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Introduction to the Margarita Legacy
First and foremost, it’s essential to acknowledge that the Margarita cocktail is considered one of the contemporary traditions by the International Bartenders Association. This tequila-based cocktail, featuring salt, lime juice, and orange liqueur, has triumphed in countless bars and restaurants worldwide, swiftly winning the hearts of enthusiasts.
The Margarita has various tales surrounding its creation. One of the stories suggests that the drink was supposedly crafted for the dancer and longtime patron of Ziegfeld, Marjorie King. Marjorie, allergic to several spirits, found no issue with tequila, hence the drink being named Margarita, the Spanish version of Marjorie.
Variations in the Origin Stories of the Margarita
Indeed, the origin of the Margarita is not widely known, typical of many famous beverages. However, historical hints point to its invention around 1940, possibly as a tribute to Margarita Henkel, daughter of the German ambassador at the time, who was visiting Mexico.
Another narrative proposes that the first Margarita recipe was created by a bartender named Jodson Gutierrez. Reportedly, he fashioned the drink in homage to Rita Hayworth, an artist performing in Tijuana, Mexico casinos. According to this tale, Rita Hayworth’s real name was Margarita Carmen Cansin.
The Margarita by Margaret Sames
Another version credits Margaret Sames as the force behind the Margarita. Margaret, a renowned socialite, spent her summers in Acapulco, Mexico, and enjoyed mixing drinks for her guests, including high-society members like Fred MacMurray, Lana Turner, actor John Wayne, and Conrad Nicholson “Nicky” Hilton Jr., heir to the Hilton hotels.
Margarita: A Dedication to Marjorie King
In a story from the 1940s, told by Danny Herrera, the owner of a bar in Rosarita Beach, Baja California, he often hosted celebrities like Katherine Hepburn and Ava Gardner. Seeking to mellow the strong flavor of tequila, Herrera created the Margarita, hoping to win over one of the bar’s patrons named Marjorie King. Marjorie in Spanish translates to Margarita, hence the drink’s name.
Conclusion on the Origin of the Margarita
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