Top bars + restaurants for National Margarita Week
While February 22 is National Margarita Day, many Torontonians are celebrating the famed tequila, triple sec and lime libation all week long.
Said to have been invented in the 1930s or 40s, the frozen version didn’t come along until the 1970s (a bartender converted a soft serve ice cream machine!). The tequila-based cocktail, served on the rocks or frozen, continues in popularity.
Here are a few places to raise your glass this week:
1566 Queen St. W.
Toronto, ON
Parkdale’s P&L is honouring the holiday along with Guest Bartender Week.
On Friday February 24, Jess Milli will be showcasing her mixology skills, and on Saturday February 25, Chantelle Gabino and Joshua Leblanc will be behind the bar, serving up all kinds of wicked margaritas made with Tequila Tromba.
133 Jefferson Ave.
Toronto, ON
The Liberty Village resto offers two Margarita selections - one with Jimador ($9) blended with lime and ice, and the other, made with José Cuervo Tradicional Silver ($10) blended with lime and ice.
Come hungry – Maizal’s affordable, not-to-be-missed fare is all made from scratch: from the maize seeds they plant to milling the grain, kneading the masa and pressing the tortillas themselves.
488 Wellington St. W.
Toronto, ON
Beneath Marben Restaurant lies a hidden gem - a magical bar that transports you to another time and place.
On Wednesday February 22, starting at 6pm, the Cloak Bar is holding an exclusive cocktail hour with hosts Aaron Male and Nishan Nepulongoda. Cocktails and snacks will be on hand, including $5 Patron Margaritas.
9 Church St.
Toronto, ON
Newcomer El Local Loco Taberna Mexican is a festive spot featuring upscale Mexican fare made with local ingredients and traditional flavours, Mexican street art , and of course – tequila.
So naturally a long list of Margaritas (2 oz) made their way onto the cocktail list.
A flight of 3 Mini Margaritas made with Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo tequilas pairs perfectly with Tacos ($4-$9).
The Loco ($13) and Tommy ($11) stay true to the original recipe, while Grande ($13) Muscavado ($13) and Pimms ($13 - Reposado, Pimms, fresh lime juice, agave syrup) offer twists on the classic.
The Smokin’ Skull for Two ($30) however, takes it up a notch, with aged tequila, lime juice, pure agave syrup, infused with hickory and mesquite.
2 Follis Ave.
Toronto, ON
The Mexican snack bar is the ideal spot to savour a margarita made with Tromba Blanco, agave syrup, fresh lime juice, and salt rim finish.
Paired with an array of tacos ($7.50-$9), Chorizo Y Nopales ($11) with pickled cactus, and Ensalada ($8) of roasted squash & sweet potato, corn, pickled cactus, pumpkin & pomegranate seeds, salsa verde, it’s just a given the festivities will last all week.