Come for the breadsticks, stay for the Italian Margarita.
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.
Ingredients
- Lime wedge and salt for the rim, optional
- 1 1/2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce amaretto
- 1 ounce lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Lime slice for garnish
Instructions
- Rub the rim of a margarita glass with a lime wedge, 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
What kind of glass and garnish do you use for an Italian Margarita?
A Margarita glass loves a Margarita… or is that the other way around? Salt your glass’s rim and garnish with a lime wheel. A lemon wedge works too for a little extra sweetness.
Does an Italian Margarita pair well with a Margherita pizza?
Indeed it does, as well as other Italian dishes, such as antipasti. Just make sure to drink the Margherita and eat the Margarita. Wait…
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.
Leave a Comment