National Margarita Day
February 22, 2027
About National Margarita Day
National Margarita Day is celebrated on 22 February each year in the United States, honouring one of the world’s most popular cocktails. The day brings together tequila enthusiasts, mixologists, and casual drinkers alike to raise a salt-rimmed glass to the classic combination of tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
How to Celebrate National Margarita Day
Whether you prefer yours frozen, on the rocks, or with a creative twist, there are plenty of ways to mark the occasion:
- Mix a classic margarita at home — Combine 60ml of tequila, 30ml of triple sec, and 30ml of fresh lime juice. Shake with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass, and garnish with a lime wheel. Simple, elegant, and timeless.
- Try a new flavour variation — Branch out from the classic recipe with mango, watermelon, jalapeño, or even hibiscus margaritas. Many bartenders and food bloggers share creative recipes online.
- Visit a local Mexican restaurant or bar — Many establishments offer special deals and limited-edition margarita recipes on National Margarita Day. Check ahead for promotions.
- Host a margarita tasting party — Invite friends over and have each person bring a different tequila or flavour ingredient. Blind-taste the results and vote for the best creation.
- Learn about tequila production — Explore how tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which takes 8 to 12 years to mature before harvest. Understanding the spirit’s origins adds depth to your appreciation of the cocktail.
- Make a non-alcoholic version — A “virgin margarita” or “mockarita” uses lime juice, agave syrup, and sparkling water for a refreshing alcohol-free alternative that everyone can enjoy.
- Pair your margarita with Mexican cuisine — Tacos, guacamole, ceviche, and enchiladas all complement the citrus and salt profile of a margarita beautifully.
- Share your creations online — Post your best margarita photos and recipes on social media using the National Margarita Day hashtags.
What is National Margarita Day?
National Margarita Day is an annual food and drink celebration that pays tribute to the margarita, the most popular tequila-based cocktail in the United States. The day encourages people to enjoy the drink responsibly, experiment with new recipes, and learn about the rich history behind this iconic cocktail. Restaurants, bars, and brands across the country typically mark the occasion with special promotions and events.
When is National Margarita Day?
National Margarita Day falls on Monday, 22 February 2027. It is observed on the same date every year.
The History of National Margarita Day
National Margarita Day was founded in 2008 by Todd McCalla, a commercial real estate agent from the United States who wanted to share his passion for margaritas and elevate the drink’s reputation beyond the frozen slushie stereotype. McCalla deliberately chose late February for the observance, reasoning that the grey, wintry days of the season could benefit from the sunny, summery spirit that margaritas evoke.
The history of the margarita itself is far older and considerably more disputed. Several figures have claimed to have invented the drink between the 1930s and 1940s. One of the most widely cited stories credits Carlos “Danny” Herrera, who allegedly created the cocktail in 1938 at his restaurant Rancho La Gloria in Tijuana, Mexico, for a customer named Marjorie King who was allergic to many spirits but could tolerate tequila. Another popular account attributes the drink to Dallas socialite Margarita Sames, who is said to have mixed it for guests at her holiday home in Acapulco in 1948.
Regardless of who truly deserves the credit, the margarita’s rise to prominence was swift. By December 1953, Esquire magazine had named it the “Drink of the Month.” In 1971, Dallas restaurateur Mariano Martinez adapted a soft-serve ice cream machine to produce frozen margaritas at his restaurant, an innovation so significant that the original machine was later acquired by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. If you enjoy National Tequila Day in July, National Margarita Day is its perfect complement earlier in the year.
Fun Facts About National Margarita Day
- Americans were consuming an estimated 185,000 margaritas per hour by 2008, according to industry reports at the time of the day’s founding.
- The margarita is consistently ranked as the most ordered cocktail in the United States, frequently topping annual bar industry surveys.
- Mariano Martinez’s frozen margarita machine, built in 1971, is housed in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
- The word “margarita” means “daisy” in Spanish, and some cocktail historians believe the drink evolved from an earlier cocktail called the Daisy, which used brandy instead of tequila.
- Blue agave, the plant from which tequila is distilled, takes between 8 and 12 years to reach maturity before it can be harvested.
- The largest margarita ever made held 10,500 US gallons (approximately 39,750 litres) and was created in Las Vegas in 2011.
Why National Margarita Day Matters
Beyond the enjoyment of a well-made drink, National Margarita Day celebrates the cultural exchange between the United States and Mexico that gave rise to one of the world’s most recognisable cocktails. The margarita represents a blending of Mexican tequila tradition with American bar culture, and its enduring popularity speaks to the power of simple, bold flavours. The day also supports the hospitality industry, with many restaurants and bars using the occasion to drive footfall during the quieter winter months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Margarita Day?
National Margarita Day is an annual celebration on 22 February honouring the margarita cocktail. It encourages responsible enjoyment, recipe experimentation, and appreciation of the drink’s history.
When is National Margarita Day in 2027?
National Margarita Day falls on Monday, 22 February 2027.
Who invented the margarita?
The exact origin is disputed. Leading candidates include Carlos “Danny” Herrera (1938, Tijuana) and Margarita Sames (1948, Acapulco), but no single inventor has been definitively confirmed.
Spread the Word
Raise a glass and share your favourite margarita recipes and photos on social media with #NationalMargaritaDay and #NationalMargaritaDay2027. Tag your friends and toast to this beloved cocktail!
Related Awareness Days
- National Tequila Day — Celebrated on 24 July, this day honours the spirit at the heart of every great margarita.
- World Cocktail Day — Observed on 13 May, this international event celebrates the art and culture of cocktail making worldwide.
- National Mojito Day — Another popular cocktail day on 11 July, celebrating the refreshing Cuban rum-based classic.
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