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
Molina's 'LaTierra Recuerda'
Thirumalaisamy's 'provision'