National Margarita Day...Where to find the best Margaritas

Thursday, February 22nd is National Margarita Day...here are our picks for the best margaritas in town. 

Mex 1 Coastal Cantina: Even before my first Margarita, Mex 1 just relaxes me with its laid-back beach and surf vibes. It honestly makes me feel like I’m back in Maui at a local bar. The owner of Mex 1 and their beverage director are serious about the tequila that they serve and even took a trip down to Mexico to select a special barrel of tequila. They also infuse their own tequilas and have several interesting flavor combinations to choose from. As far as food, their menu is a pretty standard mix of tacos, quesadillas, burritos with salads and bowls mixed in, however, their food really stands out because of the fresh local ingredients and Baja flavors.

Margarita Picks:

Skinny Margarita: strawberry cucumber tequila, splash of Mex 1 mix, soda-Skinny margaritas are always my go to because 1) You can feel less guilty about drinking several, and 2) they have substantially less sugar which means a less tragic hangover the next day (for me at least). Mex 1’s skinny margarita is my favorite in town because they use a house-infused strawberry cucumber tequila so the drink is both flavorful and refreshing.

Tequila Mockingbird: berry serrano tequila, lime, agave, soda- I would order this drink based on name alone, it’s also the winning recipe at the Charleston Taco Competition. The margarita is again made with a house-infused tequila this time with flavors of berries and serrano peppers. The drink has a great balance between sweet, tart and spicy and is a great alternative to a jalapeno margarita for spice lovers.

For more information on Mex 1, visit www.mex1coastalcantina.com or check them out on Instagram at @mex1coastalcantina.

Minero: It’s hard to discuss the culinary scene in Charleston without hearing the name Sean Brock. The man is quickly becoming a culinary legend and creating quite the empire with the recent openings of Husk Greenville and Husk Savannah. While the menu of Minero is a departure from what one expects from a southern chef, it honors local ingredients and is big on flavor just like his other menus. Their tortillas are outstanding and made from corn that is freshly ground in-house.

Margarita Picks:

Standard Margarita: reposado and anejo tequila, dry curacao, lime, orange and agave- Minero does not have as many options as others when it comes to different types of margaritas, but their classic margarita is really good. They really get the proportions just right and the margarita does not disappoint. You can make their standard marg spicy or with mezcal if you prefer a bit of smokiness. They also have the fun option to make the margarita “fancy” for $15 or “bougie” for $20...unfortunately at the rate I drink margaritas, I have never thought it a great idea to order a 20-dollar drink, but if I’m ever feeling extra extra about my margarita, I’ll share my experiences.

For more information on Minero, visit www.minerorestaurant.com/charleston or check them out on Instagram at @minerochs.

Pancito & Lefty: One thing that is definitely noticeable about Pancito’s menu is that it is a little bit different from what one expects of a Mexican eatery. The menu, although small, goes beyond standard offerings with options such as swordfish tamales and braised pork pozole. A definite favorite on the menu for me is their Red Snapper Ceviche. Their drinks are also quite unique, using ingredients such as beet juice, hibiscus and tangelo for fresh updates on the traditional margarita.

Margarita Picks:

Estocada: Mezcal, Campari, Beet- Now I understand beet juice is not for everyone, but if there is ever a way to drink beet juice for those that are not fans, it’s with tequila. For me, beet juice is the perfect balance of sweet and earthy and is the perfect ingredient in a margarita.

For the Birds: Tequila. Strawberry, Hibiscus, Cocoa and Tangelo- This drink is a mix of unexpected ingredients that meld together just right for a margarita that is as beautiful as it is tasty.

For more information on Pancito & Lefty, visit www.pancitoandlefty.com or check them out on Instagram at @pancitolefty.