Las Vegas Weekly

May 4, 2012 · 1:34 PM

Our favorite margaritas, just in time for Cinco de Mayo

By Las Vegas Weekly Staff

Tlaquepaque Margarita at Agave

I’m a purist. A margarita is supposed to be tequila, lime, and a balancing liqueur over ice. Blending is bad in my book, but this refreshing, sweet treat at Agave in Summerlin is the only occasion for rule-breaking. Fresh lime juice is squeezed into this mixture of ripe red raspberries, Patron Citronge and Casa Noble Crystal, 
a silvery-smooth blanco. ($11.95, $48/pitcher, 10820 W. Charleston Blvd., 214-3500). —Brock Radke, web & food editor.

The Original Margarita at Hussong's.

Original Margarita at Hussong’s

They say you can’t beat the original. According to legend, the original Hussong’s in Mexico was the birthplace of the margarita. The Hussong’s outpost in the Shoppes at Mandalay Place stays true to the tradition and serves up its Original Margarita featuring Azul Reposado Tequila, Triple Sec, agave nectar and lots of freshly squeezed lime juice. The tangy lime instead of pre-prepared sour mix really sets this one apart from the rest of the pack. ($12-$18, Mandalay Place, 632-6450). —Allison Duck, web calendar editor.

Cucumber-Mint Margarita at El Segundo Sol

Ever wonder what powdered fajita mix tastes like? Probably something like the dusting of cumin salt that rims the cucumber mint margarita at El Segundo Sol. Sounds like a stretch, but between the muddled English cucumber and mint, tart sour mix and smooth Sauza Blanco tequila, it’s nothing short of revelatory. ($7.25-$23.95, Fashion Show Mall, 258-1211). —Jack Houston, editor, Las Vegas Magazine.

The Cucumber Watermelon Margarita at Hyde Bellagio.

Cucumber Watermelon Margarita at Hyde Bellagio

This refreshing margarita perfectly mixes Corzo Silver Tequila, Cointreau, freshly pressed lime and hand-extracted watermelon juice, which are shaken and served over ice and garnished with cracked black pepper and a crispy cucumber slice. Sipped while watching the Bellagio Fountains, ultra-lounge life in Las Vegas doesn’t get any better. ($16, Bellagio, 693-8700). —Don Chareunsy, A&E editor, Las Vegas Sun.

Mexican Bulldog at Lindo Michoacan

I’m not a big fan of tequila, so I tend to stay away from margaritas. I really like beer, though, and on a recent trip to Lindo Michoacan I decided to try a fusion of the two. Those seeking to sip on a mixology masterpiece can look elsewhere, as a bottle of Corona Light is held upside down into a glass full of your run-of-the-mill frozen lime margarita. The result is a twisted variation on the classic shandy (a beer-lemonade combination), as the tequila adds a nice kick to the slushy beer goodness. Simple and summery, this is a welcome treat in the 90-degree heat. ($12.99, multiple locations, 837-6828). —Mark Adams, associate web editor.

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