Words by Blair Waller
Over the last few centuries in these parts, there has been this truism: If it’s a slice of heaven in Mexico, so it will be in Texas. Whether it be tacos and enchiladas or piñatas and fireworks, our cultures have integrated to create the unique blend that is Texas. The purest example of this truism might be a cocktail that traditionally mixes tequila, triple sec, lime and ice. It is served in a variety of forms including on the rocks, frozen or straight up, with or without salt. It is best consumed under the hot sun (of which we have little shortage), on a patio or veranda, among your closest amigos and familia. This slice of heaven, nurtured and perfected in Texas, is known as the Margarita.
Margarita is Spanish for Daisy, which was a popular drink in the early 1900’s that involved brandy. It is rumored that the founders simply made a “Tequila Daisy,” as Daisy is an Irish nickname for Margaret. (Somehow we knew the Irish were involved in the origins of this powerhouse refreshment). Whatever the origin, of which there are many myths, nothing quite says home in Austin as this tasty lime beverage.
For your drinking pleasure, LIVIN Austin shares our 10 favorite spots to consume this Texas classic. Fasten your sombrero and let us clank our respective chilled glasses.
Home of the infamous Purple Margarita. They claim it to be “world famous” and it’s plain to see why. Patrons are allowed only 2 per sitting and for good reason – they’re as potent as they are purple. Baby A’s has been family-owned and operated in Austin for over 30 years, serving these instant-buzz cocktails at 5 different locations. We recommend the Barton Springs location, where you can happily stumble over to Zilker afterwards to enjoy an Austin Saturday well spent.
Owner Roger Diaz knows his Mexican cuisine. He also knows a thing or two about Mexican cocktails. Many would argue this spot is tops when it comes to quality, diversity and potency, a formidable trio when discussing margaritas. Located in East Austin, it mustn’t be easy competing with the surrounding population but Vivo does it with aplomb. Try the House Marg and experiment with the array of natural flavor from there.
The “Mother of All Tex-Mex” has an entire page dedicated to margaritas which is a solid start. Most often, combining your favorite food with your favorite drink does not equal the sum of its parts. This is not the case with their Avocado Margarita, the only of its kind in Austin that we know of. You can tip your sombrero to the Garcia Prado family, who began their journey to Tex-Mex perfection 18 years ago.
Just 4 blocks south of Vivo is another Eastside treasure – Takoba. This venue focuses on simplicity. Their “Top Shelf” gem on the rocks complement the sunny, pebbled patio with style. If you are feeling a little spice, they can dance to your step with their “Mango-Habanero” refreshment, complete with El Jimador reposado and Patron. This has the potential to be your summer Saturday afternoon game changer.
A Tex-Mex institution since 1977, Trudy’s has grown with Austin as the city grew from college town to the cultural trailblazer it is today. Along the ride, they have kept locals loose on inhibitions with their classic margaritas. If you can swing it, upgrade to their top shelf specialties, the culmination leading to Don Julio 1942. Giddy up.
Looking for the finest while roaming one of Austin’s finest urban party settings, South Congress? Roam no farther than Guero’s Taco Bar. Their roots date back to the late 1800’s when they were a seed and feed store (I also didn’t know what this was until today). It’s safe to say that this spot contributed heavily to the culture and cuisine of Austin today and their first rate margaritas no doubt assisted. Their list is long and distinguished with classics The Don, The Longhorn, Pura Vida Rita and El Jimador. It’s no wonder the gals in Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof chose this spot to take their friend from out of town. As getting a table might be difficult during the weekends, visit their rustic outdoor spot next door where they serve up tacos and live music to complement those tasty ‘ritas.
Speaking of Death Proof, it seemed only natural to mention this Austin institution that has more “X’s” on its menu than other places that don’t exactly serve food and drinks. (This is also the 2nd location the characters in the movie visit after Guero’s). They mainly refer to their flaming hot chili but also describe their beverages, the XXX Premium Margarita in particular. This refreshment features 100% Agave tequila, Don Julio Blanco and Patron Silver. Next priority might be the Mad Dog that includes a generous serving of Mezcal. The parlor claims to be “many things to many people.” For us, that’s the margarita.
Here, you have a difficult choice to make when it comes to margaritas: Sangria, Top Shelf or Perfect. You couldn’t go wrong with any of those BUT, if you did, you’d land in one of their unique blends – Chilango (Spicy orange-infused) or Prickly Pear (tequila marinated in cactus pear). It’s a tough situation but we think you’ll make it out without feeling too sorry for yourself.
This downtown spot on Congress taught me something I didn’t know: “Tequila was the first “American spirit” distilled in the Americas. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadores—who apparently ran out of their own brandy—decided to improve upon a beverage that the local Aztecs made from the blue agave cactus named octli…and that, my friends, was the birth of our beloved Mexican tequila!” Well, if knowledge and a keen sense of history is of any indication, then trust their margaritas. They are arguably the best downtown has to offer.
You must respect a joint that once served an “End of the World” Margarita late last year to commemorate the supposed demise of planet earth. It was sold for $100 but the silver lining was pretty sweet (assuming we were still alive) – another one on the house. Dubbed “The Mayan,” this powerhouse was a perfect blend of Deleon Reposado, Grand Marnier 100 year, lime juice and Agave Nectar. Sincere respect from LIVIN Austin for such a bold move.
L-I-V-I-N Austin 