Santa Fe's Margarita Trail: Home to the World's Best Margaritas
The margarita elegantly balances sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes—nearly all five basic flavors. With varieties from chocolate and raspberry to jalapeño, it pairs perfectly with any cuisine and even has its own Aztec goddess. The classic recipe: premium tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, shaken for 15-20 seconds, and garnished with a lime wheel. Perfection achieved.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is widely regarded as the margarita capital of the world, thanks to its celebrated Margarita Trail. This curated path makes it effortless to discover exceptional margaritas at over 30 top spots. Here's the evidence from a city steeped in tequila history.
Every Drink Has an Origin Story (or Five)
The only thing better than a margarita is the Santa Fe Margarita Trail. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Stierch)
Legend holds that Santa Fe was the first U.S. city to import tequila from Mexico, aligning with its history as part of Mexico until 1848. Since the 1970s, margaritas have become a staple in "The City Different." But how did this iconic cocktail originate?
When Spanish explorers arrived in what is now Mexico, indigenous peoples offered them pulque, a fermented agave juice. Myth ties it to the Aztec goddess Mayahuel, whose grave sprouted the agave plant. Her lover Quetzalcoatl brewed pulque to mourn her. Though potent, Europeans found its taste unrefined and distilled it into tequila.
Four centuries later, the margarita emerged. One popular tale credits Carlos Herrera, a Mexican restaurateur, who in the 1940s crafted it for actress Marjorie King, allergic to all spirits except tequila. More likely, it evolved from the 1930s "Daisy" cocktail—a mix of spirits, citrus, grenadine, and soda ("Daisy" translates to margarita in Spanish). By World War II's end, it appeared in Jose Cuervo ads, with English print mentions by 1965. The blender's invention popularized frozen versions, making it America's top cocktail today.
But Not Every Drink Has Its Own Trail
Why not experience a signature Margarita Trail drink at the world-famous Cowgirl BBQ Restaurant? (Photo courtesy of Cowgirl BBQ Restaurant)
Launched on Cinco de Mayo 2016, the Santa Fe Margarita Trail showcases the city's innovative margarita scene, listing over 30 participating venues. Each offers a unique "signature" cocktail crafted by certified mixologists using 100% agave tequila.
Download the free Santa Fe Margarita Trail app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Get a digital passport, collect stamps at participating spots for $1 off signature margaritas. Earn rewards: 5 stamps for a t-shirt, 20 for The Great Margarita Book, and completing the trail for a margarita kit. The free app includes an interactive map; the $2.99 version adds passport features, ratings, and prizes.
And the Trail Is Long
Round out your meal with a delicious signature margarita from Del Charro Saloon. (Photo courtesy of Del Charro Saloon)
At Anasazi Restaurant Bar & Lounge, pair margaritas with tortilla soup or lamb chops. Try the Sandia Y Pepino: silver tequila, Cointreau, watermelon, cucumber, and Tajin lime salt.
Del Charro Saloon's bold Double Barrel Tequila Reposado is infused with New Mexico green chile; add powder or flakes for extra heat.
After Loretto Chapel's "Miraculous Staircase," savor Luminaria's jalapeño-strawberry margarita. For classics, head to Cowgirl BBQ—famed for ribs and collard greens. The Cowgirl Cadillac blends organic blue agave tequila, Grand Marnier, sweet-and-sour mix, fresh lime, and orange juice. Timeless perfection.
Thank you, Santa Fe.
Blog courtesy of Matador Network.
