From Dallas to the World: The Origin of the Frozen Margarita
Please note: we’re mixing it up! The Margarita Mile is becoming a seasonal self‑guided tour. We’re taking a break for Dallas’ (very short) winter. The app will no longer be available beginning Sept. 30, 2021. We’ll be back, on National Margarita Day – Feb. 22, 2022 – and it will be a party! Learn more.
Not all frozen margaritas are created equal. In fact, whenever a bartender serves a frozen margarita around the world, its origins can be traced back to Dallas, Texas.
This story begins with a high‑school dropout who dreamed of opening his own business. With $500 in hand and a small business loan, Mariano Martinez opened Mariano’s Hacienda restaurant in East Dallas. While the scent of grilled fajitas and fire‑roasted salsa kept hungry guests coming back, it was the margaritas that brought them back for seconds.
Guests raved about Mariano’s margaritas—except for one crucial detail: the consistency. Bartenders couldn’t keep up with the growing demand, leaving some perfect, others melted. Martinez knew he had to find a solution.
The a‑ha moment came during a morning visit to 7‑Eleven for a cup of coffee. The Slurpee machine sparked the idea that would live on forever! Martinez and a friend, Frank Adams, tinkered with an old soft‑serve ice cream machine until they produced a frozen margarita that was served to perfection with every pour. And just like that, the world’s first frozen margarita machine was born!
Today, the original machine can be found at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Want to taste history for yourself? Raise your glass high to the legend that lives on today at the original Mariano’s location.
Mariano’s
East Dallas
Visit the original restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Tex‑Mex cuisine and, of course, one of the famous frozen margaritas.
Meso Maya
Downtown
Meso Maya offers a dining experience filled with fresh, earthy and bold flavors that are the heart and soul of Mayan and Mexican cuisine.
Beto & Son
Trinity Groves
Impress your friends with the Liquid Nitrogen Margarita, featuring hand‑selected Beto & Son Avión Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave, orange liqueur and fruit‑encapsulated pearls.
El Fenix
Downtown
Founded in 1918, this Dallas staple pioneered “Tex‑Mex cuisine” and remains a local favorite.
The Rustic
Uptown
Relax and enjoy one of the best margaritas in Dallas. The frozen Rimy Rita, a fan favorite, blends Dulce Vida Lime tequila, raspberry liqueur, Cointreau, and a sangria popsicle for an extra pop of flavor.
Fearing’s
Uptown
Led by celebrity chef Dean Fearing, savor every sip of Dean’s Margarita, featuring Patrón Anejo Tequila blended from two exclusive barrels.
Wild Salsa
Downtown
Wild Salsa’s Wild‑Rita combines roasted pineapple, jalapeño‑infused tequila, hand‑pressed lime juice and agave nectar for a balanced, bold flavor.
Taqueria La Ventana
Downtown
Enjoy street‑style tacos, tasty margaritas, and a fun outdoor patio at this laid‑back Mexican eatery.
