You could celebrate Cinco De Mayo without margaritas, we guess, but we’re not sure why you would. Here are some of the favourites:
Circo
1435 Second Street, Sarasota, (941) 253-0978
We know, we know. Why would a joint of tacos and bourbon make a margarita worthy of this list? Trust us, it is. Order one by the glass with several flavor options, or bring some friends and order a jug of margarita.
El Melvin Cocina Mexicana
1355 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 366-1618
El Melvin’s hot and spicy menu, prime location and upbeat music all contribute to the perfection of Cinco De Mayo. Try the “Sarasota Sunset” margarita with orange agave nectar and passion fruit. The “El Diablo”, mixed with red wine, is another interesting option.
dusty jack
1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota, (941) 309-2266
Want a refreshing and delicate drink? Casoni’s reddish-hued Italian liqueur makes Jack Dusty’s marg pretty pink and fun to drink.
Mi Pueblo
8405 Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, (941) 359-9303; 4436 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, (941) 379-2880; 530 US 41 Bypass, Venice, (941) 486-0005
You will find 10 – yes, 10! – margarita options at Mi Pueblo, from one with orange and cranberry juices to one with mint leaves and even one with powdered sugar.
Mr Tequila
3969 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, (941) 312-5110; 491 West Cortez Road, Bradenton, (941) 751-9006
Grab a pitcher to share in this Mexican joint. From frozen to flavored to mixed with a touch of sweet sangria, Mr. Tequila has you covered.
The salty old dog
1601B Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 388-4311; 5023 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 349-0158; 1475 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, (941) 483-1000
Blue skies, sunshine, salty breezes, we’d be hard-pressed to find a better place in Sarasota to relax. And the Grand Marnier float on this ‘rita just adds to the bliss.
Taqueria de Reyna
935 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota, (941) 260-8343
This taqueria may only have one marg on the menu, but one is enough. No wonder “reyna” translates to “queen”. The homemade lemon-lime margarita reigns in our book.
State Street Restaurant + Cocktails
1533 State St., Sarasota, (941) 951-1533
Barrel-aged tequila mixed with fresh lime juice, Bauchant orange liqueur, a secret simple syrup recipe and fancy peach salt from Australia make State Street’s margarita a winner.
The grasshopper
7253 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 923-3688
They say never mix beer and liquor, but sometimes you have to break the rules. Have fun with the Coronarita, made with tequila and a cold seven-ounce Corona beer in the glass.
wicked canteen
1603 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 706-2395; 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, (941) 281-2990
You’re guaranteed to have a great time at this cantina, which serves nine different margaritas. Chill out with the “Sweet Heat,” made with mashed mango and muddled jalapeño, or the “Tiki,” made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, triple sec, and pineapple.