Photography By: Ed VisionsWe Drank Margaritas Across Orange County, and These Are Our Favorites Kaylin Waizinger February 22, 2021 Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on RedditShare on LinkedInShare on InstagramShare on YouTubeShare on EmailShare on WhatsApp 7 Sensational Margaritas That’ll Have You Doing the Happy Dance! Written By: Kaylin Waizinger Best OC Patios Margaritas With springtime just weeks away, we’re feelin’ thirsty! To quench our cravings, we sampled several margaritas across Orange County to find the best and most spirited sips. Each of these cocktails is or can be made with Milagro Select Barrel Reserve silver, reposado, or añejo—a line of ultra-premium tequilas made with the highest quality mature agave plants. From south San Clemente to northside Costa Mesa, these festive drinks are totally worth the splurge. After all, when life gives you limes (or sunny weather), just add tequila! Marg my words: it’s happy hour. 1 | Descanso Restaurant Must-Try Marg: Bad Hombre Photography Provided By: Anne Watson Head to Descanso Restaurant in Costa Mesa for some of the best margaritas in town! This modern taqueria serves authentic Mexican flavors and hand-crafted cocktails on their outdoor patio. With options from the traditional Paloma with simple syrup, lime and grapefruit to the spicy Bad Hombre with pineapple juice, agave, lime, serranos and seasonings, you can’t go wrong. And if you’re feeling fancy, level up your marg with Milagro tequila! Descanso Restaurant 1555 Adams Ave, Ste 103 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.486.3798 2 | South of Nick’s Mexican Kitchen + Bar Must-Try Marg: Tamarindo With two locations in downtown San Clemente and beautiful Laguna Beach, this Spanish-colonial concept serves upscale eats and creative cocktails in a historic, local setting. Order a Tamarindo margarita made with Milagro silver tequila, ancho chile liqueur, tamarind, housemade sweet ’n sour and garnished with a Tajin-chamoy rim. Plan a date night and dine al fresco on San Clemente’s quaint El Camino Real or in Laguna overlooking the coast. Now that’s romantic! South of Nick’s Laguna Beach 540 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.376.8595 South of Nick’s San Clemente 110 N El Camino Real San Clemente, CA 92672 949.481.4545 3 | Carmelita’s Kitchen Best OC Patios Margaritas Must-Try Marg: Cilantro Cucumber Nestled near Rancho Santa Margarita Lake in the Mercado del Lago center, Carmelita’s Kitchen crafts some of the best margs in OC! From fresh favorites like the blanco and Cadillac margaritas to innovative sips like the strawberry jalapeño and grilled pineapple and chile, the options are endless. Grab a seat on their outdoor patio and delight in breezy lakeside views and fantastic food and drink. Carmelita’s Kitchen 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688 949.709.7600 4 | Playa Mesa Best OC Patios Margaritas Must-Try Marg: Jamaica Photography By: Dan Dobi Voted OC’s Best Margarita in 2019, Costa Mesa’s Playa Mesa is an ideal spot to enjoy margaritas al fresco. Pair the award-winning Jamaica margarita with the restaurant’s authentic Mexican cuisine, and you’ll be right where you hoped you’d be—in your happy place. The best part? On Tuesdays, tacos are $3.50, and craft margaritas are $8 all day! Native Knowledge: Playa Mesa has an extensive selection of over 50 premium tequilas and smoky mezcals. Playa Mesa 428 E 17th St. Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.287.5292 5 | Coyote Grill Must-Try Marg: Coyote Photography By: Ed Visions Photography By: Ed Visions This casual spot in Laguna Beach offers locals a taste of Baja on a dreamy ocean-view balcony. Choose from a long list of anejos, reposado and silver tequilas to customize your marg! We recommend the Coyote margarita with a splash of Milagro—but make it skinny for $1 with fresh agave and lime juice. If you came with your crew, order a pitcher of Coyote margaritas for $30.25 and sip with your friends. Native Knowledge: On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island from the balcony. Coyote Grill 31621 Pacific Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.499.4033 6 | The Deck Best OC Patios Margaritas Must-Try Marg: Silver Surfer Photo By: Dhrumil Desai When it comes to al fresco dining, The Deck in Laguna Beach had it mastered way before the infamous pandemic hit. This beachside hot spot is located on the sands of the Pacific Edge Hotel and is the destination for open-air eats. Sip on a Silver Surfer margarita—crafted with Milagro silver tequila, agave nectar, ginger and cilantro—and pair it with the new seafood tower that comes with fresh lobster, king crab, shrimp, tuna and oysters. The Deck 627 Sleepy Hollow Ln Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.494.6700 7 | Hendrix Restaurant and Bar Best OC Patios Margaritas Must-Try Marg: Salty Surfer This contemporary restaurant in Laguna Niguel dishes up delicious rotisserie meats, seafood, steak and cocktails in a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. The Salty Surfer marg is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail. Place your order to go or have it delivered to your door to safely enjoy at home. Native Knowledge: Apart from the delicious dinner and happy hour options, Hendrix Restaurant and Bar offers weekend brunch with favorites like the lemon ricotta pancakes and the granola-crusted French toast. Hendrix Restaurant and Bar 32431 Golden Lantern Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 949.248.1912