The 15 absolute best margaritas in NYC

What is it? José Andrés' D.C. import can now be found in Hudson Yards.

Why we love it: Even before Oyamel flew in from D.C., its reputation of freshly made tortillas, zippy ceviches and enchiladas with mole Poblano sauce preceded it. But it is Andrés' Salt Air Margarita that has the biggest pull. Its foamy, cloudy head that sips like the ocean air, making the salt rim obsolete.   

Time Out tip: Get it on HH for just $12.

Address: 10 Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001

Hours: Mon–Fri noon–10pm; Sat and Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? An award-winning, Mexican American bar from industry veteran Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez.

Why we love it: Jimenez has long introduced the vibrancy of the Mexican cocktail culture to New York, and he continues to do so at his break-out venture, infusing mole into negronis and spicing up simple vodka and sodas with pasilla chiles. His margarita receives the same care, as Jiminez uses huitlacoche, a type of fungus that is a delicacy in Mexico, blending it with tequila and lime for an earthy, black and purple margarita. 

Time Out tip: Tables are perpetually booked, so making a reservation is key.

Address: 13 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003

Hours: Mon–Fri 4pm–2am; Sat and Sun 2pm–2am

What is it? A Michelin-rated Mexican restaurant highly regarded for its high-priced duck tacos.

Why we love it: The megawatt talent behind Mexico City's Pujol, Enrique Olvera made his stateside debut with this bare-concrete Flatiron dining room, delivering elegant, high-gear small plates that are pristine, pricey and market-fresh. And, of course, the cocktails follow suit, including the mezcal- and gin-laced El Ninja that balances a tangy shiso shrub with sharp ginger and a smooth, fresh lime.  

Time Out tip: A margarita with an order of their Cornhusk Meringue? Sounds like a plan. 

Address: 35 East 21st Street, 10010 New York

Hours: Sun–Wed 5–9:30pm; Thurs and Sat 5–10pm

What is it? A Michelin-rated restaurant where chef Cosme Aguilar shares the food of his homeland. 

Why we love it: Truly, it was the electric green coloring of this margarita that caught our eye. But its what's inside that counts. The margarita is both vegetal and spicy, muddling cucumber, cilantro and tomatillos with jalapeño rounds. It feels like green juice, if green juice ever cared about you and tasted like tequila. 

Time Out tip: It is a bit of a spicy number, so you may want to cool off with Rajas con Crema. 

Address: 5-48 49th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101

Hours: Mon–Thurs 5–10:15pm; Fri 5–10:30pm; Sat 11am–10:30pm; Sun 11am–10:15pm 

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What is it? An inconspicuous Japanese restaurant in Columbus Circle that specializes in dishes from Hokkaido. 

Why we love it: Japanese cocktailing has a reputation for innovation, whimsy and experimental—all of which are embodied in the Wasabi Margarita at Dr. Clark. It isn’t as spicy as you’d think, putting Wasabi’s singular aroma and flavor at the forefront without singeing palates or sinuses. 

Time Out tip: Karaoke runs from Sunday through Tuesday for a little sip and sing. 

Address: 104 Bayard Street, New York, NY 10013

Hours: Daily 6pm–2am

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What is it? A small LES Mexican eatery where the Mexican food is solid and so are the drinks. 

Why we love it: On a list that is simply rife with excellent options (fifty, count ‘em, FIFTY tequilas options are available), the habanero grapefruit is a certain stand out. Tacos from the bar menu help soak up all that booze.

Time Out tip: If spicy isn't your style, the tamarind, watermelon and elderflower might just be. 

Address: 253 Broome Street, New York, NY 10002

Hours: Mon–Thurs noon–10pm; Fri noon–11pm; Sat 10am–11pm; Sunday 10am–10am

What is it? A lively Mexican eatery where the drag performances are just as hot as the food. 

Why we love it: When you ask for a large anything these days, you may be disappointed at the size you get. Not so at Fresco's. The Grande Margarita is as grande as they come, all 34 ounces of it. You can get it on the rocks for $32 or frozen for $30. When it comes to the table, claim your stake in this behemoth by sticking your straw right in.  

Time Out tip: If there is no room to be found at the location on 31st Street, check out their larger location, Fresco’s Grand Cantina, a 20 minute walk away. 

Address: 28-50 31st Street Queens, NY 11102

Hours: Mon closed; Tues–Thurs 3–11pm; Friday 3–11:30pm; Sat 2–11:30pm; Sun noon–8pm

What is it? A Mexican restaurant that has a love affair with margaritas.

Why we love it: The best margarita at Calabrije’s is like any make-your-own sundae, sandwich or salad affair, less a matter of refinement and more about personal taste, mood and imagination. This spot is a lot of fun with tasty tacos and a lighthearted ambiance. Plus there’s a ton of different flavors to choose from, which multiplies if one mixes and matches. Raspberry lime, Peach coconut, Tamarind jalapeño; rocks or frozen, spicy or mild—it is up to you to go nuts or keep it simple.

