drinks set to give you your tequila-and-citrus fix — and you won’t have to fight through the crowds at the Mexican restaurants.
(1) Tupelo Honey-Margarita at Tupelo Honey.
The traditional cocktail gets a modern twist with the addition of Tupelo Honey-liqueur, house-made sweet and sour, and a chili-salt rim to its El Jimador Silver tequila.
Perfect pairing: Order the pimento cheese nachos, drink this tasty margarita and thank me later.
(2) Horny Toad at Heist Brewery.
Sure, Cholula hot sauce may not be the first ingredient you think of for your margarita. But this version at Heist, which also includes Hornitos tequila, jalapeno agave syrup, elderflower liqueur and fresh sour mix, is one of the restaurant’s most popular drinks for a good reason: Its spicy-meets-floral flavor is unusual — and addictive.
Perfect pairing: The brewery’s chili con queso served with ancho chili corn chips rivals any in town.
(3) The Viper at 5Church.
The secret ingredient in this sophisticated take on a margarita is the fresh cucumber water. The drink features all the usual suspects — Patron, Cointreau, Combier orange liqueur and lime — but then gets a creative twist with the cucumber and a light sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Perfect pairing: Try the Ahi Tuna Poke from the late night menu, with avocado, serrano chilies and pineapple. Its bright flavors are almost as refreshing as the drink.
(4) Bella Rossa at Stagioni.
OK, we know an Italian restaurant for a margarita feels like a long shot. But one sip of this colorful drink made with Don Julio Blanco, blood orange liquor and shrub, and grapefruit juice, and you’ll understand.
Perfect pairing: This probably won’t come as a shock to anyone who has indulged in late night eating after some ill-advised shots, but tequila pairs well with pizza. The simple pepperoni and sausage version here is best with this drink.
(5) Strawberry Cilantro Margarita at The Improper Pig.
This margarita is made with house infused strawberry Tito’s, as well as house made sour mix. The cilantro pairs perfectly with the fruity notes from the strawberry.
Perfect pairing: Continue the global flavor fusion theme with the Asian shrimp tacos made with Korean barbecue sauce.
(6) The Evelyn at Workman’s Friend.
via Workman’s Friend
Snag a seat at the bar and order this perfect elixir to remind you of some warm summer weather. Made with watermelon basil infused tequila, jalapeno agave, fresh lime and orange juice, this is summer served in a cup.
Perfect pairing: They’re not nachos, but the salty bag of chips served with a malt vinegar aioli may permanently convert you to the Irish take on the pre-meal snack.
Video: Queen City Weekend
Photos: Courtesy of 5Church, Stagioni, Workman’s Friend and Sarah Crosland
This story was originally published February 21, 2018 at 8:00 PM with the headline "To celebrate National Margarita Day, here are 6 amazing margaritas -- that aren’t at Mexican restaurants."