Tequila makes her clothes come off. Or, in my case, tequila makes her play drums at an open mic night even though she does not in fact play drums. Luckily, that was during MySpace days so that footage is gone with the wind. National Tequila Day is July 24 and what better way to celebrate than with tequila’s main chick and my personal favorite, the margarita. From Downtown, Uptown, Mid-City to Harrahan, I’ve got you covered on the best spots with the best margaritas to toast and salute this holiday, sans drums.
Araña | @arananola
If Magazine Street is your hang, Araña is a must. Try the Champagne Margarita-Limonada, made with Cointreau, Chinaco Blanco and topped with a mini bottle of bubbles. Delicious, and makes for a great pic on the ‘gram. Heat and sweet make magic with the Jalapeño Pineapple Cilantro Margarita. I’d be lying if I say I didn’t polish off a pitcher or two of their Deconstructed Margarita on more than a few occasions. Simple and to the point – with lime juice, agave nectar and Sauza tequila.
Day-of events: Regular happy hour from 3-7 p.m., half-price tacos and drinks.
Nacho Mama’s | @nachomamasmexicangrill
Nacho Mama’s Mama Mia Margarita may be one of my favorites in the city. Each marg is made with freshly squeezed lime, simple syrup, your choice of top-shelf tequila (I suggest Don Julio Añejo) and one of my favorite liqueurs, Grand Marnier. Oh I can feel the Grand Ma in my heart now. For those feeling adventurous, try the Top Taco Margarita made with basil simple syrup, fresh jalapeños, seasonal fruit and Hornitos Reposado. If you lean more toward the fruity side, the Sauza Watermelon Margarita was made for you, frozen or on the rocks. For the month of July, get their Top Shelf Watermelon Basil Margarita for just $9!
Day-of events: Two-for-one house margaritas! Tequila Tasting featuring Milagro Tequila from 7-9 p.m.. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation.
Juan’s Flying Burrito | @juansflyingburritonola
Every time I go to Juan’s, their House Rox Margarita is unbeatable. They never slight you on the liquor. One and done. For mezcal fans there’s the Silencio Margarita, made with Silencio Mezcal, Cointreau, pineapple and lemon sour. If the A/C in your house is like mine and is having trouble keeping up with this heat, refresh your mind, body, and soul with the Frozen Lemon Berry Margarita. It’s made with Lunazul Reposado, strawberry lemonade and sweet lime.
Day-of events: Regular happy hour from 2-7 p.m. Those killer house margaritas are a steal at five bucks for a double.
Nolé | @nolerestaurant
If I’m making margaritas at home, I’m using agave as my sweetener. Nolé and I have that in common. Keep it simple with the Classic Margarita made with tequila, agave and lime. Indulge the senses with their Hibiscus Margarita, made with hibiscus tea, Corazón Blanco, Cointreau and agave. The Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita is the perfect unexpected marriage made with Espolòn Blanco, Cointreau, agave and lime.
Day-of events: All day happy hour! For $60 bucks a pop enjoy a special four-course Patrón dinner and a Margarita 101 Class from 6:30-9 p.m.
Johnny Sanchez | @johnnysanchezrestaurant
Toasted coconut salt. Yes, it’s a real thing. The Oaxacan Sunrise Margarita is made with Cazadores Blanco, passionfruit, hibiscus, and a toasted coconut salt rim. The Frozen Watermelon Margarita is made with Cazadores Blanco, triple sec, fresh lime, watermelon, and sugar rim, It won’t fix your frizzy hair caused by this lovely humidity but it’ll make you care less about it.
Day-of events: All your money going toward your Entergy bill? I feel you. Celebrate with $2 house margaritas!
PSA: Don’t drink and drive kids. Jail is cold. Uber, Lyft, horse and buggy, call ya mom, or text your one sober friend to come scoop you in exchange for some chips and queso.
Cheers!
