Best places in Brighton to celebrate International Margarita Day

Made of brandy, lemon juice, syrup, Grand Marnier and soda, the classic American “daisy” cocktail – launched in 1873 – is often credited as the cocktail that made way for the creation of the margarita.

Tequila was not popular in the States until the Prohibition era of the late 1920s, but gained notoriety as people crossed the border into Mexico to get hold of alcohol and the agave spirit was the most readily available.

Nine years later in 1939, the margarita was created, a Hispanic twist on the American classic; the sharp citrus flavour remaining, but using tequila in place of whiskey.

The first margarita is said to have been made at the Tail o’the Clock in Los Angeles in 1939, but there is an account from 1936 of Iowa newspaper editor James Graham who claims he found an identical cocktail in Tijuana, years before any of the other margarita myths arose.

The spirit was officially transported across the border during the Second World War and in 1942 the margarita was given its official name – but it’s a mystery as to who it was named for.

One of the earlier stories is that the margarita was invented in 1938 by Carlos “Danny” Herrera at his restaurant Rancho La Gloria, halfway between Tijuana and Rosarito, Mexico, created for customer Marjorie King, who was allergic to many spirits – except tequila.

Tequila maker Jose Cuervo contradicts this, claiming the cocktail was invented in 1938 by a bartender in honor of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa.

In 1948, it was said to have been invented for Peggy (Margaret) Lee and named after her.

Even to this day, the mystery remains as to who it was actually named for.

The recipe for a margarita appeared in Esquire magazine in 1953, with a recipe calling for a shot of tequila, a dash of triple sec and the juice of half a lime or lemon, and gained widespread mainstream popularity soon after.

Today it is popular around the world, with a typical modern recipe now including 35ml tequila, 20ml Cointreau and 15ml of lime juice.

The Salt Room, King’s Road, Brighton

This little wonder on the seafront was recently voted the best seafood restaurant in the country but that’s not the only reason to head down this week.

Alongside a vast cocktail menu, the Salt Room team has partnered with premium tequila maker Patron to come up with a quartet of creations for International Margarita Day.

The classic margarita is made with a tequila-based orange liqueur, while their other tequila-based cocktails put their own spin on the classic, with hibiscus, honey and cranberry flavours forming the others.

Those who order one of the hibiscus ones will be in for an aesthetic treat as well, as they are served in a miniature Patron bottle with dried cranberries.

Mesmerist, Prince Albert Street, Brighton

Otherwise known as “the one with all the dancing”, there’s little that The Mesmerist doesn’t offer, with a huge upstairs seating space, private room (with its own bar) and downstairs dancefloor.

Tonight there’s blues guitarist John Crampton, hitting the stage from 9pm. 

On other days there’s everything from swing renditions of contemporary tunes and jazz.

Best of all, there’s a varied cocktail menu offering everything from a classic margarita to a pistolero – another tequila-based cocktail – and they’ll make it right in front of you while you wait. 

The Black Dove, St James’s Street, Brighton

With a bar styled like a Twenties’ speakeasy and the interiors a mish-mash of furnishings, The Black Dove is the perfect place for a plethora of occasions from casual drinks post-work to longer evening dates.

It’s even possible to book the basement room – no fee – for private group drinking.

The stereo plays a rotation of cool jazz, blues, art deco-era tunes and contemporary beat music and there is also have live rhythm and blues performances throughout the week plus the odd comedy routine which are worth keeping an eye out for.

The bar backs up its impressive interiors with even better cocktails. There’s little wonder it’s heaving over the weekend.

Twisted Lemon, Middle Street, Brighton

The ultimate in casual cocktail – if a strong tipple is what you are looking for, the team at Twisted Lemon is here to help.
Tucked down a bright yellow alleyway, the Lemon offers solace in seclusion, a cosy little tavern with a cocktail menu to die for. 
You’ll find all the classic cocktails on the extensive menu, but its version of a margarita has a delicious sharpness you’ll struggle to find elsewhere.
Quieter nights can also offer complimentary nachos or olives, while their happy hour (daily except Saturday) offers all of the above for a mere £4.95 per drink.
They are also putting on a special margarita menu today with their favourite tequilas and mezcals at discount prices.

The Plotting Parlour, Steine Street, Brighton

There aren’t many bars in Brighton that offer table service as standard, but we have a feeling the people behind The Plotting Parlour aren’t really ones to stick to the norm.

Winner of The Sunday Times’ Best British Bars, the Parlour has a patio deck for summer drinks and a cosy log burner for the cooler months, guaranteeing year-round merriment.

As masters of mixology, the bar’s cocktails are nothing short of enchanting and their take on a margarita is something to behold.

Every visit is made all the more pleasant by manager Luke and his team, whose attentive service enriches the experience.