Time Out tip: Pop over on Wednesdays for $3 off margs.

Address: 234 Starr Street #3 Brooklyn, NY, 11237

Hours: Mon 5–11pm; Tues–Sat 5pm–midnight; Sun 2–10pm

What is it: A small Crown Heights Mexican joint from the owners of Dram Shop.

Why we love it: Sometimes you want a frozen margarita. Sometimes you want a margartia on the rocks. And sometimes, you just don't know. Instead of sputtering at the coutner, we are here to tell you that you can order your marg half and half for the best of both worlds, for a slushie like marg ripe for the summer season.

Time Out tip: You can add on a flavor too—peach, strawberry, you name it. 

Address: 605 Prospect Place Brooklyn, NY 11238

Hours: Mon–Thurs 4–10pm; Fri 4–11pm; Sat 11am–11pm; Sun 11am–10pm

What is it? A mini-chain Mexican restaurant with eats straight from Mexico City. 

Why we love it: Hibiscus-tinged lime juice is a sweet-tart introduction to this quaff, but the surprisingly spicy rim of hibiscus-and-chili–flecked salt, (plus a generous pour of tequila) bring it to the big leagues: from fruity and floral to a true heavy hitter. 

Time Out tip: Trust us—order a second round for the fun flavor and the killer buzz.

Address: Multiple locations

What is it? A casual Mexican eatery led by chef-owner Akhtar Nawab. 

Why we love it: Chef-owner Akhtar Nawab's brightly lit cantina has kept us delightfully pleased with stringy, halloumi cheese-based fundido, shreddy plates of Pork Shoulder carnitas and tacos of all kinds. Likewise, his cocktails give us all the buzzy feels, the El Jardin being one of the best of them, balancing tartness and heat with a splash of poblano pepper juice. 

Time Out tip: If you can't stay, you can order this marg to-go with the purchase of food. 

Address: 552 Vanderbilt Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30am–10pm; Sat and Sun 11am-10pm

What is it? A dramatic and trendy South Williamsburg restaurant where modern Mexican cuisine takes a front seat. 

Why we love it: Chef Jason Marcus' ambitiously modern approach to Mexican flavors continues throughout the menu, cocktail included. The deconstructed margarita showcases house-infused tequila poured over ice cubes made from seasonal fruit juices, spices and herbs. Be sure to sip slowly for the full effect.

Time Out tip: Balance the freshness of the cocktail with freshness of the Hamachi Crudo. 

Address: 241 S 4th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Hours: Daily 5-10pm

What is it? Chef Ivan Garcia (Mercadito) explores his Mexico City roots at this Williamsburg eatery.

Why we love it: A loyal set of neighborhood hipsters and visiting Manhattanites flock to this sunlit Graham Avenue cantina to gorge on expertly prepared, overstuffed tacos and a selection of margaritas made with house-infused premium tequila, muddled fruits and fresh juices. While the classic lime version is sure to do the trick, we recommend mixing things up. If you’ve got a high heat tolerance, go for the “VERY SPICY” habanero variation, which blends especially well with mango juice.

Time Out tip: If you'd rather mezcal instead of tequila, that is most certainly an option here. 

Address: 372 Graham Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Hours: Dinner: Sun–Thu 5–10pm and Fri and Sat 5–11pm; Lunch and Brunch: Sat and Sun noon–4pm

What is it? A casual Mexican restaurant that reads more like a bar in the East Village. 

Why we love it: Living up to its name, this frothy, head-scratching marg breaks tradition and makes you ask, "Why not?" The serrano chili gets a little lost underneath a veil of punchy pineapple puree, but you'll welcome that heat-quelling quality once the savory, herbal cilantro comes into play.

Time Out tip: Peep the peg board on Thursday for specials from fried chicken sammies to birria soup dumplings. 

Address: 132 Street Marks Place, New York, NY 10009

Hours: Mon–Wed 4pm–midnight; Thurs 4pm–1am; Fri and Sat 1pm–2am; Sun 1–11pm

What is it? An eclectic eatery from a Top Chef fan favorite.

Why we love it: Elaborate chandeliers, a brick-lined, blue-lit bar and 100 different types of tequila set the stage at Añejo, chef Angelo Sosa’s stylish Mexican outpost. Adventurous imbibers would do well to sample the Mexican Firing Squad, an intoxicating blend of peppery Tapatio tequila, grenadine and fresh lime juice, finished with a spiced salt rim that acts like a fiesta for your taste buds. 

Time Out tip: The drink is refreshing as it is aggressive, making it an ideal companion to Añejo’s dangerously succulent short rib tacos.

Address: 301 Church Street, New York, NY 10013 and 668 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10036