Margaritas are undeniably the most common tequila-based cocktail in the US and worldwide. It’s served shaken, blended and straight up. So omnipresent in the world of cocktailing that it merits its very own glass. Even though we cannot get enough of this refreshing drink, what do we really know about margarita? What’s the history behind this famous drink? As with many popular cocktails, the exact origin is not verifiable. Perhaps because of this fuzziness, many have taken credit for its invention.
Many believe that Francisco Morales created the margarita on July 4, 1942, in a local watering-hole, Tommy’s Place in the El Paso-Juarez area. The story goes that a bar patron asked Morales to make a magnolia – a drink that he wasn’t familiar with. Not wanting to appear ignorant, he improvised and whipped up a drink. The customer absolutely fawned over it and the margarita was born.According to the LA Times, “over the years, several people claimed to have invented the drink; but Mexico’s official news agency Notimex and many experts say that Morales has the strongest claim. ”
Puerto Vallarta holds the margarita in high regard. Understanding its place in the pantheon of fabulous cocktails with Mexico’s favorite spirit. There are plenty of establishments making margaritas. This is our list of the best:
1) La Playa‘s Jalapeno margarita is among the best in Vallarta. Mixologist Alex carefully crafts a sweet and spicy mix that will have you hankering for more. La Playa is located in Old Town next to Lazaro Cardenas Park.
2) Joe Jack’s Fish Shack- Cadillac margarita. Tank, or Tanque, is a gifted bartender whose Texas Cadillac margaritas find few rivals. These Grand Marnier-laced margaritas pack a punch, but boy do they go down easy. Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is located in Basillo Badillo 212
3)Solar- Our favorite dive beach bar has some some amazing cocktails. Start with a fresh cucumber/jalapeno cocktail with your choice of tequila or mezcal. You won’t regret it!
4) River Cafe With a jungle garden setting and Cuale River flowing alongside the open-air room, the ambiance of the River Cafe will have you relaxed in this shady paradise. River Cafe pairs up a classic margarita with some acoustic guitar in the evenings and some of the best cuisine on the bay. You will not be disappointed!. 
5) La Palapa– Puerto Vallarta’s oldest elegant beach-front restaurant has an extensive drink menu that will impress just about everyone. With more than 10 flavors including tamarind and cucumber, La Palapa is a spectacular location, day or night.
6) Gaby’s – One of the cutest courtyards in downtown Vallarta, Gaby’s dishes out delicious mole perfectly washed down with a hand-crafted margarita.
7) Cafe de Artistes- Upping the cool quotient, this beautiful and revered restaurant, is well-known for their mezcalinis. Served like martini, mezcalinis are margarita’s favorite cousin.
Many of these margaritas can found in our Mexology Tour and our Original Downtown food tours. Remember the old adage: Drink tequila because no good story ever started with drinking milk. SALUD! And also see our updated list of best bars in Vallarta here