Look, it’s not like we need a reason to sip on a marg but it would be rude not to on February 22 – otherwise known as International Margarita Day.

The tequila-based cocktail is the perfect pick-me-up on a summer’s day. The blend of tequila, lime, agave, orange liqueur and salt has it all; the bitterness of tequila, the sweetness of the agave, the sourness of the limes and the salty rim of the glass. It’s a perfect composition in balance.

Then there all the variations it lends itself to; frozen, on the rocks, sweetened with fruit, spiced with jalapenos or the Tommy’s sans orange liqueur.

The guys at Patrón Tequila don’t think a day in celebration of this delectable cocktail is enough, so they’ve launched Margarita Month. This February, they’re all about encouraging people to toast their favourite Margarita Moments.

Patrón brand ambassador, Joseph Chisholm believes the growing popularity of the humble marg is down to its holiday vibe. 

“Margaritas have risen to fame over the last couple of years because lockdown has people wishing for a holiday, and what does everyone drink on holidays? Margaritas! It’s also a very simple cocktail to make at home. All you need is good quality tequila, fresh lime, triple sec, ice, and a cocktail shaker,” he says.

Seeing as this classic cocktail only contains a few ingredients, Chisolm says the key is to go for the good stuff. 

“If you want the best margarita, you need the best tequila, and Patrón is leading the category because it is a handcrafted artisanal tequila promoting the highest quality agave and its traditional methods in production,” he says.

Ultra-premium Patrón Silver Tequila boasts a clean palate, clear colour and floral notes which all help elevate a classic margarita.

Patrón Silver Tequila has a super smooth early palate that slowly transforms into a warm sweetness laced with citrus and spice, so it works well if you’re adding extra elements such as fruit and chilli to your margarita.

Chisholm says a salt-rimmed glass isn’t just for aesthetics, it’s an essential ingredient.

“Salt is present on the margarita glass to bring out the sweet and sour flavours of the drink. Just a pinch of salt around the rim is needed to enhance the taste of this classic, refreshing cocktail,” he says.

If mixing your own cocktail at home sounds like too much hard work, thank CAPI for the shortcut. Its tonic water with Lime & Agave X combines lime juice with agave nectar, balanced with a hint of orange and salt. All you have to do is add a splash of tequila and lots of ice for a long margarita (recipe below).

You can get involved with Margarita Month by mixing your own at home or joining the party at participating Patrón venues. In Sydney, the Green Moustache Rooftop Garden is hosting bottomless brunch with Patrón margaritas while North Bondi Fish has a specially curated Patrón cocktail menu.

Nationwide, there will also be special Patrón margarita offers at participating venues, which includes free margaritas on Margarita Day. Don’t forget to tag #MargaritaMoments.

CAPI Lime & Agave X Patrón: The Long Margarita

Ingredients:

• 45ml Patrón Tequila
• CAPI Lime & Agave X
• Lime Wheel
• Ice
• Salt

Method:

Run a wedge of lime around the rim of a Collins glass. Using a plate, add salt to the rim of the glass. Fill glass to top with ice. Add 45mL Patrón Tequila. Top off with CAPI Lime & Agave X and give a quick stir. Garnish with a lime wheel.

For more details or recipe ideas, head to patrontequila.com