Miami is going gaga for Cinco De Mayo, and we can't blame it. Who doesn’t love a holiday centered on tacos and tequila?
Our favorite holiday (at least, in the first week of May), the day that precedes the year’s worst hangover second only to New Year’s Day, is marked by cheap drinks and way too many specials to sift through. Don’t waste your precious bar-hopping time combing through suggestions and plan your route around these five best margaritas in Miami.
1. The Mexican Passion at SoCal Taco Co.
Photograph: Courtesy SoCal Taco Co.
Bartender Leo Holtzman is known for bucking trends when it comes to traditional margarita ingredients—there’s the gardener’s margarita with red pepper and the grass clippings with crushed cilantro, among others he serves at his restaurant SoCal Taco Co. But our pick for the best also happens to be Gabrielle Union’s favorite, the Mexican Passion, made with chipotle liquor and rimmed with a spicy dry rub for an added kick. 141 SW 7th St.
2. PaletaRita at Coyo Taco
Photograph: Courtesy Coyo Taco
It’s dessert and a cocktail all rolled into one. Coyo Taco’s popsicle-meets-margarita concoction is made using fresh-fruit puree for a sweet and boozy drink that’s also refreshing—which you’ll need considering the Cinco de Mayo forecast calls for temperatures high into the '80s. 2300 NW 2nd Ave.
3. El Diablito at Clandestino
Photograph: Courtesy Clandestino/Diego Texera
Fans of smoky mescal, the other agave-based Mexican spirit, don’t need to skip on the margarita tradition this Cinco de Mayo. South Beach newcomer Clandestino serves up their version of the classic, subbing in jalapeno-infused mescal for tequila and hibiscus liquor for triple sec. 758 Washington Ave.
4. Spanish margarita at Bulla Gastrobar
Photograph: Courtesy Bulla Gastrobar
We love a rebel margarita that deviates from the traditional list of ingredients. What makes Bulla Gastrobar’s version special, also the reason why it’s “Spanish,” is a generous pour of amontillado sherry, which gives it an earthy, slightly sweeter flavor. 2500 Ponce de Leon Blvd.