Like the prolific cocktail itself, the origin story of the margarita is a little bit hazy, but the roots of the tequila-based drink can be traced back as early as the late 1930s. Cocktail historians reference a liquid evolution that stems from the Daisy, a classic cocktail popular during the same era, consisting of light grain alcohol (usually tequila) with citrus and grenadine, served over shaved ice. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that margarita means “daisy” in Spanish and today’s traditional recipe, whether you order it on the rocks or frozen, is one of the most popular drinks found on any menu.
As the weather warms up (and hopefully sticks around) and Cinco de Mayo arrives, we’re leaning hard into the best of the best in the Springs when it comes to this refreshing, lime-laden libation. But, of course, the tangy cocktail can infuse a shot of sunshine into any fickle weather. These certainly will. In no particular order, here are our picks for the top 10 best margaritas in Colorado Springs.
Milagro’s Cocina
Milagro’s brings a chic, modern approach to Mexican cuisine, and its undeniable flare parlays equally from los platos into a tasty lineup of margaritas. We highly recommend adding a little bit of fruit into your diet with the smoky pineapple margarita. This one combines infused humoso — or smoky — tequila, roasted pineapple, lime and simple syrup to invite some sweet heat into your flavor repertoire.
Colorado Craft Social
Colorado Craft bolsters Americana cuisine with a Southwestern influence, so it’s no surprise that their classic margarita stands up like a boss next to a bowl of their signature green chili. Plus, you’ll taste the difference as the bar uses 2 ounces of tequila for a more spirit-forward approach.
“As with all of our cocktails, we try to focus on only Colorado products,” says Dylan Currier, barkeep at Colorado Craft. “Our margarita is made with a locally imported blanco tequila from Mile High Spirits called Cuidado, and we use our hometown distillery Lee Spirits orange liqueur.”
The Loop
This Manitou Springs staple is revered with locals as the joint for margaritas and the go-to after a nice hike or challenging climb on the Incline. We suggest making it a top-shelf date with a Grande Patron margarita and pairing it with their built-for-two Molcajete for a perfect post-workout reward.
PigLatin Cocina
PigLatin’s unapologetically urban feel has and always will be transparent in its food and drinks — an approach that naturally lends itself to well-executed and deliciously strong margaritas. Their traditional margarita “demands another round,” says Deana Monteiro, operations manager at PigLatin. “Not only because of the culturally accurate Depression glassware, but because it’s simple and proper with all housemade ingredients.”
Sample an array of flavors in a margarita flight for $20 with the spicy (our favorite), smokey, mountain and island varieties. Full pours are $9, and guests can look forward to more funky flavors in the works with fresh cucumber, mint and papaya coming soon.
Zocalo
Colorado Springs continues to level up with this taco concept that boasts an inviting atmosphere and stellar bar menu. We point you toward their Guava Rita made with blanco tequila, orange liqueur, guava juice, fresh-squeezed lime and touch of agave for a tantalizing taste of the tropics.
“Zocalo takes great pride in hand squeezing limes, using fresh fruit and no mixes in our margaritas,” says Lindsey De Los Santos, owner of Zocalo. “Our margs also pair great with any of our made-from-scratch, authentic tacos.”
Dos Santos
When brothers Jason and Kris Wallenta traveled home from Mexico, they took a piece of it with them, bringing back a passion for creating South-of-the-border cuisine with a Colorado mood. They have translated that well into a handful of wildly successful spots on the Front Range. Their growing franchise locks in primo placement in downtown Colorado Springs and secures itself as a well-known destination for great margaritas and people-watching patio time.
“At Dos Santos we truly believe fresh is best,” says Kirsten Pesavento, assistant regional general manager for Dos Santos in Colorado Springs. “All of our margaritas are made with limes that are juiced fresh daily. There’s a lot of love that goes into our food and drinks, and our goal is to transport our guests to the sunny beaches of Mexico with our flavors.”
Specials for Cinco de Mayo include pineapple jalapeño and pomegranate mint margaritas.
Westside Cantina
Old Colorado City is a hub for happening bars and restaurants, and Westside Cantina touts tacos and tequila as their recipe for a good time. Westside’s strawberry jalapeno margarita showcases perfect balance with a multitude of flavors all working together in one beautiful bevvy.
“Take a sip of this strawberry jalapeño margarita and you’ll be transported to a world of contrasting flavors that complement each other perfectly,” says Craig Dominguez, co-owner of Westside Cantina. “The sweetness of the ripe strawberries hits your taste buds first, followed by the refreshing tartness of lime juice. Just when you think you’ve got the flavor profile figured out, the subtle heat of the jalapeno sneaks up on you, providing a satisfying kick to the back of your throat. It’s a cocktail that’s both fruity and spicy, a perfect balance of boldness and subtlety that will leave you craving more.”
If that description doesn’t make you want one, we don’t know what will.
Editor’s Note: The Westside Cantina is now Agave Lounge.
Homa Cafe + Bar
Homa Cafe + Bar at Kinship Landing, downtown’s premiere boutique hotel, showcases its version of margarita dreams with the Mexicali Blues. This reimagined take on the tequila favorite is made with Milagro Reposado tequila, pineapple, Scrappy’s firewater tincture, cilantro, lime and a chili lime salt rim. It’s the perfect sipper while lounging in the gorgeous Greenhaus event space.
Crystal Park Cantina
Crystal Park is another beloved Manitou staple. Their margaritas and mini pitchers (with four servings) boast a signature, all-natural mix made with gently pasteurized lemon, lime and orange juice. Another plus for their margs: housemade simple syrups concocted with organic cane sugar (no high fructose corn syrups allowed). We love the kick in their habanero, or you can’t go wrong with the Cantina Cadillac.
Jarrito Loco
This welcoming Mexican restaurant up north in Monument, boasts a beautiful tiled bar that beckons tequila and mezcal drinkers to pony up for authentic margs and food. Take advantage of a $6 Margarita Loca or Cadillac Margarita during happy hour that runs Monday-Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. or enjoy these specials all day every Wednesday.
What’s Your Favorite Margarita?
We know there are other great margaritas in Colorado Springs. So what’s your favorite? What do you think we missed? Let us know. We’ll be happy to continue our research.
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