Margarita Madness
Today is National Margarita Day, and head’s up: “Frozen?” and “Salt?” aren’t the only two questions you’ll have to answer. Perhaps you’d like yours with pineapple juice, or maybe a version with blood-orange puree? Houston restaurants are pouring unique and delicious versions of the cocktail — so grab a glass, and bottoms up!
Caracol, Hugo’s and Xochi The Greatest Margarita Ever Sold — the house marg at Hugo Ortega’s restaurants — usually goes for a whopping $29, but it’s a steal tomorrow at just $15. 2200 Post Oak Blvd., 713.622.9996; 1600 Westheimer Rd., 713.524.7744; 1777 Walker S., 713.400.3330
El Big Bad Houston’s infused-tequila HQ offers $5 Herradura margaritas all day. 419 Travis St., 713.229.8181
Hotel Granduca Can’t beat a poolside marg. If the rain holds off, enjoy the Hotel Granduca’s house margarita in a cabana or at the poolside patio restaurant Il Giardino, or head inside to the lobby bar. 1080 Uptown Park Blvd., 713.418.1000
Roka Akor Sip a Blood Orange margarita — rimmed with chili salt — at the sceney bar. 2929 Weslayan St., 713.622.1777
State of Grace The smoky version here is a mix of reposado tequila with a serrano infusion, plus grilled lime, smoked salt and a floater of mezcal. 3258 Westheimer Rd., 832.942.5080
Goode Company Kitchen & Cantina The Watermelon Mezcal margarita is an especially refreshing version, on the menu for just $10. 9005 Katy Fwy., 713.766.3434
Cafe Annie Famed chef Robert Del Grande’s version is made without sugar. Say goodbye to a hangover and hello to a can’t-beat combo of fresh lime juice, Cointreau and silver tequila. 1800 Post Oak Blvd., 713.840.1111
Star Fish and State Fare Cocktail queen Laurie Harvey crafts a mean Pina Rita, with Mandarine Napoléon, pineapple juice and vanilla simple syrup. The orchid and umbrella garnish is a beautiful bonus! 191 Heights Blvd., 832.831.9820; 947 Gessner Rd., 832.831.0950
AT TOP: The La Parilla at State of Grace
Frederica von Stade (photo by Michelle Watson)
Jonathan and Ann Ayre and Rachel and Warren Ellsworth (photo by Michelle Watson)
Tiffany Sebastian, Kristin Bingham and Amanda Abiassi (photo by Dave Rossman)