This article is part of a series highlighting the importance of authentic tequila, partnered by PATRÓN. Discover more at The World of PATRÓN.
Classic Margaritas are always in season. They offer a refreshing-feeling sip in summer and a tangy, citrus heat when the temperatures dip. But, in the spirit of the season, there’s no better time than now to enjoy the world’s most popular cocktail alongside authentic Mexican cuisine because February 22 marks National Margarita Day.
While Margaritas can take many shapes, from the familiar mango and strawberry to the more experimental variations that incorporate cold brew coffee or even fresh horseradish, the beauty of a Margarita is its simplicity: tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and simple syrup. It’s because of this simple preparation that the quality of those ingredients matters most. The limes should be fresh-squeezed, the orange liqueur should be of high quality, and the spirit, well, that should always be the star of the show.
That’s why PATRÓN® Tequila, 100% Naturally Perfect Tequila made from 100% Weber Blue Agave and handcrafted in small batches to ensure consistency and quality, is the go-to choice.
PATRÓN Silver and PATRÓN Reposado elevate even the most simple Margarita, but when paired with delicious, authentic Mexican dishes, the tasting notes elegantly build upon each other, creating intense new combinations of flavor. Yes, any Margarita is a perfect accompaniment to homemade tortilla chips and freshly chopped salsa, but in honor of the holiday, we encourage you to dig a little deeper to celebrate the cocktail alongside some of the best of Mexican cuisine. Here we highlight the PATRÓN Silver Classic Margarita and the Perfect Reposado PATRÓN Margarita, matching them with traditional Mexican dishes that make for an ideal sip-to-bite experience to pay tribute to the best-loved cocktail.
PATRÓN Silver Classic Margarita
Don’t underestimate this light and easy-to-make cocktail. As the youngest of the tequilas with a crystal-clear color and the brightest agave profile, PATRÓN Silver produces a smooth and sweet flavor with a light pepper finish. It’s handcrafted from the finest 100% Weber Blue Agave with the highest natural sugar content and distilled in small batches and aged in a variety of oak barrels at Hacienda PATRÓN distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
This Margarita’s bright, citrusy flavor pairs perfectly with acidic dishes that incorporate citrus fruits, chilled appetizers, and seafood dishes, which is basically the definition of ceviche. The Peruvian dish is served as either an appetizer or main course and uses the traditional Latin American method of preparing fresh white fish or shrimp by soaking it in lemon juice rather than cooking it. Chili peppers bring the heat, while red onions add crunch and chopped cilantro brightens the dish.
On a toastier note, pozole rojo is particularly popular in Mexico during the holiday season and its savory warmth, lime juice, and spice is an ideal complement to the Margarita. The rich, brothy soup is made with pork, red chiles, and hominy. Traditionally, the soup was made with dried hominy and incorporated bones from the head, neck, shank, and feet of a pig, but canned hominy and a tender pork shoulder will do the trick.
Mexican baked white fish in cilantro sauce is another light seafood dish to serve alongside the Classic Margarita for a complex flavor combination. This tasty main course is usually made with tilapia filets, but can be substituted with halibut or another white fish. The tasty marinade of blended lemon juice, garlic, and onion also doubles as a flavorful and stunning green sauce for serving.
Perfect Reposado PATRÓN Margarita
The Perfect Reposado PATRÓN Margarita has a unique color flavor profile produced by the sophisticated handling of the tequila. Its light amber color is a result of being aged three to five months in new and used oak barrels. This also gives the spirit its subtle taste of oak that rounds out elegant agave notes of fruit, citrus, and honey, and also provides a light floral and vanilla finish.
The Perfect Reposado PATRÓN Margarita’s complex flavor profile harmonizes particularly well with delicious salty-sweet snacks, like Mexico’s cacahuates enchilados (chili lime peanuts). Peanuts are quite common in traditional Mexican cuisine, and this snack is a regular in bars across the country. The spice and sweetness can be adjusted by playing with the amount of lime juice and spices.
Churros are another treat that pairs well with the Perfect Reposado PATRÓN Margarita. These satisfying light, golden, and crispy snacks are made from fried dough and commonly dusted with sugar, though cinnamon is often added for a more earthy flavor. Churros come in a traditional shape — piping tips give the dough its familiar ridges — but are sometimes served stuffed with a rich and creamy dulce de leche, caramel, or hazelnut filling.
A heartier pairing can be found in one of Mexico’s most popular street foods, elotes Mexicans (Mexican street corn). This mouthwatering — and deliciously messy! — street staple is classically prepared by liberally coating boiled corn with a tangy combination of lime juice, creamy mayo, queso fresco, chipotle chili powder, and chopped cilantro. It’s the best way to use two hands: a Margarita in one and elotes in the other.
Whichever pairing you decide to treat yourself to, be sure to raise a salt-rimmed glass in honor of the Margarita’s big day.
This article is sponsored by PATRÓN.
