Si la vida te da limones, pídete tequila!
The margarita is a libation that exudes playfulness, sexiness, and cultural representation. Its origin story differs depending on who is telling the story, but the truth is, no one really knows. What you can be sure of is that whoever decided to make tequila or mezcal the soul of a cocktail, well, we salute them. For a personal look at my first introduction to margaritas, it begin when I was a thirteen year-old girl going to eat Mexican food at my mom’s favorite spot, Los Amigos. A family-owned restaurant and bar off of the 118 Freeway, it was basically our Cheers (where everyone knew our names). Welcomed with an, “Hola Nancy y Aurora!”, we sat in the same booth—our booth, just me and my mom—had the same servers, the owners came by, without fail, to hug my mom and deliver the greatest snack ever invented: tortilla chips and salsa. It was a time when being sat in”our” booth while inhaling free chips and salsa—plus the order of guacamole my mom simply wouldn’t do without—seemed like the greatest gift a kid could ask for. It was a dive sort of a restaurant with deep garnet booths and 1980s wood all around, but what really sealed the deal was when my mom would order a blended strawberry margarita and the bartender would always (and I do mean always) bring me a virgin margarita so I could imbibe like an underaged champ. That one moment signaled a lifelong love of margaritas, though as time went on, my palate expanded as have the many variations on this classic.
We reached out to our hospitality experts at Auberge Resorts Collection to give us the lowdown on eight creative and delightful twists on the classic margarita.
Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection’s Che Che offers a harmonious blend of Japanese and Mexican flavors and techniques, and the newly revamped beverage program, creatively directed by Jeff Bell, an award-winning mixologist, and owner of New York City’s beloved speakeasy Please Don’t Tell, in collaboration with our Head Mixologist Eduardo Guerrero, is the epitome of that. For a bright take on the margarita, sip on the “Lion’s Den,” with Japanese Shishito elevating the green flavors of the blanco tequila and concluding with a subtle spice from the togarashi salt blended rim. Savor the “Lion’s Den” along with other bright cocktails at Che Che.
“Lion’s Den, a signature cocktail at Che Che, is emblematic of what the casual Japex restaurant at Etereo is all about: the pairing of Japanese techniques and flavors with Mexican ingredients. Boasting an earthy tequila blanco, tart limon for a citrus twist, and chartreuse amarillo, which brings the light yet lingering sweetness essential to any margarita, this cocktail is both balanced and tangy. The shishito pepper and togarashi are the stars of the libation, paying homage to the Japanese flavors found at Che Che.”
— Eduardo Guerrero + Eddie Garcia, Etéreo
Santa Fe’s legendary landmark re-imagined, Bishop’s Lodge, Auberge Resorts Collection, invites tequila lovers to indulge in the “Holy Margarita” at The Bar. A delectable combination of tequila rosa, hatch chile, apricot, spicy agave, lime, and sal de gusano, the Holy Margarita is the signature drink at Bishop’s Lodge, surprising Santa Feans with a complex and delicious flavor with every sip.
“The Holy Margarita stands out in a crowd with its glowing golden apricot hue. Apricots are part of the history of this property. Bishop Lamy planted fruit trees on this land in the late 1800s, apples, pears, and several apricot trees. If you drive around the Bishop’s Lodge neighborhood in the late spring, you’re likely to find a neighbor with a heavy-limbed apricot tree, bursting with fruit and ready to pick. Apricot trees are all over this town, if you look closely. I’ve foraged apricots from the tree at the place where I take my dry cleaning (with permission, of course).
More than just looks, this drink has personality, and it is delicious. We use a house-made spiced apricot puree, made with a hint of Chimayo Chile, and add it to a beautifully balanced cocktail made from Codigo Rosa Tequila, which has been aged in Napa Cabernet Barrels. The glass is rimmed with Sal de Gusano, which adds an unexpected savory and smoky element. The Holy Margarita is a little spicy, a little sweet, very complex, and absolutely gorgeous. It’s the most unique margarita in town.”
— Miss Auge, Wine Director
Condado Vanderbilt, a century-old haven of sophistication in San Juan, invites guests to indulge in the epitome of luxury. Renowned Chef Juan Jose Cuevas curates an exquisite experience, complemented by the iconic “Cadillac Margarita”—a timeless blend of 1 ½ oz reposado tequila, 1 oz Grand Marnier, ½ oz lime juice, ½ oz orange juice, ½ oz lemon juice, 1 oz simple syrup, and a splash of egg white. Crafted for discerning tastes, this cocktail embodies the perfect balance of opulence and flavor.
