Where to find Brisbane’s best margaritas

Whether you like yours classic, spicy or with a twist, here’s where to find the best versions of the tequila-based cocktail in the capital.

Whether you like yours classic, spicy or spiked with pineapple, margaritas are the current “it” drink.

Here’s where to find the best versions of the hugely popular tequila-based cocktail in Brisbane.

BAJA

211 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley

A margarita at Baja in Fortitude Valley.

This ultra cool Mexican restaurant serves up arguably Brisbane’s best margaritas. Whether you opt for the Tommy’s, classic or spicy, you’ll be won over by the thick ring of salt round the glass rim, and the sensationally sour citrusy tang, with just the right amount of tequila. Most importantly, they’re all served in a short glass with plenty of ice as the best margs are teeth-chatteringly cold.

MAYA

757 Ann St, Fortitude Valley

Margaritas at Maya in Fortitude Valley.

If you want your margarita with a view, look no further than Maya. The glamorous rooftop bar with a Latin American-slant pours all manner of margs from the spicy to the frozen and even the non-alcoholic. The mango jalapeno is a hit, while others go loco for the “el coco” with coconut.

LA BODEGA

1/53 Lytton Rd, East Brisbane

Frozen margaritas at La Bodega in East Brisbane.

This newcomer to the city is already winning fans and repeat customers with its sensational frozen margaritas.

Perfect for a Queensland summer, you’ll want to load up on the slushie-like mango mix dusted with Tajin.

EL PLANTA

58 Hope St, South Brisbane

This inner-city plant-based Mexican eatery takes a traditional approach to its margaritas, making them simply with top-notch tequila, fresh-pressed fruit juices, agave nectar and salt.

The signature with Arette reposado aged for six months in American ex-bourbon oak barrels is a clear favourite for lovers of a classic, while there’s also twists with jalapenos, grilled pineapple and ruby grapefruit. The restaurant also serves mocktail versions of the marg for those not drinking – a win for the designated driver or pregnant patron!

LOS

AM3 Ada Lane, 46 James St, Fortitude Valley

A Tommy's margarita at Los, Fortitude Valley.

Sitting above bustling Thai restaurant Same Same, this minimalist bar holds in excess of 110 varieties of tequila. It should come as no shock then that its margaritas are a hit. The classic with a half salt rim remains the favourite here, while for those who love things throat-burningly spicy, the Thai Thai Tommy’s is guaranteed to set your world alight.

MAMA TACO

4/59 Hardgrave Rd, West End

As tequila enthusiasts, the team at Mama Taco love turning out some of the best margaritas in town. They use Arnette tequila and just the right amount to ensure the refreshing sourness is always the hero. If you love your salt rim, go for the classic, while their Tommy’s is served traditionally without salt.

VIVA LA CALI

G1/22 McLachlan St, Fortitude Valley

The Bugs Bunny carrot margarita at Viva La Cali, Fortitude Valley.

If you like to be a little adventurous with your margs, then this Mexi-Cali-inspired cocktail bar and eatery ensures a walk on the wild side. Mixologist and owner Marc Grey has created a raft of twist on the tequila-based favourite, including a chilli, mango and coconut number, a spiced pear version, and even a concoction with carrot juice dubbed the Bugs Bunny. There’s, of course, also the traditional and a Tommy’s for the purists.

CARTEL DEL TACO

290 Hawthorne Rd, Hawthorne

Cartel del Taco The Gardener margarita.

Like something fresh out of Mexico City, this uber popular taqueria shakes up myriad styles of margaritas, including the classic, one with coconut and pineapple and even a number using tequila’s smoky cousin mezcal. While it’s certainly fun to work your way from the top of the list to the tail, a guaranteed winner is “The Gardener” featuring Patron Silver, Cointreau, passionfruit, citrus, chilli and a rim of the addictive seasoning mix, Tajin.

RITA’S

36 Vernon Terrace, Teneriffe

Mango chilli. Coconut strawberry. Watermelon lychee. Passionfruit pine. These are just some of the flavours this Mexican restaurant offers on its margarita menu. They are perhaps best enjoyed as part of the eatery’s bottomless tacos and margarita brunches on weekends.

GERARD’S

14/15 James St, Fortitude Valley

While a Middle Eastern restaurant might seem like a strange place to find one of Brisbane’s best margaritas, just a sip of the smoked harissa creation here will have you convinced it deserves its place on the list. Expect smoky spice from the harissa against the cheek-sucking sourness of lime, complemented by a rim of salt infused with the Middle Eastern seven spice mix baharat.

Originally published as Where to find Brisbane’s best margaritas