2019 National Margarita Day

I’ve sipped a lot of tequila this year and will be celebrating National Margarita Day sharing my top picks for your taste testing pleasure. Whether you like your margarita frozen or on the rocks, with a salted rim or au naturale, there’s no denying that the options are endless. 

It’s a bonus that NMD falls on a Friday this year, so put your hangover hesitations aside and celebrate the survival of another workweek at some of my favorite tequila slinging spots…Cheers and as always, drink responsibly!

LIFE OF THE PARTY: Ho’ Brah Taco Joint (Brooklyn, NY)

Image: The Tipsy Traveler

Ho’Brah in full disclosure is owned by friends of mine, but I kid you not when I say the margaritas and the tacos are beyond worth the R train ride to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn – in fact, tell me you’re going for margs and their Cali tacos and I’ll meet you there! Alternatively you can also enjoy these Bulldogs (and the only frozen margaritas I’ll ever order) just across the Verrazzano Bridge at their Staten Island location. BONUS! In celebration of NMD, Ho’Brah is offerings $5 classic and frozen margs. Enjoy and tell them Tipsy sent you!

BEST DATE SPOT: Romeo y Julieta (Cabo San Lucas, MX)

Image: The Tipsy Traveler

It’s almost not right fair how good this place is. The pizza, caesar salad and basically everything on the menu is delicious – somewhat shocking this far from Italy or New York for that matter. The cocktails are some of the best I’ve had in Cabo San Lucas and the live music performed on the outdoor veranda makes Romeo y Julieta the perfect date spot for NMD or any other day for that matter. The unique combination of Italian cuisine served at this charming and traditionally Mexican backdrop is one that I would have never imagine would work and it absolutely does.

CLASS CLOWN (In the very best way): Andres Carne de Res (Bogotá, Colombia)

Image: The Tipsy Traveler 

The BEST party in all of Bogotá. This must-see spot is not new, but never disappoints. The exception to the tourist trap rule, the energy alone is worth the visit and in my opinion, some of the best food we had in Bogotá. Order two skulls (to start) and the Ajiaco (traditional Colombian potato and corn soup) Con Pollo, white fish ceviche and all the arepas you can eat. The menu is huge, you’ll want to try everything and you really can’t go wrong – but the impressive cocktail menu is what sold me. The carnival-style decor provides guests with ample IG opportunities – you won’t know where to start.

MOST LIKELY TO BE SIPPED BY CELEBS: ABC Kitchen (New York, NY)

While I hate to admit it, this celeb spotting locale is home to one of my favorite cocktails of all time. ABC Kitchen’s ginger margaritas are the perfect combination of sour and sweet spice – my only complaint is the glass is too small – can we work on that? On any given night, ABC Kitchen can produce a packed bar and a celeb sighting is not uncommon, but if you get over to East 18th Street (obviously on you way to Pete’s Tavern), stop by for a sip.

MOST LIKELY TO CURE THE COMMON COLD: NH Collection Mexico City Reforma (Mexico City, MX)

The Papua “People from Pueblo” at the NH Collection Reforma in Mexico City is sure to wake up all your taste buds. Maybe it’s the mezcal, but more like the Sal De Gusano otherwise known as worm salt – that’s right – ground worms with salt and local spices that will help cure that common cold. Why not use NMD as an excuse to whip up a batch for your friends and have a little DIY fiesta? The recipe can be found here:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz. mezcal or tequila
  
• Oregano
  
• Agave
  
• Lime
  
• Rim: Sal De Gusano (worm salt)
  

Combine mezcal, oregano, agave and ice in a cocktail shaker, shake and serve on the rocks in a sal de gusan rimmed glass. Garnish with lime and serve.

MOST UNIQUE: El Camino Mezcal & Tequila Bar (Ft. Lauderdale & Delray Beach, FL)

Image: El Camino Mezcal & Tequila Bar

El Camino has a curated mezcal and tequila selection unlike any other in the South Florida area. They work closely with the growers and distillers in Mexico and hand-select the product they have inhouse – more than 300! While I haven’t had the opportunity to taste this new menu addition, the Cactus Margarita first hand, I’m confident that their unique take on the classic (how can we say no to cactus and cardamom??) will emulate their impressive spirits selection. Did we mention 300 products inhouse?!! 

BIGGEST UNDERDOG: Hotel RL Baltimore Inner Harbor (Baltimore, MD)

Image: The Tipsy Traveler

I love a hotel bar as much as the next guy and when I was living in Miami, they were often the most frequented; but the unsuspecting Hotel RL in Baltimore packs more power then their modest corner bar might suggest. The decor is industrial chic, the staff is friendly (with a healthy tequila pour) and the classic margaritas are dangerously delicious. I recommend enjoying a few with friends and sharing their incredible charcuterie board. The atmosphere is hit or miss based on the night’s lobby traffic, but that just means more meat and margs for you!