When given the option of frozen or on the rocks, the only answer is yes.
Margaritas are the spice of life. They're the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and heat from the alcohol.
When in New York City, don't settle for overpriced glasses of limeade served in a chipped glass.
Get your tequila on at one of these hotspots serving up some delicious takes on the traditional lime-tequila-and salt cocktail that has developed a massive following.
Here are some of our favorite spots (in no particular order) for a tasty margarita in NYC.
1. Toloache (various locations)
anna_eames We'd remember these margs anywhere. Went on the Foods of NY Tour and had a surprise stop at the restaurant we had our first date 363 days ago! #foodsofnytours #oneyearanniversary #toloache #thevillage #paulsbirthdayday
There are multiple locations around NYC where you can have phenomenal margaritas. Take our advice, get yourself to one of Toloache's spots, find a spot at the bar, and order a "Raspado" margarita and a trio of guacamoles.
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The "Raspado," is a frozen margarita made with either lime, mango, or prickly pear. Depending on your tastes, you can stick with the tried and true (lime), get tropical (mango), or unique (prickly pear). Whatever you choose, you won't go wrong.
2. La Esquina Brasserie (114 Kenmare Street)
La Esquina is an interesting little spot serving up some really incredible Mexican cuisine, whether through their window order stall, their café, or their brasserie downstairs. Make sure to get a reservation and head downstairs for some of the best margaritas NYC has to offer.
Like the heat? Try the "Pepino Diablo," with Tanteo Jalapeño infused blanco tequila, cucumber puree (to cut the spice), citrus, and agave nectar. It's the perfect balance of an assault on your senses and a refreshing, tasty drink.
3. Café Frida (368 Columbus Avenue)
cafefridanyc Our Signature #Hibiscus #AgaveAzul #Tequila #HibiscusBlossom #Pomegranate #Combier #FreshLime #Guajillo salt Rimmed
Like your drinks strong? You'll have no problems at Café Frida. After a trip to the American Museum of Natural History to see the new Titanosaur, head across the street to Café Frida for some delicious drinks.
We're obsessed with their signature hibiscus margarita... and by obsessed we only mean to say that we have had dreams about the concoction's perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. It's made with 100% Agave Azul tequila, hibiscus blossom-pomegranate, Cointreau, and fresh lime.
The rim is lined with guajillo for an extra kick.
4. Barrio Chino (253 Broome Street)
noabarnyc Habanero margarita 🔥🔥🔥 #barriochino #eeeeeats #eatthis #eat #eatnyc #food #foodporn #foodshare #foodie #cleaneating #cleanfood #realfood #foodnyc #infatuation #foodilysm #eater #nyc #nycfood #nycfoodie #nycdining #nycfat #nyceats #vegetarian #zagat #2girls1fork #eater #weeklywednesdayshoutout
Don't be shocked when you enter this tiny spot and recognize decorations with an Asian flare... you're in the right place.
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Once you've found it, you really need to try some of their infused tequilas. The best way to do that (if you're not brave enough to down a shot) is with a margarita. We love the habanero grapefruit margarita and the tamarind margarita.
5. Empellon Taqueria (230 West 4th Street)
foodietarian Por Que No: Cimarron Blanco, Fresh Pineapple, Cilantro, Serrano Tincture #cocktails #tastytravels #dinnerwiththefam #eatfamous #eattravelrock #EmpellonTaqueria #NYRW #NYC #nomnomnom #newyorkfoodie #RestaurantWeek #foodie
Margaritas in NYC can cost anywhere up to $18. However, if you head to Empellon Taqueria's bar any day between 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m, you can take advantage of their buy one, get one classic margarita option for $14. Essentially, that's a delicious $7 margarita.
If you're not there during happy hour, or you just want something different, try the "Spicy Cucumber" made with Pueblo Viejo Blanco, fresh cucumber, and jalapeño tincture served in a chile salt rimmed glass.
,6. Cafe el Portal (174 Elizabeth Street)
Most drinks in NYC are overpriced and watered down. You won't find that to be true at Cafe el Portal. The margaritas are delicious, large, and strong. What could be better?
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Try the frozen pomegranate margarita, but only if you're a fan of tequila. A margarita should celebrate and enhance the flavor of tequila rather than mask it. This is one of those that enhances both the tequila and your life.
7. Fonda (various locations)
shellseakeenan Jalapeeeño on ice.....my #margarita 's best friend! #RestaurantWeek #NYC #HappyHour ☀️#ChelseasChoice
Did you know that winter is citrus season? Well, it is. Look it up if you don't believe us. We're right. So instead of trying one of the incredible tropical margaritas like "el pepino," you should try the "spicy blood orange" margarita at Fonda.
It's made with Serrano chile infused tequila, blood orange juice, and triple sec. Essentially, it's an insanely flavorful margarita using basic ingredients.
8. Agave (140 7th Avenue South)
nikki_takes_newyork Saturdaze #NYC #nycbars #nyccocktails #cocktails #mixology #spirits #tequila #margarita #bar #champagne #brunch #drink #cheers #happyhour #discovernewyork #grubshotsnyc #wildnewyork #drinknyc #thirsty #timeoutnewyork
When you're at Agave, your biggest conundrum is the fact that you probably have to restrict yourself to one, maybe two different types of margaritas and still be considered a stable member of society. However, if you don't give a damn, you need to them all (in multiple sittings of course).
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Make sure to start with the "Oaxaca Margarita" with Peleton mezcal, fresh lime agave nectar, and sal de gusano (salt). After that, you should definitely order a pitcher of blood orange margaritas... We said you should only choose two right?
9. Hecho en Dumbo (354 Bowery)
Though Hecho en Dumbo only offers four different types of margaritas, you'll be so impressed with the flavors that you wont need any other option.
We're entranced by the "Pantera Rosa," which is made with infused chile serrano tequila, fresh grapefruit, and St. Germain in a salted glass.
Check out 8 Best Bars to Get Your Drink On Every Tuesday in NYC.
[Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]