If you are anything like us, chances are you don't need to be told when to drink a margarita. Whether it is complementing a warm summer's day in a park or is being sipped in a cosy bar in central London in the dead of winter, this crisp, iconic tipple - and its many variants - rarely goes down badly.
However, if you were in need of a little guidance, 22 February has come to be known as International Margarita Day, during which a number of bars across London will transform into Mexican fiestas that you won't want to miss, serving up some of the finest margaritas the city has to offer. Yes, this is a real thing.
Here are some of the best spots in London to grab a margarita tonight:
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Ella Canta, Park Lane
Deep in the heart of glamorous Mayfair, the Hotel Intercontinental Park Lane is serving up a storm of tequila-based delights at its brand new Ella Canta restaurant. Opened in November, Ella Canta offers patrons everything from smooth guacamole with crickets to a tangy pickled salmon ceviche, but it's the margaritas on offer that really catch the eye.
Using only quality Patron tequilas, the team of diligent mixologists behind the restaurant's fabulous brass bar can whip up a suprisingly large array of margaritas, ranging from the classic Tommy's Margarita with Patrón Reposado to an intriguing frozen edition boasting tangy mint, cucumber and even a touch of jalapeno chilis for a real Latin American kick.
However, the highlight is without doubt the Coa de Jima; a fabulously warm, creamy and fruity margarita, with Patron Reposado, champagne foam and vanilla syrup bringing a rich fullness to a drink that is so often thin and light.
Ella Canta will be serving up these world-class margaritas in its chic, cosy bar long into the night, so be sure to stop by to get your fix of elegant yet authentic Mexican-American cocktails.
Cantina Laredo, Upper St Martin's Lane
The slogan “the heart and soul of modern Mexican”, covers only the basics of Cantina Laredo in London's bustling Covent Garden.
In reality, this remarkable establishment is taking the neighbourhood by storm with its range of curious and clever cocktails, and for a modern twist on the classic margarita, guests can sample a number of different recipes to suit their mood.
Head down to Cantina Laredo tonight and soak in the happening atmosphere with a range of Patron-based margaritas including its delightful “Pine for Patrón”, featuring pineapple-infused Patrón Silver, chile shrub and lime.
And those not too keen on the margarita (perhaps this day isn't for you) can check out the charmingly-named “Espresso Yourself”, featuring Patron's rich coffee-tinged XO Cafe tequila with marshmallows and vodka.
OXO Tower, South Bank
The English Garden Margarita alone is enough to get bums on seats in London's iconic OXO Tower bar, perched high above the Thames. Created by Sophie Bratt, the English Garden was selected as the UK entrant to the 2017 Margarita of the Year awards, and still remains an integral part of the OXO Tower bar menu.
Patron's website calls the English Garden "a margarita with a floral and sophisticated tea-steeped twist" and says "this cocktail finds the sweet spot between tea time and happy hour."
For those that like their margaritas with a distinctly British twist, the English Garden uses Patron Silver tequila, Earl Grey tea syrup and orange flower water to created smooth, delicate drink - perfect for those new to the margarita universe. With stunning views over St Paul's Cathedral and cocktails this elegantly designed, you'll never want the night to end.
Long Bar, Sanderson Hotel, Berners Street
In celebration of National Margarita Day, Patron is taking over the chic Long Bar at the Sanderson Hotel in London's West End. Of course, with Patron at the helm, expect to see such classics as the Original Patrón Margarita, the succulent Patrón Tommy’s Margarita, the fiesty Patrón Spicy Margarita and the refined Patrón Jasmine Margarita.
“At just £10 each, they’re definitely hard to resist,” the hotel says, “and with a DJ and band to entertain you and Mexican Fiesta Bunting embellishing the walls bringing the ambience to the table, we guarantee you’ll be sipping in style.”
