America is the world’s greatest melting pot, so it’s not surprising that a cocktail made chiefly from Mexican liquor and tropical fruit became one of our most popular libations.
On February 22nd, cocktail aficionados celebrate National Margarita Day. Establishments around the city will mark the occasion, but Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant (3349 Geary Blvd.) has the inside track — using just tequila, limes and agave, Tommy’s has been mixing margaritas since 1965.
“The secret is having a margarita that’s crisp, refreshing and quenching, but actually showcases the 100 percent agave tequila you’re using,” said Julio Bermejo, creator of Tommy’s margarita.
Freshness is also a key factor, he added. “We squeeze the limes when the guest orders it, and we deliver it as quickly as we can,” said Bermejo. “Lime juice starts to taste different in 15 minutes. Fresh is like being pregnant — you are, or you’re not.”
Unlike most bars, Tommy’s well tequila is “100 percent Mexican family-owned and operated, and it’s a brand that exists in Mexico,” said Bermejo. “It’s not some made-up American brand. This is part of Mexican culture.”
Tonight, Tommy’s is giving away free T-shirts to customers who order pitchers made with El Tesoro Anejo and Patron Roca Silver. Inspired by a certain sci-fi epic, the front declares, "THE TEQUILA IS STRONG WITH THIS ONE," while the back reads, "I AM YOUR TEQUILA BAR."
Here’s a look at some of the other saloons celebrating National Margarita Day:
Mosto (741 Valencia St.)
Next door to Tacolicious, tequila bar Mosto has three margaritas to choose from: a traditional house version, plus a picante (Peligroso Silver, lime, agave, red chili shrub) and a more exotic margarita fresca (Corralejo blanco, pomegranate, rosemary, agave).
Velvet Cantina (3349 23rd St.)
The Mission’s Velvet Cantina dispenses 100 percent agave margaritas by the glass and pitcher; the Velvet Margarita is the simplest version, but another incorporates seasonal fresh fruit and Triple Sec.
Tres Tequila Lounge & Mexican Kitchen (130 Townsend St.)
With a bar specializing in 100 percent agave tequilas, the cocktail menu at Tres boasts nine different specialty margaritas, each prepared with imported Mexican limes and agave nectar.
Padrecito (901 Cole St.)
Cole Valley's Padrecito has a large tequila collection, and its staff of mixologists uses it to full advantage.
The Padrecito (blanco tequila, mezcal, lime, agave) provides the tart crispiness associated with a margarita, but the Piñata (reposado tequila, Serrano chile, pineapple, rosemary, lime) offers a new twist on the classic.
