Hands down, the margarita is the drink of the summer. Whether sitting on the beach, on a patio or in your own backyard, the mix of tequila, lime and salt is a perfectly refreshing summertime sipper.
The classic combination of tequila, triple sec and lime never gets dull but in a world of so many options, it was only a matter of time before Milwaukee's bar and restaurant scene put their own spin on this classic Mexican cocktail.
Check out these Milwaukee favorites for some true classics and some redesigned newcomers. Think I missed one, use the Talkback feature to weigh in on your classic tequila cocktail.
Cempazuchi Mexican Restaurant
1205 E. Brady St.
The house margarita at Cempazuchi is hands down the best in town. Made to order table side, the ingredients are authentically legit, shaken and poured over ice. Each night they offer a fruit filled margarita blended into a sweet puree. The house margarita, "La Casa," combines the classic Herradura Silver, house-made triple sec and fresh lime.
Branded
Iron Horse Hotel
500 W. Florida St.
Although not technically a margarita, the Iron Horse Hotel's "Pryor Street" cocktail combines tequila and lime for the same south of the border refreshment. A mixed combination of Cazadores, orange blossom liquor, lemon and lime juices and Lillet Blanc is garnished with a sprig of rosemary and served tall. Proclaiming to take "a local modern twist to classic cocktails with histories as eclectic as our building," the Iron Horse's Branded fulfills their claim with a fresh margarita.
Wicked Hop
345 N. Broadway
Harry Lime Margarita
The Wicked Hop makes a subtle switch on the classic with the Harry Lime Margarita. A combo of Cazadores Resosado Tequila, Cointreau, Grand Marnier, sweet-n-Sour and lime served on the rocks with a salted rim, the Harry Lime refreshes crowds with a slight orange twist. In a bar specializing in beer, the Harry Lime is a welcomed newcomer to the menu.
Charro
729 N. Milwaukee St.
They may not be the most exquisite but they are certainly the cheapest in town. Every Thursday, Charro on Milwaukee Street pours out one dollar frozen margaritas. A staple and simple frozen margarita, check out Charro on Thursdays for the best tequila treat in town.
Roots Restaurant
1818 N. Hubbard St.
In close relation to the classic Margarita, Roots serves the "Mexi Cousin." A combination of Del Maguey Mezcal, Triple Sec and pineapple juice, the "Mexi Cousin" plays up the same tempting combination of sweet and salty as the classic margarita. Mezcal, an agave distilled liquor, is similar to classic Mexican tequila but specifically a product of the Oaxaca region.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
