(credit: Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen)
MMMM margaritas! A very delicious, refreshing and versatile cocktail. There are so many versions of it from spicy to fruity, sweet to strong, there is always a margarita for everyone. The best ones are always made with top-notch tequilas and fresh ingredients.
(credit: Marian Bacol-Uba)
Javier’s Cantina
7832 E Pacific Coast Hwy
Newport Coast, CA 92657
(949) 494-1239
www.javiers-cantina.com
With three locations in Orange County, Newport Coast, Irvine Spectrum and John Wayne Airport, Javier’s is a local favorite for margaritas and more. They have a huge selection of fine tequilas at the bar and their margaritas are always flavorful and strong. They just opened their fourth location in Viva Las Vegas inside the Aria Hotel.
(credit: Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen)
Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen
141 S Glassell St
Orange, CA 92866
(714) 633-3038
www.gabbipatrick.com
Located in Old Towne Orange, Gabbi’s Mexican Kitchen is another locals hang out. They incorporate seasonal produce into the food and drink menus. Their most popular drink is the Jalapeno-Pepino Margarita, made with fresh jalapeno, cucumber, fresh lime, agave nectar, on the rocks — refreshing with a nice kick.
(credit: Mi Casa)
Mi Casa
296 E 17th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
(949) 645-7626
www.micasa1.com
Mi Casa’s hand-crafted specialty margaritas use fresh seasonal fruit, 100 percent organic agave nectar and hand-squeezed lime juice. The house margaritas are made with a “secret margarita mix” consisting of simple, fresh ingredients with one-of-a-kind taste that locals have grown to love since 1972, when the first location opened. They have two Orange County locations: Costa Mesa and Rancho Santa Margarita.
(credit: Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen)
Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen
110 W Birch St
Brea, CA 92820
(714) 255-1040
www.chachaslatinkitchen.com
Serving a classic margarita, Cha Cha’s Latin Kitchen’s version is delicious and allows you to also put your own stamp on the drink. Made with elderflower liqueur and fresh grapefruit juice, it’s a refreshing take on the classic. And, you’ll also enjoy their watermelon margarita too! The restaurant, known for their open kitchen, brick wood-burning oven, and spacious patio is on the Downtown promenade and offers fun, themed weekday events such as Taco and Tequila Tuesday or Enchilada and Wine Wednesday.
(credit: Sol Cocina)
Sol Cocina
251 E Coast Hwy
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 675-9800
www.solcocina.com
SOL Cocina, in Newport Beach, has introduced intriguing new cocktails for the fall and winter season, bringing a contemporary approach to traditional Mexican drinks. They use the freshest ingredients and tequilas for their cocktails. This season you can try some unique flavors such as their Pumpkin Spice Margarita and Mango Con Chile Frozen Margarita.
(credit: Matador Cantina)
Matador Cantina
111 N Harbor Blvd
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 871-8226
www.thematador.com
Matador Cantina located in the heart of Downtown Fullerton has a full margarita cocktail menu. Their signature one, called the Matador Margarita, is made with Hornitos Tequila, Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, and house-made Sweet & Sour. Another crowd favorite is their Cucumber Margarita made with house-infused cucumber tequila, fresh-squeezed tangerine, lime, and splash of spritz.
(credit: Back Bay Tavern/Whole Foods Newport Beach)
Back Bay Tavern
Whole Foods Market
415 Newport Ctr Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Conveniently located inside the Whole Foods Market at Fashion Island, Back Bay Tavern is a full-service restaurant and bar. They use 123 Organic tequila and all of their house spirits are organic and local. All of juices are fresh squeezed and fresh lemon and lime are used instead of sweet and sour mix. Happy Hour is Monday through Thursday from 3 to 8 p.m.
