Every Dallasite knows that the only way to wash down your Tex-Mex is with a margarita. No matter the time of year, or time of day, someone in Dallas is indulging in the fan-favorite cocktail. The Original Margarita recipe is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. First created in 1948 by Dallas socialite Margaret “Margarita” Sames while she was holidaying in Acapulco, Mexico, The Original Margarita recipe calls for Cointreau, tequila and fresh lime juice.
The story goes that Margarita Sames, who was known for her extravagant parties, needed a creation for one of her soirées. Naturally, she mixed her two favorite spirits—Cointreau and tequila—added some fresh lime juice, and the famous cocktail was born. Frozen, on the rocks, spicy—however you like to enjoy the Tex-Mex staple, these six restaurants have their own delicious takes on The Original Margarita, made with Cointreau.
Odelay
5600 West Lovers Lane, Suite 109, odelaytexmex.com
Since Odelay joined the plethora of Dallas Tex-Mex restaurants in the spring of 2022, it’s been a hot spot for anyone who enjoys sipping margaritas en plein air thanks to the restaurant’s large patio. Mario, the director of spirits, loves using Cointreau in his margaritas, just as the original recipe calls for. If you like a little heat, Odelay’s Spicy Rita is crafted with Cointreau, tequila, citrus, chile de arbol and Tajín. For a deeper, fuller flavor, try the Tres Comas Rita, crafted with Cointreau Noir—a darker, spicier version of the liqueur—sherry, tequila, citrus, cane sugar and orange zest, or keep it simple with the Mas Flacas, a classic made with Cointreau, tequila and citrus.
Jose
4931 W. Lovers Lane, jose.mx
Jose is known for its unique design, vivacious patio and tequila-centric bar program, which features Cointreau as a core ingredient in its top-selling margaritas. Crafted by creative partners and bar managers Carlos and Victor, the Squozen Margarita and Top Shelf Margarita are topped off with agave and freshly squeezed lime juice. Pro tip: Get the restaurant's own turbo salt on the rim for a sweet, salty, spicy kick.
Miriam Cocina Latina
2015 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, miriamcocina.com
Along with owner Miriam’s infectious smile, guests at Miriam Cocina Latina can expect to see Mexican fare, dishes from Miriam’s home country, Dominican Republic, and several Cointreau-forward cocktails created by Oscar, the bar manager. On the fruity side, they have La Fresca, a frozen margarita with strawberry-cucumber puree; La Pina Picosa, a margarita with muddled fresh pineapples and jalapenos; and La Piloto, a berry margarita with an option to be made with mezcal. For something more classic, go for La Monarca—Cointreau, tequila and fresh citrus—or San Miguel Allende, a Mexican martini made with Cointreau and a kick of chile ancho.
Muchacho
4011 Villanova Street, muchachotexmex.com
Walking into Muchacho in Preston Center feels like walking into a ranch house in West Texas—homey, warm and inviting. Complete with cowhides and a mounted cow head on the bar’s back wall, Muchacho is the perfect embodiment of Tex-Mex. Sanjay, the bar manager, routinely uses Cointreau in his margaritas, specifically in two of the spicier drinks on the menu: La Calentura, which uses a jalapeno tequila, and Tamarindo, made with a habanero tequila, tamarind and a chile salt rim.
Knox Bistro
3230 Knox Street, Suite 140, knoxbistro.com
Situated in the effervescent Knox-Henderson neighborhood just a block from the Katy Trail, Knox Bistro is a primarily French restaurant, but, lucky for us, they know Dallasites require a margarita on the menu. The restaurant’s bar manager, Mario, who also directs the spirits program for nearby restaurants Georgie and Le Bilboquet, has a rotating menu incorporating seasonal and novel techniques. His popular Marigold margarita features Cointreau, tequila, mezcal and watermelon cordial.
Georgie
4514 Travis Street, Suite 132, georgiedallas.com
Georgie, the sister restaurant to Knox Bistro that was created by Michelin-star chef Curtis Stone, exudes elegance with travertine and marble floors, coffered ceilings and luxurious orange upholstered booths. Inventive dishes with sustainably sourced ingredients are accompanied by an equally creative bar program built by Mario. Their delectable Fountain of Youth cocktail uses Cointreau to compliment the flavors of mezcal, tequila, grapefruit, lime and orange.
Kitchen + Kocktails
1933 Elm Street, kitchenkocktailsdallas.com
Kitchen + Kocktails offers comfort food in a classy environment. Situated in the artsy Deep Ellum neighborhood, the menu features elevated takes on southern classics like fried chicken and waffles along with an array of innovative cocktails. For a fruity beverage with a kick, try the strawberry jalapeno margarita, crafted with Cointreau, tequila and lime.
Photography by: Courtesy of Remy Cointreau