This February 22 is National Margarita Day: History, Origins & the Original Margarita Recipe

February 22, 2026 is National Margarita Day a holiday that gives us a delicious excuse to raise a glass, savor a sip, and celebrate one of the most iconic cocktails in the world.

Whether you prefer yours classic and zesty, on the rocks, frozen, spicy, or paired with a taco, margaritas have a rich history worth toasting to.

Where Did the Margarita Come From?

The exact origin of the margarita isn’t perfectly documented legends swirl almost as much as lime juice in a shaker but most historians agree the margarita was born in Mexico in the early 20th century.

Here are the most popular origin stories:

1. The Daisy Theory

One of the earliest ancestors of the margarita was a drink called a “Daisy” (margarita in Spanish), made with brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon juice.
When tequila became more popular, bartenders began swapping in tequila for brandy and the modern margarita was born.

2. The Tijuana Story

Another version places the margarita’s origin in Tijuana, Mexico, in the late 1930s or early 1940s. Supposedly, a customer requested a drink made with tequila, lime, and Cointreau and that combo became the first margarita.

3. The Texan Connection

A third story credits a Dallas socialite named Margarita Sames, who reportedly mixed the drink for her guests at a party in 1948. One guest was a bartender who took the recipe and helped popularize it nationwide.

So… What’s the Truth?

Like any great cocktail legend, the exact origin is probably a mix of fact and lore. But one thing is clear:

The margarita as we know it tequila, lime, orange liqueur took shape in the 1930s–1940s and quickly became a favorite on both sides of the border.

What Makes a Classic Margarita?

At its heart, a margarita is all about balance:

Tequila the spirit base

Orange liqueur – sweetness + depth
Fresh lime juice – acidity + brightness
No fancy syrups, no mystery mixers – just clean, bright flavor that pairs beautifully with tacos, chips and salsa, or a warm evening breeze.

The Original Margarita Recipe

Here’s the version most commonly cited as the “classic” and the one we still celebrate today.

🍸 Classic Margarita (Serves 1)

Ingredients

• 2 oz tequila (blanco is traditional)
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz orange liqueur (Cointreau or triple sec)
• Ice

Optional: salt for the rim
Lime wedge, for garnish

How to Make It

• Rim the glass (optional).
  Run a lime wedge around the rim and dip into salt.
• Shake it up.
  Add tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur to a shaker with ice.
• Shake for 10–15 seconds until well-chilled.
• Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
• Garnish with a lime wedge.

Sip slowly, smile often.

Raise Your Glass on February 22

Whether you’re keeping it classic or exploring a new variation, National Margarita Day is a reminder that great drinks like great meals bring people together.

Here’s to the margarita:
simple, balanced, timeless.