A Brief History Of The Margarita

The exact origins of the Margarita cocktail are unclear, and several stories and theories about its creation exist. However, the most widely accepted origin is that the Margarita was created in Mexico during the 1930s or 1940s.

One famous story attributes the creation of the margarita to Carlos “Danny” Herrera, a bartender in Tijuana, Mexico. According to this account, in 1938, Herrera concocted the drink for a customer named Marjorie King, who was allergic to many spirits but not to tequila. He mixed tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, serving it over ice in a salt-rimmed glass. He named the drink after Marjorie, whose nickname was “Margarita.”

Another story traces the margarita’s origins to the 1940s in Acapulco, where a socialite named Margarita Sames is said to have created the cocktail for her guests. She mixed tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice to create a refreshing drink.

Regardless of the exact origin, the Margarita gained popularity over the years and has become one of the most iconic and beloved cocktails worldwide. It’s a classic combination of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, often served in a salt-rimmed glass and enjoyed in various variations and flavours.

The Grand Margarita

Perhaps the most tremendous Margarita variation is The Grand Margarita. We like to see it as the Margarita’s most elevated, luxury version. A cocktail which owes its name to the cognac-based orange liqueur Grand Marnier. This highly refreshing cocktail pairs the sour flavours of lime with the herbal notes of tequila, while Grand Marnier’s (created in 1880) eccentric blend of oaked cognac and bitter orange essence provides a harmonious balance, the result is a refined smoothness and heightened drinking experience in a classic Margarita but with richness, character and an intense orange flavour.

The Grand Marnier cognac delivers sumptuous flavours of toffee, oak and hazelnut – alongside aromatic Bigardia oranges known for their candied, fresh and zesty orange notes. This differential distinguishes the Grand Margarita from the original by improving on its neutral base and lack of harmony.

The result is a refined smoothness and heightened drinking experience in a classic Margarita but with richness, character and an intense orange flavour.

Naturally, all serves are dependent on the quality of the ingredients within, and Espolon Tequila mixed with Grand Marnier doesn’t disappoint, elevating The Grand Margarita to the next level, adding a layer of complexity and sophistication through the cognac notes and the aroma of the bitter oranges.

Ingredients

Grand Marnier has partnered with Sainsbury’s to launch an exclusive promotion this September. Shop in-store with your Nectar card to get a bottle of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge 50cl for only £18.00.

Method

• Fill a wide, shallow dish with 2-3 mm of fine salt
• Cut a lime in half at the width, and rub around half of the rim of a margarita glass. Cut a thin, crosswise slice from one of the lime halves as a garnish
• Holding the glass upside down, dip the wet rim delicately into the salt
• Shake Grand Marnier, Espolon tequila and lime juice with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into the glass and place the lime garnish on the rim. You are ready to enjoy the best premium Grand Margarita

Win 1 of 4 Grand Marnier Cocktail Kits To Make The Ultimate Margarita

Ape to Gentleman has teamed up with Grand Marnier to win 1 of 4 cocktail making kits:

• Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
• Espolon tequila
• Bespoke Grand Marnier shaker
• Bespoke Grand Marnier jigger
• Bespoke Grand Marnier juicer

Win 1 Of 4 Grand Marnier Cocktail Making Kits And Serve The Grand Margarita

A paid partnership with Grand Marnier – words and opinion are Ape’s own