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On sweltering summer days or even during the chill of winter, it’s not uncommon to spot a Dallas resident indulging in a margarita.
This beloved cocktail graces the menus of countless establishments across Dallas-Fort Worth, each offering its unique twist. Yet, there’s a compelling reason behind the margarita’s popularity in North Texas.
On May 11, 1971, Mariano Martinez revolutionized the margarita scene by introducing the first frozen margarita from a machine.
Launching Mariano’s Hacienda restaurant in East Dallas, Martinez’s business continues to thrive 52 years later. While patrons adored the restaurant, it was the frozen margaritas crafted from his father’s recipe that stole the show. However, bartenders struggled to keep up with demand, even burning through three blenders, as Martinez recalled.
Inspiration struck Martinez the following day while grabbing a coffee from 7-Eleven and spotting the Slurpee machine. Combining his expertise as a car mechanic with his father’s recipe and entrepreneurial spirit, Martinez birthed the frozen margarita machine.
Dallas’ claim to fame is now an integral part of Tex-Mex dining across the nation.
The margarita’s enduring popularity has spawned the “Margarita Mile” throughout the city, a 26-stop, self-guided tour that can span several days.
According to Jennifer Walker, CMO for VisitDallas, the Margarita Mile pays homage to Dallas’ roots while celebrating the finest margaritas the city has to offer.
The Margarita Mile typically opens during the spring and summer seasons, with last year’s list of restaurants and bars available for viewing. Walker anticipates the 2024 Margarita Mile will open on May 1, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo.
As for who serves the best margarita, that’s left for you to decide.
Here’s to raising a glass and celebrating National Margarita Day the Dallas way! Whether you prefer yours salted or sugared, classic or flavored, on the rocks or frozen, North Texas has plenty of options for you to explore.