Celebrate National Margarita Day at Home or Away (With Recipes)

Whoever decides these things has declared Feb. 22 "National Margarita Day. "A couple of years ago, I asked y'all for your opinions on which cantina made the best margaritas in town, but it's probably time for an updated roster.

I'm still partial to Rosepepper's version when I'm on the east side of the Rio Cumberlande, despite the fact that I've seen a recipe that indicates that they use (gasp!) Rose's lime juice instead of fresh-squeezed. (Sometimes it's good to go a little lowbrow.) But lately, I have enjoyed the short margaritas at Taqueria del Sol, which are the ideal complement a quick "two tacos and a side" dinner/happy hour. Where else should I be broadening my horizons to?

If you decide to celebrate at home, there are two recommendations I can't emphasize strongly enough. For Pedro's sake, please use fresh-squeezed lime juice and a decent bottle of tequila. Margaritas should not come in a frozen bucket that you can buy at the grocery store! If a drop of perspiration from squeezing all those limes happens to fall into your pitcher, that's like a magical kiss of salt from a Oaxacan angel to bless your efforts.

Speaking of good tequila, the folks at Avin forwarded me some recipes for elevated Margaritas that look excellent.

You might remember Avin as the brand of tequila which Turtle and Vince shilled for on the HBO series Entourage. But it is the real deal. Just like Mad Men deals with fictional accounts of real product marketing, the Avin storyline is based in truth.

And the tequila is actually quite good, winning multiple awards in 2011 and 2012 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Like most tequilas, Avin comes in three varieties: silver, reposado and aejo. The difference between the grades is the amount of time it reposes in oak barrels, and unlike whiskey, tequila changes a lot in a short time in barrel. Each option contributes different spice and fruit elements to cocktails, so make sure not to substitute in the following concoctions, at least until you've tried the suggested recipe. If you do experiment, feel free to report back your results.

Spicy Sage Margarita2 oz. Avin Silver3/4 oz. Jalapeo-Infused Elderflower Liqueur1/2 oz. Orange Juice1/4 oz. Lemon Juice1/2 oz. Lime Juice3/4 oz. Simple Syrup3 Sage Leaves1 Sage Leaf and Salt for garnish

Muddle sage in a shaker. Add all ingredients. Shake. Double strain. Pour over ice in salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with sage leaf.

Elevated Margarita2 parts Avin Silver or Reposado1 part Fresh Lime Juice1/2 part Agave Nectar

Combine ingredients in shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Fine strain over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Blood Orange Margarita1 1/2 parts Tequila Avin3/4 part Cointreau Orange Liqueur1 part Blood Orange Juice1/2 part Fresh Sour Mix

In a cocktail shaker add all ingredients with ice. Shake and strain; best served over fresh ice and garnish with an orange twist.

Rita Rioja1 1/2 oz. Tequila Avin Reposado3/4 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice3/4 oz. Simple Syrup (equal parts sugar and water)Fresh Red PepperCilantro

Muddle a fresh red pepper and a few leaves of cilantro in a cocktail shaker. Add Tequila Avin Reposado, fresh lime juice and simple syrup. Fill cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a salt rimmed cocktail glass.

Source: http://www.nashvillescene.com/bites/archives/2014/02/21/celebrate-national-margarita-day-at-home-or-away-with-recipes