Come for the breadsticks, stay for the Italian Margarita.
![Italian Margarita Recipe](https://twistandtoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/A_Italian-Margarita-Recipe-Feature_3-683x1024.jpg)
With a plethora of Margaritas to choose from, one can only imagine how many stories are attached to each one. Even the original version of the cocktail has met with debates surrounding the origin of its invention. I’ve written about a few of these here at Twist and Toast, and every time a new “history” seems to be uncovered when digging into any variation of the drink.
The Italian Margarita was a mystery, and it was time to don my detective’s hat and find out more. Only a few sparse clues pointed to the state of California as this cocktail’s birthplace, possibly at a popular “garden” chain of Italian restaurants. I live in California. It’s a big state. And there’s a lot of these “gardens”. This Margarita could’ve popped up for the first time anywhere out here, and once the drink’s popularity spread, its home could’ve easily been forgotten. I soon realized that asking random people on the street about this was a mistake…
“Say, you wouldn’t happen to know where the Italian Margarita came from, do you?”
“Italy”, was the reply I got back. Very funny, wise guy.
I opted to stop searching and pop into the next “garden” I came across, ordering myself an Italian Margarita to calm my racing thoughts. The amaretto, with its apricot and almond notes, blended so effortlessly with the tequila and triple sec that I soon didn’t mind not knowing who or where exactly this concoction came from. In my head, that was as mysterious as The Man With No Name in those classic Italian westerns.
What is the best alcohol to use to make an Italian Margarita?
Was this particular establishment “The One?” Is this where the Italian Margarita was invented? I asked the bartender and was met with a confused “huh?!”, followed by a hearty laugh and headshake. Despite not taking me seriously, the barkeep made sure my drink was. I saw a nice top-shelf Blanco tequila and an equally impressive amaretto go into my cocktail. Sipping the afternoon away and enjoying the sweet, bitter smooth flavors, I made a mental note to grab a good bottle of both for later. I knew I’d be making these at home.
![Italian Margarita Recipe](https://twistandtoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Ingredient-Shot_Italian-Margarita-Recipe-683x1024.jpg)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 oz of tequila silver
- 1 oz of amaretto
- 1 oz of lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 oz of simple syrup
- Ice cubes
- Salt and a slice of lime for garnish optional
Instructions
- Rub the rim of a margarita glass with a lime slice, and dip the rim in salt, if desired.
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the tequila, amaretto, lime juice and simple syrup.
- Give it a good shake until the outside of the shaker is cold to the touch (usually about 15 – 20 seconds).
- Strain the mixture from your shaker into the prepared glass and garnish with a slice of lime.
Nutrition
![Italian Margarita Recipe](https://twistandtoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Italian-Margarita-Recipe-Feature_2-683x1024.jpg)
FAQs & Tips
![Italian Margarita Recipe](https://twistandtoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Italian-Margarita-Recipe-Feature_1-683x1024.jpg)
Italian Margarita Variations
Anytime I enjoy any kind of Margarita, I think about all the other versions that are out there, waiting to be tasted and shared. Twist and Toast has a great variety of delicious Margaritas you can make at home, right now! What are you waiting for? Check these out:
- Cointreau Margarita – I write about this tasty, and historical, version of the famous cocktail.
- Blood Orange Margarita – A summertime drink for the winter? The Blood Orange Margarita is exactly that.
- Blue Margarita – Go back to the Tiki craze of the 1960s with this bright blue cocktail.
- Frozen Mango Margarita – Get your little drink umbrellas ready for this strong, smooth and mangolicious Margarita.
![](https://twistandtoast.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/94-683x1024.jpg)
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