The invention of the frozen margarita changed the way we enjoy this very popular cocktail drink. Mariano Martinez invented this drink in 1971. The place: Mariano’s Hacienda Restaurant along Skillman Street in Dallas. He modified a soft-serve ice cream machine (some say crushed-ice drink machine), thinking of making a slushy for adults only. Before that, bartenders needed a blender to make a margarita. The innovation of Mariano Martinez made the process easier and faster, offering more consistency as well. However, he didn’t have the idea or the machine patented.
Frozen Margarita Trivia
- The beginnings of the frozen margarita are part of Texas and US culture and history. Alan C. Elliott, in the book Texas Ingenuity: Lone Star Inventions, Inventors & Innovators, wrote: “In 2005, the Smithsonian museum in Washington announced that it had acquired for its collection the first frozen margarita machine.”
- The creation of the frozen margarita was inspired by a popular convenience store slushy. Andrew F. Smith, in the book Fast Food and Junk Food: An Encyclopedia of What We Love to Eat (Volume 1), wrote: “The Slurpee machine inspired the frozen margarita, an alcoholic beverage containing salt, lime, tequila, Triple Sec, and crushed ice.”
Frozen Margarita Buying Guide
- Frozen margarita is very popular in and outside of Texas. Here in Lone Star State, it is not difficult to find a restaurant or bar that serves frozen margaritas.
- Frozen margaritas are delicious and refreshing, but keep in mind that this cocktail drink is an alcoholic beverage, so don’t let the refreshing and delicious taste of this drink cause you to order more than you can handle. A frozen margarita hangover the following day is a real problem for those who overdo it.
- Research what bars and restaurants offer and try those that experiment with a frozen margarita to make a new and exciting drink. A traditional frozen margarita is great but it is also rewarding to try other versions of the frozen margarita.
- If you want to join your friends but do not drink alcohol, try looking for restaurants or bars that serve mocktails including a virgin frozen margarita.
Frozen Margarita Production & Farming in Texas
Delicious, refreshing, easy to drink, and very popular, the frozen margarita is ubiquitous here in Texas, offered in many bars and restaurants all over the Lone Star State. Nico Martini, in the book Texas Cocktails, wrote: “Over time, the frozen margarita has undoubtedly become the most popular cocktail in the entire state of Texas.”
Berryhill Sugar Land, Spice Lane, Escalante’s Fine Tex-Mex & Tequila, Taqueria Mexicano Grill & Bar, and Casa De Bravos Mexican Restaurant are just some of the spots that have frozen margarita in Sugar Land.
If you are in Dallas, try Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch, Gonzales Mexican Food Restaurant, Las Palmas, Mi Cocina, Meso Maya Comida y Copas, and Ruins. Beto & Son, also in Dallas, has frozen nitrogen margarita.
In Houston, go to Teotihuacan, Eight Row Flint, Candente, Pier 6, Torchy’s, El Venado, or Caliente.
Ernesto’s Fine Mexican Food in Frisco sells 20 oz frozen margarita, while Gruene River Grill in New Braunfels has 1/2 gallon frozen margarita. Another spot to visit in New Braunfels for a frozen margarita is Clear Springs Restaurant. Try their Frozen Strawberry Margarita.
Here are other suggestions: Margarita Hut in Little Elm, Jo’z Margaritas & More To-Go in Katy Cristobal Mexican Grill & Bar in Richmond, and Mr. Froze Margarita in Arlington.
Pesticides, Additives, and Chemicals
Because the ingredients of frozen margarita are affordable and easy to procure, many restaurants and bars use real ingredients when making a frozen margarita. However, if your frozen margarita is made using ready-to-drink margarita mix, it contains additives used for flavor and appearance, including high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, sodium benzoate, sodium metabisulfite, natural flavors, FD&C Yellow #5, and FD&C Blue #1.
Geography
If there is a list of inventive cocktail drinks produced and first made here in Texas, frozen margarita should be on it. Jerome Pohlen, in the book Oddball Texas: A Guide to Some Really Strange Places, wrote: “There is little debate, however, regarding the birthplace of the frozen margarita. That honor goes to Mariano Martinez, owner of Marino’s restaurant in Dallas.”
Historians place the origin of the frozen margarita in Dallas. Others think it was invented in Galveston. Some say it is invented on the other side of the border, in Juarez, Mexico.
Packaging
You can order a frozen margarita to go. Restaurants put it in a plastic cup with a lid.
Ready-to-drink margarita mix which can be used in making frozen margarita is sold in glass or plastic bottles.
Enjoying Frozen Margarita
One of the reasons why frozen margarita is very popular is because it goes well with different kinds of food. You can drink it while eating finger foods or have it while eating a full plate during lunch or dinner. You can have it eating savory or sweet food.
Storage
The key difference between a frozen margarita from a regular margarita is its slushy consistency. After it is made, it will stay like that for a few minutes, before there is nothing left in your glass but liquid once the frozen margarita has completely melted. Therefore, it is not made to be stored and consumed later. Refrigerator temperature cannot keep it from melting, and freezer temperature will change the consistency into something less desirable and less soft. Storing is not an option for frozen margaritas.
Drinking
Sweet, fruity, delicious flavors that come with ice or blended. This, in a nutshell, is margarita/frozen margarita, possessing the qualities that make it easy and enjoyable even for casual and social drinkers to drink and enjoy.
Frozen margarita contains alcohol. Drink moderately. Too much alcohol in the body can result in immediate and long-term health problems.
Have something to eat while drinking frozen margarita. It is not ideal to consume alcohol or sour-tasting drinks on an empty stomach because it may cause sudden stomach pain and cramps.
Be careful with drinking too much frozen margarita because it could be a high-calorie and high-sodium drink with a lot of sugar.
If you’ve been recently hospitalized or if you have lingering medical and health issues, or if you have been taking any medication, consult first with your doctor if it is ok for you to drink frozen margarita. Frozen margaritas are not recommended for pregnant women unless it is a non-alcoholic frozen margarita.
Remember that consumption of alcohol will impair your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Nutritional Benefits
Tequila is the primary ingredient of margaritas, even frozen margaritas. Drinking tequila, a low-calorie and gluten-free alcohol, can help with weight loss and digestion because it is probiotic. Tequila can also keep osteoporosis and dementia away.
Lemon water (or lime water or juice), another ingredient used in making frozen margarita, has vitamin C.
