NOTE: While updating the plug-ins for my website, I realized that my posts have not been reaching my subscribers since December. I have chosen to repost them every Thursday, along with brand-new posts that will go out on Tuesdays. As always, enjoy reading them, and please drop a line in the comment boxes below…engagement is important to the success of my blog! xoM
Few cocktails rival the refreshing allure of a well-crafted margarita. While its exact origins are subject to debate, the margarita is believed to have emerged in the 1930s or 1940s, with Mexico often cited as its place of birth. Regardless of its precise genesis, it remains a timeless classic beloved around the world. Join me as I traverse the vibrant cocktail scene of Phoenix in search of the best margaritas in town, guided by my personal experiences as well as the invaluable input of my Instagram community.
Ingredients
According to my mother, whom I regarded as the ultimate margarita connoisseur, the margarita is traditionally composed of just three ingredients—equal parts tequila (plata or blanco tequila…traditionally not aged), triple sec (or another orange liqueur), and FRESH lime juice. Sweet and sour has no business whatsoever in a margarita. PERIOD. The margarita’s complex flavor profile comes from the interplay between the earthy agave notes of tequila, the citrusy tang of lime, and the sweet undertones of triple sec.
Types of Tequila
- Plata/Blanco: Also known as silver or white tequila, plata tequila is typically unaged or aged for a very short period, usually less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. It’s known for its clear appearance and crisp, vibrant flavor profile, often featuring the natural sweetness of the agave plant with hints of citrus and pepper.
- Reposado: Reposado means “rested” in Spanish. This style of tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months and up to one year. The aging process imparts a golden hue to the tequila and adds depth and complexity to its flavor profile. Reposado tequila typically exhibits a balance between the flavors of the agave and the influence of the barrel, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. It’s often enjoyed neat or in cocktails like palomas and tequila sunrises.
- Añejo: Añejo translates to “aged” or “vintage.” This style of tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year and up to three years. Añejo tequila tends to have a darker, amber color and a rich, smooth taste with pronounced oak, vanilla, and caramel notes. The extended aging process allows the flavors to mellow and integrate, resulting in a sophisticated and complex spirit. Añejo tequila is often sipped neat or on the rocks to fully appreciate its depth of flavor.
Exploring Phoenix’s Margarita Hotspots
I don’t doubt that you can find a great margarita in any part of our Valley. My favorites are closer to my home in Scottsdale, so please shout out if you have a favorite in your part of the Valley! xoM
- Richardson’s Restaurant. When I moved here in 1993, we frequented Richardson’s Cuisine of New Mexico for their amazing Prickly Pear Margarita. So, I have to start here for nostalgia’s sake. The original location moved after damage due to a kitchen fire, but the Prickly Pear remains on the cocktail menu, which lists the following ingredients: Exotico Reposado Tequila, triple sec, house Margarita Mix (gasp!), and prickly pear syrup. It appears I may need to revisit this one to see if it is still as good as I remembered.
- The Mission (Old Town Scottsdale): Nestled in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale, Matt Carter’s The Mission beckons with its upscale ambiance and artisanal approach to mixology. And now, with Christiaan Rollich as their bar director, their cocktails are off the hook. The signature Mission Margarita is crafted with premium reposado tequila (ok so they use a slightly aged tequila which is interesting), orange juice, agave, fresh lime juice, and egg white. It is very fun to sit on the patio and order the table side guacamole with your cocktails, and if you are lucky, you may see Christiaan.
- CRUjiente: It has been no secret that I think CRUjiente has the best margarita in town. Co-owners Chef Richard Hinojosa (who hails from San Antonio) and Jason Morris offer an impressive cocktail list that includes seven margaritas from the spicy jalapeño to the sweet cinnamon. But stick to the Premier Cru Margarita, with blue agave tequila, house agave syrup, freshly squeezed lime, and muddled orange…you will thank me later!
- Chelsea’s Kitchen: The margaritas at Chelsea’s Kitchen were a favorite among many of my followers, and it is easy to see why. With its laid-back vibe, delicous food, and charming outdoor patio, Chelsea’s has always been a family favorite. I recently met a friend there for margaritas and was introduced to a bartender named Tess who is affectionately called the Margarita Girl. Her margarita was simple and delicious with some added complexity from the addition of egg whites and a Grand Marnier float. Yum!
- Bitter & Twisted: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (B&T) is an award-winning cocktail bar housed inside the beautiful, historic 1920s-era Luhrs building in downtown Phoenix that is a must-visit for cocktail aficionados. Scottish-born principal barman and owner, Ross Simon serves a diverse and ever-changing cocktail menu sure to tantalize any palate. I once ordered a passion fruit margarita here that I still dream about…time to return to see if I can order another.
- Carambas: This submission came from a follower who said the margaritas at Carambas were simple and delicious. I have to admit I have never been to Carambas, but a little bit of research reveals that there are six locations across the Valley of this family-owned and operated chain. Celebrating 25 years of business, Carambas prides itself on serving fresh food prepared daily from scratch, and its award-winning Margarita – that Phoenix Magazine readers voted as Best in the Valley 2019 – can be ordered to go. I call that a plus!
- The Book Lounge (Scottsdale): From another Instagram follower comes the recommendation of the Spicy Skinny Margarita at The Book Lounge, a literary and social club in downtown Scottsdale that displays the founders collection of books and historic maps. Located at 6990 E. Main Street #101, it’s used for book clubs, small events, meetings, non-profit committee gatherings, fundraisers, content shoots, and intimate gatherings. There is nothing better than a good book, a cozy ambiance, and margaritas for an unforgettable experience!
- Hillstone: Rounding out the IG reader list is Hillstone, which is part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, a California-based company that operates restaurants nationwide, including Hillstone, Honor Bar, and Houston’s. The Hillstone Margarita has Tepozan Tequila and house-made sweet and sour mix (second gasp!), but I have to admit that everything is pretty tasty at any Houston’s concept, so I may have to give this one a whirl.
A Personal Touch
In this exploration of Phoenix’s margarita scene, it’s worth noting that many of my Instagram followers extolled the virtues of crafting their own margaritas at home. As a passionate advocate for in-home cocktails, I invite you to explore my other posts on margarita recipes here and here where I share tips, tricks, and tantalizing variations to elevate your at-home cocktail game. Whether you find yourself sipping in one of our many Valley restaurants or shaking up cocktails in the comfort of your own home, may each margarita be a celebration of flavor, tradition, and camaraderie. Cheers!
