A margarita is a classic tequila cocktail that is popular in Mexico and the United States. The original margarita recipe calls for tequila, orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec), and lime juice. However, over the years many variations of the margarita have emerged, including the Texas margarita.
The Texas or jumbo margarita is a larger, stronger version of the classic drink, made with different proportions of ingredients. While a regular margarita is served in a stemmed glass, Texas margaritas are served in large, wide-rimmed glasses, sometimes as big as giant goblets. The Texas margarita also contains more tequila and less orange liqueur compared to a regular margarita.
Below is a comparison of the origins, ingredients, glassware, alcohol content, taste profiles, and serving suggestions for regular margaritas versus Texas margaritas:
Origins
Regular Margarita
The original margarita is believed to have been created sometime around the 1930s or 1940s in Mexico. One legend credits a socialite named Margarita Sames who mixed up the cocktail for guests at her Acapulco vacation home in the late 1940s. Another theory points to Carlos “Danny” Herrera who claimed he invented the drink in 1938 at his Tijuana restaurant Rancho La Gloria for a Ziegfeld dancer named Marjorie King.
However the margarita came about, the recipe spread north into the western U.S. in the mid 20th century and eventually became a hugely popular cocktail across North America.
Texas Margarita
The Texas or jumbo margarita is a newer arrival on the cocktail scene, believed to have originated in Texas in the 1970s. As the story goes, a Dallas restaurateur began serving margaritas in 16-ounce glasses instead of the standard 5-6 ounce cocktail glasses. The bigger margaritas proved popular with customers and the Texas-sized margarita was born.
The large margarita glasses quickly caught on throughout Texas and the rest of the U.S. Today you can find Texas margaritas served in wide-mouthed, 12-20 ounce glasses at most full-service Mexican restaurants and bars in the U.S.
Ingredients
Regular Margarita
A traditional margarita recipe calls for the following ingredients in roughly equal 2-3 ounce proportions:
– Blanco (unaged) tequila
– Cointreau or triple sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
– Fresh lime juice
– Simple syrup (optional, balances tartness of lime)
– Lime wedge or salt for rim (optional)
Texas Margarita
A Texas margarita features:
– Increased tequila, typically at least 4 ounces
– Decreased orange liqueur, around 1 ounce
– Lime juice to taste
– Simple syrup (optional)
– Salt or sugar rim
The increased tequila gives the Texas margarita a bolder, more alcoholic taste compared to a regular margarita. The decreased orange liqueur allows the agave flavor of 100% agave tequila to shine. The Texas version is also almost always served with a salt or sugar rim which adds a touch of sweetness or saltiness with each sip.
Glassware
Regular Margarita
A standard margarita is served straight up in a classic 6-8 ounce cocktail glass. The stems allow you to hold the glass without warming the drink with body heat. Cocktail glasses showcase the margarita’s layers and colors.
Texas Margarita
Texas margaritas are served in much larger 12-20 ounce lowball “rocks” glasses, goblets, or mason jars. The wide rims allow you to get your whole mouth on the glass for bigger sips. Thick bases keep the larger drinks stable. The bigger glasses show off the generous portion of tequila.
Alcohol Content
With triple the amount of tequila compared to orange liqueur, Texas margaritas pack a much bigger punch:
Regular Margarita
– 1.5 oz tequila (aprox. 30% ABV)
– 1 oz orange liqueur (aprox. 25-40% ABV)
– 1 oz lime juice
Total alcohol content: Around 1.2-1.5 oz of pure alcohol, depending on ABV of liqueurs.
Texas Margarita
– 4 oz tequila (aprox. 30% ABV)
– 1 oz orange liqueur (aprox. 25% ABV)
– Lime juice to taste
Total alcohol content: Around 3.2-3.5 oz pure alcohol. Over twice the alcohol of a regular margarita.
Taste Profile
With their differing ingredients and proportions, regular and Texas margaritas offer slightly different tasting experiences:
Regular Margarita
– Citrusy orange notes from orange liqueur
– Punch of lime tartness
– Moderate tequila flavor
– Bright, refreshing, multifaceted
Texas Margarita
– Robust, bold tequila flavor
– Hint of orange and lime
– Stronger alcohol bite
– Salty or sweet from rim
– Smoother, slightly less tart
The regular margarita has a brighter, more balanced citrus taste. The Texas version puts the tequila front and center with its strong agave flavor and sharper alcohol kick.
Serving Suggestions
Because of their different sizes and alcohol contents, regular and Texas margaritas are tailored towards different drinking occasions:
Regular Margarita
– Cocktail hour
-xddMargarita pairings with Mexican appetizers
– Part of a cocktail tasting
– Quenching summer sipper
Best consumed relatively quickly before ice melts and dilutes the drink. The single serving size prevents overconsumption.
Texas Margarita
– Poolside sipper
– Watching the big game
– Large dinner groups to share
– All-night happy hour
– Thirst quencher with spicy foods
The large format allows for a more leisurely drinking pace. Big enough for taking repeated sips. Easy to share with a group. Higher alcohol content ideal for sipping over a longer period.
Conclusion
While both originating in Mexico, the classic margarita and its Texan cousin have diverged into distinct cocktails. The regular margarita shows off its bright citrus flavors in a refined cocktail glass. The Texas margarita amps up the tequila in a bigger glass perfect for leisurely sipping. Choose the regular margarita for a balanced tasting experience. Go Texas-sized when you want a strong, bold tequila drink. Whatever your mood, the margarita in all its forms remains the perfect way to enjoy the essence of top-shelf tequila.