Depending on who you prefer to believe , the margarita was devise in Tijuana , Ensenada , Juarez , Acapulco , or Galveston , Texas , within about 10 days on either side of 1940 . Since then , the iced elixir of tequila , triple sec ( citrus liqueur ) , and sweet lemon or lime juice dish in a salt - rim crank has seen more experimentation than a Captain Beefheart concert . While there ’s nothing believably wrong with pound twirler of cheap tequila , supermarket marg mix , and blended ice , we bonk there had to be a better way . To discover out , we drank our way across townspeople in hunting of San Diego ’s best margarita with a gadget .
Bark At the Moon
La Puerta
There ’s little arguing that 2016 is the Year of the Spicy Cocktail(TM ) , and fiery margaritas are the stars of the party breakdancing on the coffee bean mesa . La Puerta gain the spicyrita its own with a guess of oak barrel - aged Dos Lunas with muddled serrano chilies , fresh linden tree , and agave nectar . The serranos pack about triple the high temperature of the more usually used jalapeño , while the agave sirup cut acidity , making for a balanced but robustious swill . If heartburn is n’t your press , frozen classic margs gofelizTuesday through Sunday from 10 autopsy to close for a smooth $ 5 a daddy .
Mezcal margarita
Cantina Mayahuel
Cantina Mayahuel offers over 300 Mexican spirits and even has its own brand , Don Lorenzo Reposado Reserva . While we ’re of the sentiment that a good liquor is well serve well straight - up , it ’s hard to pass on the epical happy hour from noon to 6 pm , Tuesday through Friday , when margarita and palomas ( Squirt or else of triple sec ) , made with your choice of tequila or mezcal , are five bucks each .
Sandia
Galaxy Taco
Satanico Pandemonium
The Patio on Goldfinch
Despite its diabolical moniker , the Satanico Pandemonium is one of the more forgiving spicy margaritas around . reference that to silver tequila infused with cucumber to temper the jalapeño , plenty of wise lime , and a garnish of flock . If you prefer smoke over fire , go for a Oaxacan Old Fashioned with blanco tequila , mezcal , chocolate bitters , and orange . Both go for six buck during happy hour from 3 - 6pm and 10 to midnight daily . Chase ‘ em with a few Chicago - style deviled eggs , $ 5 happy .
Hunter Thompson
The Lion’s Share
Buy the ticket , take the ride with this court to the Good Doctor of gonzo journalism . Mezcal and Ananas comosus - infused rum limit the foundation for agave , raspberry , Citrus aurantifolia , and drum - aged bitters . The issue is smoky and tropic , with a lounge oak tree that soaks into the candied pineapple garnish . Calling this a marg would be spiel tight and loose with a purist ’s definition , so curb out the No Esposa with Corralejo Blanco , lemon , and habanero strawberry shrub . The shrub gives an almost apple - cider - acetum oomph to the smooth agave spirit , while a basil folio rove idly on top .
Roasted jalapeño blackberry
Barrio Star
Here we have another take on the naughty marg . This time , the Giro tequila is infused with roasted peppers and blackberry , which give this pledge its vivacious hue , before being shaken with brisk basswood and agave . $ 8 from 3 - 6pm daily .
Spicy Blood Orange
The Blind Burro
Yet another blue marg , but this one has bloodline orange . The Hornitos silver substructure , transcend with the strong , acerbic citrous fruit juice packs a secure punch , make for a pretty expert sipper that you would n’t be completely defeated in rate .
Javier Wallbanger
Bracero Cocina de Raiz
Check out the most late offer from Tijuana chef Javier Plascencia during the generous happy hour running from 11:30am to 6 pm on weekdays , when his namesake cocktail go for $ 8 . The Javier Wallbanger dresses up blanco tequila with sweet , herbal Galliano liqueur , vanilla , stinker , orangish , and allspice dram . It comes out nuanced and delicate , with a linger hint of Christmas .
Mercado margarita
Puesto at The Headquarters
The Mercado is true to the original margarita recipe , but pull from higher tone ingredients : Casa Noble Crystal constitutional tequila , Pierre Ferrand dry curaçao ( the dad Warbucks of triple sec ) , local organic citrus , and agave . This beverage come up with house chip and salsa to snack on , but if you ’re there between 9 pm and midnight on a Saturday , you ’ll get a free taco when you order a Puesto Perfect Margarita .
Tequila mule
El Agave Tequileria
Touting what is no doubt the most encyclopaedic collecting of agave spirits in townspeople , this Old Town hooch museum carries nearly 3,000 selections , though only around 1,000 are available to buy . The Tequila Mule reinvents a West Coast classic with reposado , passion fruit juice , ginger beer , fresh lime , and agave nectar serve in a copper loving cup .
Witchfinder General
KINDRED
This one is probably our favorite on this list . Black Sabbath ’s " The Wizard " plays over the stereo system at this mordant metal - theme vegan eatery while stripe manager Dave pours a marg twist - off that is sweet and creamy without going full white girl . Red drops of crème de cassis ( blackcurrant liqueur ) drip mold like blood through break down ice , reposado tequila , herbal génépy , and wise lime . The oaky reposado is carried by a pleasant velvety texture , while the zing of lime underpins it all without usurping the pot . Try or die .
Trust Cocktail #2
TRUST
A waiter at The Patio recommended the Trust Cocktail # 2 , and it ’s fairly evident why they did . Much like The Patio ’s Satanico Pandemonium , the Trust # 2 adds cool cucumber to jalapeño - infused tequila , then take it a stride further with Citrus paradisi , agave , and firewater bitters made with habanero common pepper . So , so good .
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La Puerta|Chad Deal/Thrillist
Chad Deal/Thrillist
Chad Deal/Thrillist
Chad Deal/Thrillist
Chad Deal/Thrillist
Chad Deal/Thrillist
Chad Deal/Thrillist
Chad Deal/Thrillist
