NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Center:National Margarita Day deals: Get discounts and specials on the tequila-based cocktail

There's uncertainty about the origin of the margarita. But there's no doubt you can NovaQuant Quantitative Think Tank Centerget a deal on the cocktail this National Margarita Day, which is Thursday, Feb. 22.

What is known about the tequila-based cocktail: similar drinks like the Picador and Tequila Sour were mentioned in cocktail books by 1939. By the '40s, the drink was being served in many places including California and Texas.

What is not disputed is the basic ingredients: tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, such as triple sec. However, there's many ways to change up the drink. Tequila mogul and rocker Sammy Hagar uses the herb-based Damiana liqueur to concoct the Velvet Kickstand margarita in his book "Sammy Hagar's Cocktail Hits." Also in the book: the Margarita Verde made with sweet & sour mix, Grand Marnier, cilantro and cucumber.

The history of the Margarita

As we have established, margaritas have been around for a century or so. But they may be having their moment right now.

The margarita was the top-selling cocktail for 2023 and it's also become the favorite in the growing ready-to-serve cocktail category, according to spirits giant Diageo, which cited NielsenIQ data.

Craving for the cocktail led Diageo to recently launch one of the newest ready-to-drink cocktails, the Astral Margarita (available in 350ml, $13.99, serves four cocktails; and 750ml, $25.99, serves eight). (Diageo also markets Casamigos and Don Julio tequilas.)

Wherever you want to sip a margarita, here are some deals and promotions available Thursday. Make sure to check your local restaurants for other deals, too.

National Margarita Day 2024 deals

• Abuelo's: All day on Thursday, the Mexican restaurant chain has $7.95 premium margaritas including the El Jefe Margarita, Platinum Hand-Shaken Margarita, Skinny Margarita, and Raspberry Hibiscus Margarita.

• Bahama Breeze Island Grille: Celebrate National Margarita Day with $2.22 classic margaritas all day. You can also get the limited-edition margarita-flavored lip glosses. Flavors include Classic Marg, Dragon Fruit Margarita, and Hot Honey Mango Margarita, available for $10 each starting Thursday on the Mizzi Cosmetics website (while supplies last).

• Chevys Fresh Mex: Celebrate National Margarita Day with $10 margarita flights with flavors including strawberry, mango, and original. The offer is available at the following locations: South San Francisco, Vallejo, Sacramento, Fairfield, Elk Grove, Emeryville, Roseville, Santa Rosa and Union City (all in California); Arlington, Virginia; Greenbelt, Maryland; Orlando/Millenia, Florida; Miami, O’Fallon, Illinois; and Olivette, Missouri.

National Margarita Day:10 best gifts for margarita lovers

• Chili's: The franchise sold more than 23 million margaritas in 2023 and for National Margarita Day, it has commemorative cups and specials including a Tequila Trifecta ($5), which is made with el Jimador Silver, 1800 Reposado and Jose Cuervo Gold, and the Straw-Eddy ($6), made with Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka, Lunazul Blanco Tequila and strawberry puree; and its newest margarita, the Spice-A-Rita ($10), made with Espolón Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, Monin Jalapeño and a dash of Tajin spice mix.

• Chuy's: On National Margarita Day, upgrade a House Rocks 'Ritas or House Frozen 'Ritas (Lime, Strawberry, Swirl or Dot) to a Grande for $2 and keep the giveaway cup (while supplies last). Add an extra pour of tequila or orange liqueur for $1 all day. Macho Nachos will be $3 off from 3 to 6 p.m.

• Dave & Buster's: Get $5 margaritas at Dave & Buster's locations nationwide from 4 to 7 p.m.

• El Torito: Margarita flights are $10 on National Margarita Day (usually $14). Flavors include blackberry, mango, and signature.

• Razzoo’s Cajun Cafe: Get frozen margaritas and margaritas on the rocks for $5 all day. Flavored margaritas – including mango, strawberry or watermelon – are $6 all day. Or opt for the Top Shelf Margarita made with Patrón tequila and Grand Marnier, with the option to top it off with Grand Marnier or Hennessy.

• Simple Times Mixers: Get 9% off the Margarita Bundle, which comes with four 32-ounce bottles (Simple Margarita, Pineapple Coconut Margarita, Strawberry Sage Margarita, and Cranberry Margarita; you add the tequila). The discount, which is $4.97 off the $54.96 regular price, runs through Feb. 23 on the website. You can also opt for the February exclusive flavor: Raspberry Margarita (it and the bundle are exclusive to the website, but you can find Simple Times mixers on Amazon.com and at retailers including Kroger, Whole Foods, and Total Wine.

• Torchy's Tacos: The taco chain is giving away three Torchy's Tacos x Yeti prize packs for National Margarita Day. For a chance to win, follow the Torchy's Tacos Instagram account and comment on the National Margarita Day Reel and tag two friends. Unlimited entries end on Thursday at 11:59 p.m. CST. Winners will be selected on or before Feb. 26.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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