During these days of warmth and sunshine, it's hard to resist daydreaming about basking on a sandy beach, with a refreshing margarita in hand...
At Lolo, we're passionate about uncovering the stories behind Mexican icons, which is why are thrilled to delve into the fascinating origins of one of the most beloved cocktails of all time: the margarita. So, take a moment to imagine yourself in a tropical paradise, let your taste buds anticipate the delightful flavors, and join us as we uncover the captivating history behind this iconic drink. And stay tuned until the end where we give you a simple, 5-minute Strawberry Frozen Margarita recipe that will please all crowds!
Whenever we think of a signature Mexican drink, our minds go straight to a margarita. But, did you know that the margarita, with its tangy and tantalizing taste, has a story as intriguing as the flavors it embodies? Though the exact birthplace of the margarita has sparked debates and remains shrouded in mystery, it is a signature cocktail hailed as one of the top ten most consumed cocktails globally, capturing the imaginations of cocktail enthusiasts around the world.
All to Please Marjorie King
One of the most solid versions traces the origins back to Carlos Daniel "Danny" Herrera, a renowned bartender from the 1940s. According to an interview with Danny Herrera by Los Angeles Times in 1991, the tale begins with a chance encounter between the bartender and a beautiful woman named Marjorie King. Marjorie, as fate would have it, had a unique predicament—she was allergic to everything except tequila. Determined to satisfy her taste buds, Herrera embarked on a journey of experimentation.
Herrera blended three parts of white tequila, two parts of Cointreau liqueur, and one part of lemon juice in a shaker. He added crushed ice, gave it a good stir, and elegantly presented the concoction in a glass rimmed with a tantalizing combination of lemon juice and salt.
From the very first sip, Marjorie fell head over heels for this new creation, and the rest, as they say, is history. In a touching tribute, Herrera named the drink "Margarita," as it aptly translates to "Marjorie" in Spanish. This marvelous libation was brought to life at Rancho La Gloria, a restaurant bar nestled between Tijuana and Rosarito. Similarly, other versions of the tale suggest that Marjorie King herself had a hand in its creation during her tenure at the very same hotel.
Another tale about the origin of this drink revolves around the vivacious Margarita Sames, a socialite whose extravagant parties were the talk of Acapulco in the late 1940s. It was during one such soirée that Margarita decided to experiment with her favorite spirit, tequila, in search of a signature cocktail that would leave her guests astounded. Mixing tequila, freshly squeezed lime juice, and the delightful orange essence of Cointreau, Margarita Sames crafted a drink that became an instant sensation among her friends, who eagerly spread the word about this tantalizing elixir.
Is the Margarita not Mexican?
Amongst the rich history and controversy surrounding the origin of the beloved margarita, there are even tales that challenge its Mexican origin. Some say that it wasn't born south of the border but rather in Galveston, Texas or even in San Diego, California!
Take, for example, the intriguing story of Pancho Morales, shared in an interview digitized by Texas Monthly. Pancho, a skilled bartender, claimed to have invented the Margarita in the summer of 1942 at Tommy's Place on Juarez Avenue in El Paso, Texas. With a creative spirit, he would whip up new cocktails for his customers. Until one day a patron requested the magnolia, which he did not remembered how to make. Pancho, proud and determined not to admit defeat, improvised using the same ingredients using tequila instead of gin. When asked, he said he thought they were asking for a "margarita," the Spanish word for daisy, which he connected it to the magnolia flower. The customer loved it, and soon, others were asking about this intriguing drink.
Strawberry Frozen Margarita
While the exact origins may remain a matter of debate, there's no denying the impact the margarita has had on cocktail culture and here at Lolo, we have an extra special treat for you all – our personal recipe for a luscious Strawberry Frozen Margarita, a delightful twist on the classic passed down to us by Manuel’s Tía Marina!
