A wise, but neurotic nutritionist once told me that if I absolutely, positively HAD to drink alcohol, I could drink anything but margaritas. “Margaritas are, without question, one of the worst possible alcoholic beverages you could consume,” she said. “A 10-ounce margarita has as many calories as a Big Mac!”
I was so shocked at that pearl of wisdom that my 620-calorie Mai Tai almost came out my nose.
I have always had a particular fascination with the oh-so tasty Margarita. Who cares if it’s a caloric bomb? It is the single most popular cocktail in America — due in large part to my imbibing, I’m sure. And — little known fact, the tart concoction was created in 1948 by an American on vacation in Mexico. Her name? It’s Margarita Sames … who was a Dallas socialite. (She has become my new patron saint.) Every time I go to Mexico, it’s like the Mother Ship has called me home. I will visit tequilerias like they are sacred temples. Why? Because tequila has the rare distinction of being the only liquor that hasn’t made me hurl. That’s likely why I cherish it so much. Duh.
I am not alone either. Heck, Cinco de Mayo has become a bigger event in the U.S. than Mexico. And even though National Margarita Day is February 22nd, I feel like every day is Margarita Day. No salt, please. (And why February 22nd? Half the country is plunged into sub-arctic temperatures. I vote it should immediately be changed to August 22nd when all of the country is sweltering.)
I have perfected a margarita recipe over the years that has made me famous. It’s legendary. I affectionately call them “Knock You Naked Margaritas” … and they are just as lethal as they sound. Two things you should note: 1) No, I’m not sharing the recipe with you (although here’s a hint … it involves orange juice among other things) and 2) Yes, you can gladly invite yourself over for one … or four … or nineteen.
Shout out to folks in Alabama who consume the most ‘ritas in the nation! But why should we let them have all the fun? On average, Americans consume 185,000 Margaritas per hour. What say we make a concerted effort to see if we can up the ante?