A debated origin

Like many classic cocktails, the exact origin of the Margarita is unclear.

Most stories place it in Mexico in the 1930s or 40s, often involving a bartender creating a drink for a specific guest or adapting an existing sour-style recipe.

The structure behind the story

Regardless of who created it, the Margarita is built on a familiar framework: tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

It is essentially a tequila-based sour.

Why it took off

The Margarita hit a sweet spot: bright and refreshing, easy to make, and adaptable to different tastes.

As tequila became more popular in the United States, the Margarita became its flagship cocktail.

The frozen era

In the 1970s, frozen Margaritas exploded in popularity, especially in restaurants and vacation settings.

While fun, these versions often leaned much sweeter than the original.

Why it matters

The Margarita is one of the best examples of the sour template in action.

  • Citrus balance
  • The role of liqueurs
  • How small ratio changes affect flavor

The takeaway

At its best, the Margarita is sharp, balanced, and clean.

It is simple, but it rewards precision.