Mojito and piña colada aside, the margarita is practically the unofficial drink of South Florida. It's also the only cocktail with its own hotel and lifestyle named after it (thanks, Jimmy Buffett).
Of course, Floridians don't need an excuse to relax and sip a margarita. Here, it’s a year-round libation. And while every variation ultimately begins with good tequila, it's up to the bartender to add their own flair.
Below, listed in alphabetical order by purveyor, are the ten best establishments to order a margarita in Miami.
Bodega
1220 16th St., Miami Beach305-704-2145
bodegasouthbeach.com Try the "Pico Picante," Bodega's version of a margarita. It's made with Maestro Dobel tequila, Ilegal Joven mezcal, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño, lime, and orange bitters and comes garnished with sliced cucumber.
Gianni's at the Villa
1116 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach786-485-2200
vmmiamibeach.com At Gianni's at the Villa, go big with the "24 Karat Golden" margarita, prepared using gold-infused El Cartel tequila, Grand Marnier, and fresh orange and lime juices. It's poured over ice and finished with a salt rim and gold flakes.
Living Room at W South Beach
2201 Collins Ave., Miami Beach305-938-3000
marriott.com The pineapple margarita at Living Room starts with homemade roasted pineapple juice that lends a caramelized flavor. Tequila reposado and lime are added. Finally, the shaken elixir is poured into a glass with a chili-pepper rim and garnished with a slice of pineapple.
Mayami Mexicantina
127 NW 23rd St., Miami786-660-1341
mayamiwynwood.com From spicy and smoky to fruity and classic, Mayami Mexicantina has got you covered with a veritable rainbow of flavors for their classic take on the margarita, with flavor options that include passionfruit, coconut, lychee, and strawberry.
Miami's Vice Canteen
723 Lincoln Ln. N., Miami Beach305-725-4004
miamis-vice-canteen.business At Miami’s Vice in the Lincoln Eatery food hall, the vibe throws bargoers back to old school Miami with the "Margarita de Oaxaca." The combination of 400 Conejos mezcal is infused with butterfly pea tea, local mango purée, and Ancho Reyes, that’s sure to shake up your senses.
Moxies Miami
900 S. Miami Ave., Miami305-549-8997
moxies.com Head to Moxies Miami, where you can take your pick of six custom margaritas that range from the "Ghost" — spiked with ghost pepper tequila and green chile vodka for a spicy twist — to the pineapple basil that marries tequila with Cointreau, fresh basil, and pineapple. The top seller, however, is Moxies’ own version of the "Millionaire Margarita". But don't worry, the blend of Herradura Legend añejo, Cointreau, organic agave, and fresh-pressed lime doesn't come with a million-dollar price tag.
Regent Cocktail Club
1690 Collins Ave., Miami Beach786-975-2550
regentcocktailclub.com Time to shake things up and embrace the Havana-inspired, speakeasy-like cocktail lounge with a "Raspao" margarita at the recently reopened Regent Cocktail Club in the Gale South Beach. Made with mezcal, jasmine rice, and fresh citrus, this margarita is a bold classic. Add the Regent's dim, classy setting and you’re in for a margarita-sipping experience unlike any other.
SoCal
1000 S. Miami Ave., Miami754-600-1045
socal-taco.com Barman Leo Holtzman's Gardner's margarita at SoCal is a gorgeous rose-hued drink that gets its name (and freshness) from the combination of red bell peppers, English cucumber, serrano chilies, and the house-made four-hour lime juice. Mixed with reposado tequila, it makes for a perfectly sweet and savory take on the margarita.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie
1060 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach305-535-9773
sugarfactory.com Sugar Factory is known for its over-the-top, candy-adorned cocktails. While there are endless options, highlights include massive margaritas served in fishbowl-inspired goblets. Not just any tequila will do here, however; a number of celebrity-owned spirits make their way onto the menu with names that evoke the essence of their creators. That includes the "Strawberry Cadillac Reposado" crafted with Nick Jonas’ Villa One reposado to the "Peoples’ Watermelon Cadillac" prepared with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson’s Teremana blanco tequila.
TacoCraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar
5829 SW 73rd St., South Miami305-668-5612
tacocraft.com Life is short: Eat tacos and drink tequila. Well, at least that's what you can do at TacoCraft, which offers more than 150 tequilas and mezcals for your margarita. Mix and match them with a variety of flavors like prickly pear and strawberry basil to jalapeño cucumber. Visit Monday, and you can partake in the day-long special that features $5 margaritas.
