These restaurants make the best margaritas in Phoenix. Try one for National Margarita Day
National Margarita Day is Feb. 22, and what better way to celebrate than with a unique take on the classic cocktail at one of metro Phoenix's many great bars and restaurants?
Phoenix is a tequila town, and according to one website, we love those pretty pink prickly pear margaritas best of all. Sipping on an ice-cold beverage made from cactus fruit and tequila might just be the most Arizona thing ever. So, when Governor Doug Ducey signed legislation in May 2019 to make lemonade Arizona's state drink, some lawmakers disagreed and a lot of margarita fans argued that the classic mix of tequila, lime and salt should have made the cut instead.
And while not all of these restaurants serve a prickly pear version, they do offer a veritable bounty of frozen and freshly shaken margaritas worth seeking out.
Here are the best bars and restaurants for margaritas in metro Phoenix.
Looking for the best margarita recipe? Try this one made with prickly pear and jalapeno jam
Barcoa Agaveria
The drinks menu at Barcoa Agaveria in Phoenix is completely dedicated to Mexican beer, wine, cocktails and spirits. The upstairs bar offers classic and flavored margaritas, including guava, passionfruit, strawberry and watermelon, while the downstairs bar has a menu of inventive agave cocktails.
Details: 829 N. 1st Ave., Phoenix. barcoaphx.com.
Gallo Blanco
This modern Mexican restaurant and bar near downtown Phoenix offers two different takes on the classic margarita. Try the Gallo Margarita with house sour mix or La Flaca Margarita with agave and lime, a perfect pairing with the restaurant's chips and many salsa options.
Details: 928 E. Pierce St., Phoenix. 602-327-0880, galloblancocafe.com.
J&G Steakhouse, The Phoenician
Tradition gets a makeover in the Ginger Margarita from J&G Steakhouse. A house-made ginger simple syrup and ginger-infused salt rim makes this rendition crisp and extra refreshing, ideal for warm days.
Details: 6000 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 480-214-8000, jgsteakhousescottsdale.com.
CRUjiente Tacos
Sweet and spicy, the passion fruit serrano margarita at CRUjiente Tacos starts with 100% blue agave tequila and continues with passion fruit, serrano chile, housemade agave syrup and fresh lime. If you're in the mood for something a little more tropical, try the Coconut Margarita, which includes coconut puree and coconut flakes.
Details: 3961 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix; 602-687-7777, crutacos.com.
More at CRUjiente: One of the best tacos in Phoenix has serious island vibes
Cien Agaves Tacos & Tequila
As the name indicates, this bar and restaurant has quite a selection of spirits, boasting a collection of 100 tequilas on the restaurant's website. And the menu doesn't fall short on margarita options either. Choose from 15 options including margaritas served frozen or on the rocks. The Pom-Berry is a bright and fruity option made with silver tequila, pomegranate and blackberries. Cool off with a frozen Mango Tango or up the ante with a Cadillac Margarita, made with traditional Reposado, Grand Marnier, lime and simple syrup.
Details: 7228 E. First Ave., Scottsdale. 480-970-9002, cienagaves.com.
Hula’s Modern Tiki
The margarita takes a tropical detour with the signature Lilikoi Margarita at Hula’s Modern Tiki. Tequila gets friendly with passion fruit, sweet and sour, and orange and lime juices.
Details: 5114 N. Seventh St., Phoenix. 602-265-8454. Also, 7213 E. 1st Ave., Scottsdale. 480-970-4852. More locations at hulasmoderntiki.com.
The Mission
Health-conscious drinkers will be drawn to the Primarita. A simple organic combo of El Mayor reposado tequila, organic agave nectar and pressed lime juice packs half the calories of a traditional margarita. And for those looking for that Arizona classic, try the Prickly Pear Margarita. This pink creation is made with Milagro Blanco tequila, prickly pear juice, pressed lime and agave.
Details: 3815 N. Brown Ave., Scottsdale. 480-636-5005. Also, 7122 E. Greenway Pkwy, Phoenix. 480-292-7800, themissionaz.com.
Joyride Taco House
Joyride Taco House, located in Gilbert and Uptown Phoenix offers eight different margaritas and many are made with tequila infusions. The unique Wave Break margarita is made with Cruzan spiced rum, pineapple amaro, guava, passion fruit and house vanilla bitters. Or go for a more traditional Joyride, blood orange or prickly pear margarita.
Details: 302 N. Gilbert Road, Gilbert. 480-632-8226. Also, 5202 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 602-274-8226, joyridetacohouse.com.
Revolu Modern Taquiera + Bar
Revolu offers nine margaritas on the rocks or frozen, including fruity options like passion fruit, hibiscus and watermelon. For some extra heat, try the spicy cucumber or jalapeno margaritas. Margarita pitchers are also available to share with a group.
Details: 15703 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria. 623-878-0215. revolutaqueria.com.
Agave Del Scottsdale
An entire section of the menu at this Scottsdale restaurant is dedicated to a variety of margaritas. Satisfy your sweet craving with the mango margarita complete with a spicy Tajin rim. Cool down with the strawberry and mint margarita or kick the heat up with the Spicy Cucumber, made with crushed cucumber and jalapeno-infused liqueur.
Details: 8390 E. Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale. 480-248-6901, agavedelscottsdale.com.
Ghost Donkey
Ghost Donkey's creative margaritas include a mushroom margarita made with huitlacoche infused Montelobos Espadin mezcal, nixta, agave syrup and lime, and a stealth margarita made with Cazadores blanco tequila, St. Germain, cucumber, lime and chili.
Details: 903 N. 2nd St., Phoenix. ghostdonkeyphx.com.
Valentine
Valentine’s take on the classic cocktail is a hatch chili margarita made with mezcal, green chili vodka, yuzu, bell and hatch pepper.
Details: 4130 N. 7th Ave., Phoenix. 602-612-2961, valentinephx.com.
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Tirion Morris contributed to this story.
Reach the reporter at endia.fontanez@gannett.com. Follow @EndiaFontanez on X, formerly Twitter.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Best margaritas in Phoenix for National Marg Day
