National Margarita Day is on Monday, February 22, 2027, and it lands on February 22 every year. It’s a day to order or mix the tequila, lime and orange liqueur cocktail. It’s for adults 21 and older, so plan a safe ride home if you’re heading out.
When Is National Margarita Day?
It’s always February 22. Restaurant chains post deals in the days before. In 2026, Chili’s sold a $5 Tequila Classic Margarita, and Margaritaville offered $2 margaritas to rewards members who brought their own cup.
Who Started National Margarita Day?
No founder or start year has been documented. The day appears on many calendars, but none names who created it.
Background: where the margarita came from
The cocktail’s origin is disputed too, and no story has been proven. National Geographic lists several claims.
Carlos “Danny” Herrera said he made it in 1947 or 1948 near Tijuana for a dancer named Marjorie King. Others credit Margaret “Margarita” Sames, a Texas socialite who mixed tequila, Cointreau and lime in Acapulco.
What’s documented is the paper trail. The first written recipe appeared in Esquire in 1953: an ounce of tequila, a dash of triple sec, and lime or lemon juice.
The frozen margarita machine
In 1971, Dallas restaurant owner Mariano Martinez adapted a soft-serve ice cream machine to make frozen margaritas. That first machine is now in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
What Is a Classic Margarita?
The International Bartenders Association’s official recipe uses three ingredients, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled cocktail glass:
- 50 ml (about 1.7 oz) 100% agave tequila
- 20 ml (about 0.7 oz) triple sec
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) freshly squeezed lime juice
- Optional: salt on half the rim
The “100% agave” part matters. In the 1990s, bartender Julio Bermejo campaigned for quality 100% agave tequilas.
How to Celebrate National Margarita Day
- Look for deals early: check chain apps and loyalty programs a few days ahead.
- Taste two tequilas side by side: make the same recipe with a blanco and a reposado tequila and compare.
- Swap the salt: rim the glass with chili-lime seasoning, or with sugar for a sweeter sip.
- Mix a zero-proof version: shake lime juice, orange juice and agave syrup with ice, then top with sparkling water.
- Book your ride home: set up a rideshare or a sober driver before the first round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a margarita be served with ice?
The IBA’s classic is strained into a chilled glass with no ice. On the rocks or blended frozen are popular variations rather than the official standard.
What is a Tommy’s Margarita?
A variation that skips the orange liqueur. The IBA version uses 60 ml tequila, 30 ml lime juice and 30 ml agave nectar, served over ice.
Where does the name “margarita” come from?
Merriam-Webster traces it to the Spanish name Margarita, which is also the Spanish word for “daisy.”
Sources
- National Geographic – Everything to know about the margarita
- Merriam-Webster – margarita
- Smithsonian National Museum of American History – Frozen margarita machine
- International Bartenders Association – Margarita
- International Bartenders Association – Tommy’s Margarita
- NBC Chicago – National Margarita Day 2026 deals