One bottomless Spicy Mango Margarita please

Years ago I drank my very first margarita at a truly epic place: Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas. On the advice of the taxi driver, we ate at the Pink Taco restaurant there that evening, where they served bottomless Frozen Strawberry Margaritas. Bottomless means as much as you want. Now it has remained quite civilized, but I don't remember much about that evening itself, except that the respectable lobby had been transformed into a strip club when we left and that the margaritas were to die for!! See bottom of this article :)

But where does this popular cocktail actually come from? And why is it so loved? In this blog post you can read about the history of the margarita and I would like to conclude with a delicious recipe for a Spicy Mango Margarita.

The origin of the margarita

No one knows exactly the exact origin of the margarita anymore. There are several stories that claim to be the 'first'. What we do know for sure is that the margarita has its roots in Mexico, the land of tequila.

One of the most popular stories is about a socialite named Margarita Sames. Legend has it that she created the margarita in 1948 during a party at her home in Acapulco. She mixed tequila, Cointreau (an orange liqueur) and lime juice to surprise her guests. Another theory suggests that the margarita is a derivative of the 'Daisy', a cocktail with a similar mix, using tequila instead of brandy.

Why is the margarita so popular?

The margarita has become an incredibly popular drink over the years and is now one of the most beloved cocktails in the world. But why is this cocktail so popular? Here are some reasons:

1. Refreshing taste : The combination of tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur creates a perfect balance between sweet, sour and a little bitter. It is a real thirst quencher, especially on hot summer days.

2. Variation options : The margarita is very versatile. You can serve it the traditional way, or experiment with different flavors such as strawberry, mango or passion fruit. Both 'on the rocks' and 'frozen' variants are popular.

3. Easy to make : With just a few ingredients you can make a delicious margarita. It's a cocktail that requires no skills, making it ideal for home parties.

4. Cultural allure : The margarita conjures up an image of tropical beaches, holidays and relaxation. It's actually more than just a drink; it's an experience.

Recipe: Spicy Mango Margarita

Now that you know where the margarita comes from and why it's so beloved, it's time to make your own version. Here is a delicious recipe for the Spicy Mango Margarita, perfect for a hot summer day.

Ingredients

For about 2 margaritas you will need:

• 1 cup mango juice
• 60ml tequila
• 30 ml Cointreau
• 30 ml fresh lime juice
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Salt and a lime sliced
• Optional (and to taste): cayenne pepper, whole green pepper from a jar

Preparation method

1. Start by preparing your glass. Rub a slice of lime along the rim of a margarita glass and dip it in a plate with salt (and chili pepper to taste) to create the salty rim.
2. Place the mango juice, tequila, Cointreau and lime juice in a shaker.
3. Shake well until mixed.
4. Pour the mango margarita into the prepared glass with plenty of ice cubes.
5. Garnish with a slice of lime and (optional) a green pepper and serve immediately.

💡 TIP : do you, like me, like a frozen margarita (kind of slush puppy)? Then use a cup of frozen mango pieces instead of mango juice and put everything, including the ice cubes, in a blender instead of the shaker.

🍹 Whichever version you choose, enjoy your refreshing Spicy Mango Margarita and let the summer vibes wash over you! Whether you're on a tropical beach or in your own backyard, a margarita can always bring a little extra sunshine. Try this recipe, experiment with different flavors and discover your own perfect summer cocktail. Cheers!

Everything was a bit blurry that evening :)