The Margarita: A Story Worth Sipping on National Margarita Day

Tequila is more than just a spirit—it's history, culture, and craftsmanship in a glass. And when it comes to the margarita, the drink has traveled from its humble origins to become a staple in bars from Austin to Arizona and beyond. But how did we get here?

At Z'Tejas, we're all about honoring tradition while putting our own Southwestern spin on things. So this National Margarita Day, we invite you to not just drink a margarita—but to appreciate the legacy behind it.

The Birth of a Legend

Like all great cocktails, the origins of the margarita are a little hazy. Some say it was first mixed in Baja California in the 1930s by a bartender looking to impress a showgirl named Margarita. Others claim it came from a socialite in Acapulco who simply loved tequila and fresh lime juice.

What we do know? The margarita has stood the test of time—outlasting cocktail trends, Prohibition-era relics, and even the dark days of the artificial pre-mix craze. Today, a proper margarita is an art form: tequila, lime, and orange liqueur, perfectly balanced with just a hint of salt.

Tequila: A Spirit with Deep Roots

The heart of any great margarita is tequila, and that story begins long before it was ever bottled. The Aztecs were fermenting the sap of the agave plant into a drink called pulque as far back as 1,000 B.C.. When the Spanish arrived, they brought the process of distillation, transforming pulque into what we now know as mezcal and tequila.

For tequila to truly be tequila, it must be made from 100% Blue Weber Agave and produced in only five regions of Mexico, with Jalisco being the most famous. And while many modern brands have embraced industrial production, the best tequilas stay true to their roots—harvesting hand-selected piñas, cooking them in traditional stone ovens, and distilling with care.

Why We Love Dobel Tequila

At Z'Tejas, we pour tequila that respects tradition while embracing innovation, and Dobel is a perfect example of that. Founded by Juan Domingo Beckmann Legorreta—whose family has over 11 generations of tequila-making experience—Dobel is crafted with an attention to detail that's rare even in the premium tequila world.

One of the standout expressions? Dobel Diamante. It's the first-ever Cristalino tequila, meaning it's aged like an añejo but filtered for incredible smoothness. That process gives it the depth of an aged tequila with the clarity of a blanco, making it an excellent choice for a sophisticated margarita.

Raise a Glass to National Margarita Day

So this National Margarita Day, take a moment to appreciate the history behind the glass. Whether you prefer your margarita shaken or frozen, salted or bare, the real beauty of this cocktail is that it has endured for nearly a century—and it's not going anywhere.

Join us at Z'Tejas in Austin or Arizona on February 22nd, grab a seat, and enjoy a margarita made the way it should be—with good tequila, fresh ingredients, and a story worth sipping.

For more information on Dobel Tequila, click here. Must be 21 or older to view. Please drink responsibly. 

Cheers to National Margarita Day!