National Margarita Day is coming up on Feb. 22—and if there’s a holiday we really can’t wait to celebrate, it’s definitely this one. With so many dining and bar hotspots located all throughout Des Moines, the celebration provides the perfect excuse for a night out on the town and a chance to indulge in some of Des Moines’ sweetest margarita offerings. Here are five of the best margaritas to sample in Des Moines this National Margarita Day and beyond.
El Rey Margarita at Malo
Malo’s El Rey Margarita adds a classic refresh to the traditional margarita mix, with a blend that includes Patron Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier and lime agua fresca. Best of all, select margaritas off of Malo’s menu are half-off all day every Wednesday.
Street Snack Craft Margarita at El Guapo
Snack on something spirited at El Guapo with the Des Moines’ joints Street Snack craft margarita. Blended with Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, Solerno Blood Orange, Spiced Pineapple Tepache, agave nectar, fresh lemon and lime, Bittermens Burlesque Bitters and worm salt, this drink has it all and will still have you wanting more.
Corona Rita at Rita’s Cantina
Rita’s Cantina has a reputation for its house-made blended margs available in flavors of blueberry, raspberry, coconut, blackberry, peach, habanero, wild berry, watermelon, yuzu, blood orange, spicy sangria, pomegranate and chipotle-pineapple. But the Des Moines hotspot’s Corona Rita is also a must-try—made as a 20-oz. margarita on tap that’s served with a Coronita.
House Margarita at Bellhop Tiki
Iowa might not strike you as a tropical destination, but Bellhop Tiki is convincing us otherwise. The neighborhood tiki lounge has a house margarita that’s simply divine—crafted with Exotico blanco tequila, Gran Gala, lime, agave and topped off with a classic salted rim.
I Don’t Know, Margo! at Bartender’s Handshake
Contrary to the name, we actually do know—at least the full list of ingredients that are packed into this major punch of a margarita at Bartender’s Handshake. With St. George Terroir gin, Carpano Antica Bitter, Cardamaro, Elisir Novasalus, honey, rosemary, lemon and cava, there are plenty of flavors to appeal to any sweet and savory drinker, or anyone in between.