Welcome to the Santa Fe Margarita Trail: Sip History in the City Different
They say "All Trails Lead to Santa Fe," and the Santa Fe Margarita Trail continues this storied tradition. Did you know Santa Fe holds the distinction of being the first place in the New World to import tequila from Mexico?
Why Santa Fe Owns the Margarita Trail
According to Al Lucero, author of The Great Margarita Book, Santa Fe played a pivotal role in introducing tequila—the margarita's key ingredient—to the New World. When Spanish Conquistadors arrived in the Gulf of Mexico seeking gold, they brought Catholic clergy, sacramental wine, grape cuttings, brandy, and a still to sustain their missions and converts.
Their journey led north along El Camino Real from Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico's capital. In Mexico, locals offered pulque, a fermented agave juice the Spanish dubbed "vino de agave." Finding it unpalatable, they distilled it twice, birthing tequila—a process unchanged today.
As settlers reached Santa Fe, they carried this "Mexican brandy." Thus, Santa Fe claims the title of the first New World city to import tequila from Mexico.
Begin Your Adventure with the Margarita Trail Passport
Kick off your journey with the Margarita Trail Passport, your key to Santa Fe's margarita passion. Sample 31 exceptional margaritas, discover favorites, and access signature recipes. This culinary quest promises unforgettable memories.
Here's how it works:
- Purchase your $3 Passport at any TOURISM Santa Fe Visitor Center or participating spot.
- Show your Passport for a $1 discount on the featured margarita.
- Get it stamped and dated by your bartender or server (max two stamps daily).
- Collect stamps from various Trail stops.
- 5 stamps: Commemorative t-shirt.
- 20 stamps: Autographed copy of The Great Margarita Book.
- Full Trail: Margarita Bartender Kit.
- Redeem prizes at the Downtown Visitor Center (Plaza Galeria, San Francisco Street side).
- Passports are lifetime valid and transferable.
Discover the Santa Fe Margarita Trail Spots
All offerings feature 100% agave tequila (Silver, Añejo, or Reposado from artisanal distilleries). Explore Santa Fe's unique varieties across 31 venues:
- AGAVE Lounge - Eldorado Oro Margarita
- Agoyo Lounge - Sunset Trail Margarita
- Amaya at Hotel Santa Fe - Amaya Jalapeño Margarita
- Anasazi Restaurant - Sandia y Pepino Margarita
- Bar Alto – Sangre de Cristo Sunset
- Blue Corn Café – Peso de Plata
- Cowgirl BBQ – Cowgirl Cadillac Margarita
- Coyote Rooftop Cantina – Norteño
- Del Charro Saloon - Santa Fe Trail Margarita
- Derailed at the Sage - Tequila Mockingbird
- Georgia – Desert Bloom
- Iguana Café and Cantina – Buffalo Thunder
- La Choza Restaurant – Roca Bonita
- La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda - Don Rael Margarita
- La Plazuela at La Fonda - Centennial Margarita
- Low 'n Slow Lowrider Bar - Chimayóso Margarita
- Luminaria Restaurant & Patio - Strawberry-Jalapeño Margarita
- Maria's New Mexican Kitchen – Los Luceros Margarita
- The Mine Shaft Tavern – MadChile Margarita
- Ortiz at Hilton Santa Fe Historic Plaza – 1694
- Osteria D'Assisi - Margarita L'Amante
- Pranzo Italian Grill - iL Pista Basilica Margarita
- Rancho de Chimayó Restaurante - Prickly Pear Margarita
- Santa Fe Bar & Grill - High Mesa Blood Orange Margarita
- Santacafé - Santacafé Chipotle Margarita
- Secreto Lounge - Smoked Sage Margarita
- Terra Bar at Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe - Betty's Smoking Jalapeño
- The Bell Tower at La Fonda – Bell Ringer Margarita
- The Shed – Roca Coin
- The Staab House at La Posada de Santa Fe – Juliarita
- Tomasita's Restaurant - Tomasita's Gold Coin
Cheers to Your Santa Fe Margarita Trail!
With 31 restaurants and bars participating, a specialty margarita awaits! (Photo courtesy of Simply Santa Fe)
Celebrate Santa Fe's finest food, drinks, mixology, Northern New Mexico cuisine, and live music with loved ones in "The City Different." Order the 2016 Santa Fe Travel Guide and check Deals & Specials.
Must be 21+. At 7,200 feet elevation, pace yourself and drink responsibly.
