3 Mini-menus for National Margarita Day
Arguably the most popular late winter fake holiday
It’s no secret at my house that I love margaritas. And when I found out margaritas had their own “holiday,” I was VERY excited!
If you’re as excited as I am, mark your calendar (every February 22), and read on for ideas on how to celebrate.
First, a little back story…
A very short history of margaritas
It turns out that between 1938 and 1945 many, many bartenders from Tijuana to Ensenada to Dallas took credit for creating the margarita. And with so many varieties, they might all be right!
The origins of National Margarita Day are similarly shrouded in mystery, although it appears to have started sometime in the 1990s. What really matters is that it’s here now.
You’re probably wondering…
Are margaritas a health food?
In a word, no.
But…
- Lime juice offers a punch of vitamin C
- 100 percent blue agave tequila is gluten-free (good news for those with gluten sensitivity)
- Tequila is a digestive aid, helping cut the fat in rich meals
In fact, my mother-in-law always insists I have a shot of tequila before I eat Mexican food. And honestly, I’ve never gotten sick, so it must work. Right?
Now that we’re chock-full of margarita trivia, it’s time for what this pseudo-holiday is all about…
Bring on the food and drinks!
A note on the options below:
- If you’re like David – Follow this option if, like my husband David, you’re experienced in the kitchen and enjoy doing things the right way, even if takes time.
- If you’re like me – Follow this option if, like me, you want to get in and out of the kitchen with as little fuss and time as possible.
Mini-menu #1
If you’re like David, this is the menu for you.
Mole chicken sliders
Ingredients
- 1 roasted chicken
- 1/2 cup Dona Maria mole paste
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Dinner rolls
Directions
- Pull chicken meat off bones and shred into bite-sized pieces. Put meat into a pan.
- Whisk mole and chicken stock together.
- Add enough mole to the chicken so the mixture holds together, but not so much that it’s soupy.
- Warm chicken mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Slice dinner rolls and fill with chicken. Serve warm.
Cadillac margaritas
Ingredients
- Lime
- Rock salt
- Ice
- Tequila
- Cointreau
- Simple syrup
- Grand Marnier
Directions
- Moisten the rim of two margarita glasses with a slice of fresh lime, then dip the rims in rock salt. Set aside.
- Put ice into a clean cloth (such as a napkin or dish towel), gather the cloth edges tightly, and hit ice against a hard surface until crushed just the way you like it.
- Put ice into a cocktail shaker, with 2 shots of tequila, 1 shot of Cointreau, 1 shot of simple syrup, and the juice of two limes. Shake to blend and pour carefully into glasses. Take care to avoid the salt as you pour.
- Gently pour half a shot of Grand Marnier onto the top of each drink and serve.
Salud!
Mini-menu #2
If you’re like me, this simple celebration may be just your speed.
David’s favorite potato chips
When David was in junior high, he and the other students would run outside after school to buy snacks from the food vendor who sold treats–like these chips–from the back of his motorcycle.
Ingredients
Directions
Spread a layer of regular potato chips on a plate. Top the chips with a squeeze of fresh lime juice, then sprinkle on the hot sauce and Tajin to taste.
Palomas
Okay, this obviously isn’t a margarita, but if I have to mix the drink myself, this is what will be served.
Ingredients
- Ice
- Lime
- Tequila
- Squirt soda
Directions
Fill a tall glass with ice, then add the juice of 1 lime and 1 shot of tequila. Fill remainder of glass with Squirt. Stir gently and serve.
Cheers!
Mini-menu #3
If you want a fiesta with no effort, pick up this party on the way home…
Mexican take-out
Come on, you probably know what you want already.
Pre-made margaritas
These days, you can find canned and bottled ready-to-drink margaritas at your local grocery store. If you want to dress it up, pour it over ice in fancy glasses, like these from Novica. Otherwise, just open and enjoy. Bottoms up!
How are you celebrating? Tag your pics with #nationalmargaritaday to share the fun!
Be smart: Do drink in moderation. Don’t drink and drive.
National Margarita Day merch
Suit up with one of these fun tees:
Must-have bar tools:
Serve it up in style:
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