February 22 is National Margarita Day and in honor of the tequila, lime juice and agave nectar concoction, here is some trivia and a few etiquette tips to go along with the sometimes tart, sometimes spicy beverage. Why not have a margarita celebration to add some cheer to the start of your week.
National Margarita Day
Favorite Happy Hour Drink
It’s 5:00 somewhere and according to a recent survey, 33% of Americans enjoy their margarita on the rocks while 67% prefer them frozen.
Glassware
A margarita glass is nice but not necessary. If you do decide to serve your beverage in a margarita glass, hold it by the stem to keep the drink from getting warm too fast. A shorter, wider glass (also known as a low ball glass) may also be used and allows for easy muddling of the ingredients.
Salt vs. No Salt
Salt is a gold standard when it comes to preparing a margarita. However, over-licking the rim or using your fingers to move the salt around is distracting and somewhat unsightly. It’s polite to sip from the side of the glass, rotating the glass as you drink to get a taste of salt with each sip. Some people prefer a spicier chili salt, others like it with fruity zest and others like it plain. There is no right or wrong when it comes to personal preference.
When preparing the drink at home, salt the rims evenly but don’t oversalt, moistening the rim of the glass with a wedge of lime before dipping the rim into the salt. Table salt tends to get clumpy and messy. Kosher salt or sea salt is a better option.
If someone has salt on their face, it’s courteous to let them know immediately!
Straws
By all means, you may use a straw for your margarita. Ensure it’s the right size and doesn’t fall apart before the drink is finished (avoid using a flimsy paper straw).
Flavorful Additions
- Pineapple chunks
- Strawberries for muddling
- Fresh jalapeño slices
- Mint, basil, seasonal herbs of your choice
Tequila vs. Vodka
Tequila is the main ingredient in a margarita but some people use vodka instead. Some tried and true margarita loves may scoff but if you are out of Tequila, it’s a good alternative. The other ingredients stay the same.
Simple Recipe:
- 1 to 2 ounces tequila or vodka
- ½ ounce agave syrup
- ½ to 1 ounce orange liqueur
- Salted rim
- Lime wedge
Host Etiquette
When entertaining, a good host always offers other beverages such as soda, tea, bottled water and even a “mocktail” of the alcoholic version. Always provide plenty of food to go with your alcoholic beverages.
Best Foods to Serve with a Margarita
- Shrimp cocktail
- Ceviche
- Fajitas
- Tacos
- Enchiladas
- Basically, anything that you enjoy!
What’s your favorite way to enjoy a Margarita and what are your go-to foods?
You may also like Creating a Thoughtful Cocktail Menu. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on Huff Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter. Buy her new book, Modern Etiquette for a Better Life.
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