Blended or on the rocks, salt or no salt, Margaritas know no boundaries.
While purists may insist the classic cocktail features only tequila, Cointreau, and lime juice, they’re still delicious with the addition of fruits such as local prickly pear. Even a touch of cilantro or jalapeño is nice.
Just stay away from packaged sweet-and-sour mix.
Here’s where to get ’em, if you aren’t willing to make ’em.
Reforma
4310 N. Campbell Ave.
Reforma offers a wide variety of gourmet Margarita flavors such as Blood Orange, Tamarindo, Prickly Pear, Mango Habanero, and Cucumber Mint. Every Monday is $6 Margarita Monday.
For more information, visit reformatucson.com.
La Cocina
201 N. Court Ave.
La Cocina’s classic Margaritas are $8, but spend an extra dollar for the Prickly Pear, Jalapeno, Strawberry, Hibiscus, or Ginger versions. The Margarita of the Day is also worth a shot or two.
For more information, visit lacocinatucson.com.
El Berraco
2960 N. First Ave.
While El Berraco’s Michelada is worthy of its own fan club, don’t miss out on the Margaritas. Strawberry and Tamarindo are popular options along with the Del Mar Margarita, which features 1800 reposado tequila.
For more information, visit el-berraco.com.
La Botana Tacos + Patio + Amigos
3200 N. First Ave.
La Botana is best for social Margarita drinking since their massive Uber-Rita is always available as a 2-for-1 special. Additional flavors include Blue Demon (blue curacao), Tropical (hibiscus-jamaica), Prickly Pear, Tamarindo, Cucumber Jalapeño, and Tucson H2O (splash of Negra Modelo).
For more information, visit labotanatacos.com.
Charro Steak
188 E. Broadway Blvd.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7Wsib7ly2f/
For a premium option, order the El Maestro Margarita ($12) with Codigo Blanco, muddled jalapeño, Tajín, agave, and citrus.
For more information, visit charrosteak.com.
Calle Tepa Mexican Street Grill
6151 E. Broadway Blvd.
For a different kind of green (not that kind), try the Verde Margarita, which gets its color from a shot of melon liqueur, or the Jalapeño Margarita, with house-infused jalapeño and cilantro tequila. For a frozen fruit margarita, strawberry, and mango are available. The House Margarita is $5 during happy hour 3 – 6 p.m. daily.
For more information, visit calletepa.com.
Tohono Chul Garden Bistro
7366 N. Paseo Del Norte
With a designated driver, Tohono Chul Garden Bistro has the best value—bottomless prickly pear mimosas and margaritas for $14 (seven days a week) with the purchase of an entree. Have fun, but don’t get too carried away.
For more information, visit tohonochulpark.org.
El Chinito Gordo
2920 N. Oracle Rd.
El Chinito Gordo offers a wide array of unique margarita flavors ranging from Blackberry Cinnamon to Peach Pomegranate. If you can’t make up your mind, get three mini-margaritas as a Margarita Flight.
For more information, visit elchinitogordo.com.
Where are your favorite margaritas in town? Let us know in the comments.
[This article was originally written on February 22, 2018, and most recently updated on February 21, 2020.]
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
