Salt or Sugar?: Memorable Margaritas in Long Beach
February is home to National Margarita Day–Feb. 22. Why? We have no idea. But who are we to scrutinize any excuse to partake of America’s favorite cocktail? And Long Beach lounges and restaurants offer you so many ways to partake, a wide variety of interpretations and recipes, ones that are sweet and others that bring the heat.
MARGARITA FLIGHT, Fuego
If you prefer your margarita with a view, there are few places better positioned than Fuego (700 Queensway Dr.). Located in the Hotel Maya, its north-facing patio, located next to the Queen Mary, looks out over the harbor onto Downtown Long Beach, a view enhanced by one of Fuego’s many margaritas. If you have a hard time choosing, why not try a four-drink flight? It includes a Fuego Margarita as well as Spicy, Mango and Strawberry Margaritas.
MARGARITA SCHOONERS, Tequila Jack’s
Tequila Jack’s (407 Shoreline Village Dr.) margaritas are not just big on taste but BIG. Their 20-ounce schooners come in some amazing combinations. The jalapeño margarita begins with Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila, while the spicy cucumber combines Hornitas Tequila with triple sec, lime, orange and agave and is finished off with Tajin around the rim. All of this goes well with a full menu as well as jaw-dropping views of the harbor and Long Beach skyline.
JALAPEÑO MARGARITAS, Ola Mexican Kitchen
Ola Mexican Kitchen’s (6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy) deep slate of margaritas range from traditional to skinny and include several jalapeño-infused recipes. These include creations that combine blackberry, jalapeño and pineapple (Punta Negra), jalapeño, cucumber and sweet and sour (Abreojos) as well as jalapeño and watermelon (El Dragon). Located upstairs at 2ND & PCH, Ola also boasts exceptional views of the Long Beach Marina.
SPICY WATERMELON MARGARITA, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine
Lola’s Mexican Cuisine’s (2030 Fourth St./4140 Atlantic Ave.) margarita menu is voluminous and in a constant state of evolution. Some versions are sweet, some spicy, some seasonal. The Spicy Watermelon, made with Pueblo Viejo Blanco Tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime juice and finished with a jalapeño watermelon puree, provides an amazing coming together of sweet with heat. It’s so popular, it can be ordered by the glass or pitcher.
OLA MEXICAN KITCHEN
Located upstairs on the Marina side of the retail center, 2ND & PCH (6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy), Ola Mexican Kitchen not only offers some of the most creative and delicious Mexican cuisine in the city – and absolutely addictive chips and salsa – pairing it with handcrafted margaritas ranging from such popular options as The Cadillac and the Abreojos, made with cucumber juice and agave nectar. All that and seriously beautiful views of the Long Beach Marina has made Ola an absolute go-to location for great drinks at sunset.
LOLA’S MEXICAN CUISINE
The margarita menu at one of Long Beach’s most loved restaurants is voluminous – nine distinct margaritas, at last count – and in constant evolution. Some are sweet, some spicy. Sure, Lola’s Mexican Cuisine’s (2030 Fourth St./4140 Atlantic Ave.) standard house version is popular, but so is the Spicy Watermelon, finished with jalapeňo watermelon puree. There are Blood Orange, Chile Mango and Pink Guava Margaritas along with the Tamarind Mezcal Margarita that comes complete with Tamarind and Angostura Bitters.
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