One of the world's most popular tequila drinks, the margarita is traditionally made with 2 parts silver tequila, 1 part orange liquor, and 1 part fresh lime juice.  Then it's served over ice in a salt rimmed glass. There's debate over who invented the margarita, but a popular story has it invented in 1948 by socialite Margarita Sames. According to the legend it was during a party at her cliff side hacienda in Acapulco, that Margarita began looking for something cool to cut the dust of a hot afternoon. So she experimented by mixing Tequila Herradura, Cointreau and fresh lime juice. And apparently kept the party going for two weeks.

Five fun facts:

1. The Margarita is the most popular drink in the US, representing 18 percent of mixed drink sales.
2. On average, Americans consume 185,000 Margaritas per hour.
3. The first frozen Margarita machine was invented in 1971 and it was based off a soft-serve ice cream machine.
4. The only "officially recognized" margarita by the International Bartender's Association, is the version served on the rocks with a salt rim.
5. The margarita cocktail was the "Drink of the Month" in Esquire magazine, December 1953, pg. 76.

Five Margarita Recipes.

1. Frozen Margarita- There is nothing like an iced margarita - tart and delicious.
2. Margarita Cupcakes- Inspired by the summertime cocktail, these citrus-y sweet cupcakes are filled with a lemon-lime burst of margarita curd and topped with your choice of a fluffy margarita meringue or tequila-lime glaze.
3. Mango-rita- Refreshing and festive twist on a traditional “rita.”
4. Frozen Watermelon Blackberry Margaritas with Cilantro and Vanilla- this has visual appeal as well as being deliciously tasty.
5. Margarita Cookies with Tequila Glaze- The best of both worlds - cookies and drinks. A sure winner.

Click for more Margarita Recipes.

Nutritional Information for one home made 8 oz Margarita:

Calories:  218
Fat: 0.17 g
Carbohydrates:  12 g
Cholesterol: 0  mg
Sodium:  1638 mg
Protein:  0.11 g
Sugars: 10 g