Now, let's get down to business and shake up some strawberry-infused magic. Trust us, once you try this recipe, it'll become your go-to drink for sunny afternoons, festive gatherings, or simply whenever you're in need of a refreshing escape to the flavors of Mexico. So, gather your ingredients and let's embark on a journey of taste and tradition together.
A few notes:
1- When crafting the perfect margarita, the texture is just as important as the flavors. That's why we've incorporated frozen limeade into our recipe. This addition lends a smooth, creamy consistency to the drink, reminiscent of a tropical paradise. And what's a margarita without a touch of sweetness? Fresh strawberries provide that delectable sweetness you crave, adding a natural burst of flavor without the need for artificial syrup.
2- This recipe excludes triple sec, a common ingredient in many margaritas because of its orange-flavor, because we understand that it might not be a staple in some households. If you happen to have it on hand, feel free to include it for an extra layer of citrus complexity and to remain true to the original recipe. However, we include it as an optional element as we’ve found this works just as well without it! Additionally, frozen orange slices/juice can also contribute to the luscious texture we seek, much like the limeade, and can be a great element if you follow these instructions for a margarita mocktail.
Mocktail option: With a few simple modifications, this strawberry frozen margarita can be transformed into a delightful margarita mocktail, perfect for those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative, and even to share with the kids! To create a virgin version, omit the tequila and triple sec from the ingredients list. Instead, focus on the vibrant flavors of fresh and frozen strawberries combined with the zesty punch of frozen limeade. If you decide to serve both options, remember to do the alcohol-free version first so that you don’t have to wash the blender in between!
Margarita recipe:
Makes approximately 6 cups
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups frozen limeade
- 1/2 cup tequila (plus an additional 1/4 cup, if needed)
- 2 cups of Ice cubes
- Optional: 2 tablespoons of triple sec
- Optional: Salt, sugar, or chili powder (you know we love our tajin) for rimming the glass
- Optional: Lime slices or fresh strawberries, for garnish
Instructions:
- Begin by riming your margarita glasses with salt, sugar, or chili powder. Moisten the rim with a lime wedge, then dip it into your chosen rimming ingredient. Do this in bulk and as a first step to prevent the mixture from melting. Set the glasses aside.
- In a blender, combine the frozen limeade, triple sec (optional) fresh strawberries, frozen strawberries and ice cubes to the blender and blend until the mixture turns into a thick, slushy delight.
- Take a moment to taste the mixture and adjust its strength to your preference. This is where you can determine the average strength of your margarita. If you desire a bit more kick, add an additional 1/4 cup of tequila and blend again.
- Now, it's time to pour the velvety margarita mixture into your rimmed glasses, allowing your taste buds to anticipate the refreshing bliss to come.
- For an extra touch of presentation, garnish each glass with a lime slice or a fresh strawberry.
- Serve immediately and savor every sip of your homemade strawberry frozen margarita, letting the flavors transport you to a sun-kissed beach paradise.
Margaritas have become ambassadors of Mexican culture, and its creation history is as captivating as the drink itself. Celebrated with events like International Margarita Day on February 22nd, or the World Margarita Championship in Arizona, it's clear that this beloved cocktail has captured the hearts of people around the globe. At Lolo, we hope that delving into the origins of this drink has left you feeling inspired to raise a glass and embark on your own margarita-making adventures.
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Tell us, will you be making a margarita using Tía Marina’s strawberry margarita recipe? How about the mocktail? Is this something you liked we included? We would love to hear about your experiences and any other recipes you would like us to share. Join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments below. You know your feedback means the world to us and can't wait to connect with you.
And as we wrap up this blog post, we invite you to explore the essence of Mexico even further by decorating your home with exquisite Vidrio Soplado from Tonalá, Jalisco—the very land where tequila originates. These handmade treasures showcase the artistry of Mexican craftsmanship and will elevate your margarita-drinking experience to new heights. Shop our store to discover a collection of Mexican handmade goods that will add a touch of authenticity and beauty to your home.
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