A Margarita is a summer staple for a reason: Citrusy, bright and just a little salty, it’s the ultimate refresher on a hot day. A good Margarita calls for fresh ingredients – no premade mix measures up – a not-too-sweet profile and quality tequila. Below are five creative riffs on Margaritas that will satisfy all summer long.
Press is best-known for its smash pizzas, but the draft cocktails are reason enough to make a trip to the Fox Park restaurant. The beverage selection rotates regularly, but there’s bound to be a Margarita on the menu. On tap right now is a seasonal strawberry-rhubarb-lime concoction, and past iterations include a kumquat version – a sour, tangy symphony – and a pineapple and basil with lime and orange.
2509 S. Jefferson Ave., Fox Park, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-328-1094, press-stl.com
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Arzola’s Fajitas + Margaritas
If it’s in the name, you know the Margaritas are going to be good. Arzola’s offers several Margaritas, from a frozen prickly pear to a spicy serrano. The Tamarindo – tequila with triple orange brandy, tamarind purée, fresh lemon and organic agave nectar – is a standout. It’s inspired by a cocktail the owners had in Mexico in 2007, and it’s stuck with them for a reason.
2730 McNair Ave., Benton Park, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-226-9672, eatarzolas.com
At this bar, you’ll find Margaritas made with quality agave, housemade syrups and freshly juiced citrus. Lazy Tiger offers three varieties: the traditional; mezcal and spicy honey; and the passion fruit and carrot. Visit during “lazy hour,” 5 to 6:30 p.m., and grab one for just $9.
210 N. Euclid Ave., Central West End, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-925-8888, lazytigerstl.com
A standard Margarita will cool you down on a hot summer day, but a frozen Margarita does you one better. At Narwhal’s, order the frozen guava Margarita, with gold and silver tequilas, triple sec, guava, agave and citrus. It’s got a kick, but the sweetness of the fruit keeps the cocktail balanced.
multiple locations, narwhalscrafted.com
Retreat prides itself on its creative cocktails, and its Margarita is anything but basic. The Oaxaca Flocka Flame swaps the tequila for mezcal and adds passion fruit, curacao noir, ancho reyes, lime and mole bitters. It’s smoky and tart, with a gentle, lingering spice. If you use hot sauce like it’s going out of style, this is the drink for you.
6 N. Sarah St., Central West End, St. Louis, Missouri, 314-261-4497, retreatgastropub.com