“Condado Vanderbilt’s Cadillac Margarita is a unique, yet simple, blend of high-quality reposado tequila, the rich essence of Grand Marnier, and a perfect harmony of citrus flavors. Reposado tequila undergoes a resting period in wooden casks, allowing it to absorb flavors from the wood, including hints of vanilla and oakiness. This addition brings a creative and distinctive twist to the drink, adding complexity and depth to the flavor profile.”
— Josian Casanova, Tacos & Tequila Manager
Spend National Margarita Day with a hands-on tequila teaching in Costa Rica; the Latin Infusion: Margaritas & Mezcalitas experience at Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection takes guests on a journey through the world of Agave, beginning with an explanation of how tequila and mezcal are produced and made within Latin America. Enjoy a tasting of Blanco, Reposado and Anejo to show the different age statements. After the tasting, guests can make both their own margarita classic recipe, as well as an experimental recipe, incorporating ingredients of spice, sweet and savory. During the whole experience indulge in homemade patacones, cheese, guacamole and pico de gallo. The class is taught by Hacienda AltaGracia’s lead bartender, Mathew Chanto Mora.
“At Hacienda AltaGracia, Auberge Resorts Collection, we want guests to feel as if they are completely immersed in Costa Rican culture. Our Mezcalitos and Margaritas experience does just that, inviting guests on a journey through the rich tapestry of Agave spirits that are so integral to Latin American dining. Our immersive tasting not only unveils the artistry behind tequila and mezcal production, but also allows guests to savor the distinct nuances of Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. Travelers become part of the magic — crafting their own Margarita or Mezcalita, all while indulging in homemade delights such as pico de gallo and fried green plantains.”
— Mathew Chanto Mora, Lead Bartender, Hacienda AltaGracia
Los Cabos’ only private beach resort, Esperanza, Auberge Resorts Collection, will offer an elevated, fresh twist on the classic by offering the “Mago de Piña,” an integration of grilled pineapple, fresh lime juice, cardamom syrup, Cointreau, and, of course, Tequila añejo, garnished with dehydrated pineapple and bitters. Pro tip: Pair this pineapple-inspired drink with dinner at Cocina del Mar’s menu comprised of locally grown and house-made ingredients.
“The sweetness of the grilled pineapple perfectly compliments the warmth from the cardamom, and bitters makes the Mago de Piña a crowd pleaser. At Esperanza we pride ourselves on using classic ingredients in new combinations and presentations, and are always excited to introduce our guests to new agave-based spirits and local tequila producers”
— Nicolas Morretti, Beverage Director at Esperanza
Condado Ocean Club welcomes guests to delight in San Juan’s chic, all-adult, ocean-inspired, boutique hotel. The property is home to SOCIAL, the hotel’s signature dining venue offering fresh authentic cuisine and the “Berry Picante Margarita.” This National Margarita Day, celebrate a burst of flavor with every sip. Indulge in a vibrant fusion of 1800 Silver Tequila, Cointreau, Pama, Fresh Lime, and a house-made Jalapeño Syrup. This unique fusion balances the smoothness of tequila with the sweetness of pomegranate, while a kick of jalapeño adds a spicy twist.
“The Berry Picante Margarita is a visually vibrant and flavored-packed experience that will definitely elevate your margaritagame to one that is bold and creative!”
— Leyra Ortiz, Food & Beverage Manager
For those craving a bit more spice to go along with the hard stuff, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, Auberge Resorts Collection will be serving a “Yayarita,” aptly named after the hotel’s new Latin-Mediterranean restaurant, YAYA. With the celebration of YAYA’s first anniversary this year, guests to the resort are welcomed with complimentary Yayaritas, impeccable service and cloudless skies. Crafted by lead mixologist Yared Alba, this cocktail is prepared with aquavit, tequila general gorostieta, carrot & ginger shrub and finished with ‘dessert dust’.
“The Yayarita is the perfect celebratory drink, a perfect balance of smooth tequila, acidity from a homemade carrot & ginger shrub, a touch of sweetness from the dessert dust on the glass. The colors, flavors, and environment represent the vibrant yet laid-back spirit of our little coastal haven in Los Cabos.”
— Miguel Vargas, Bartender at Chileno Bay Resort & Residences
Celebrate everyone’s favorite holiday at Solage, Auberge Resorts Collection’s Mexican-inspired culinary destination, Picobar. This new vibrant, full-service restaurant, with stunning views, will be serving their versions of margaritas all day long. For a spicy margarita, try the signature “Green Flash” cocktail, consisting of cimarron blanco tequila and housemade jalapeño herb syrup.
“Picobar is known for its lively atmosphere and playful Mexican cuisine, making it the perfect destination to celebrate National Margarita Day. For those looking for a kick, try the Green Flash, my spicy take on the classic margarita.”
— Eddie Garcia, Lead Bartender at Picobar
