Taste of the Point – May 2022

In this special Cinco de Mayo edition of Taste of the Point, we go in search of the best local Margarita.

So where did this popular concoction come from? Well, the origin of the Margarita is somewhat muddled – one story involves a Ziegfeld showgirl in 1938 and another story claims that a Texas socialite mixed the first drink at a party in Mexico. Whatever its origin, it has become a staple at restaurants and is forever associated with Cinco de Mayo and a good time.

The classic Margarita includes a lime wedge, blanco (white) Tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice that is then shaken and poured into a glass with coarse salt on the rim, to intensify the sweet and sour flavors in the drink.

We tried three restaurants in the area, The Brigantine, Ketch, and Miguel’s Cocina and the winner is … Miguel’s Cocina on Shelter Island Drive.

First, let’s talk about the other two runners-up. The Brigantine Margarita was bright orange in color – we didn’t see how it was made but it looked and tasted like some kind of pre-made mix. It was very sweet and had a light tequila and lime taste, not a traditional Margarita.

At Ketch, the bartender proudly told us they pre-mix a batch of Margarita mix and serve it from a metallic dispenser at the bar. Their concoction had the look of a classic Margarita and was OK, but still somewhat sweet, overpowering the lime and tequila taste.

So finally, we went to Miguel’s and belied up to the bar with some of the locals. We ordered the traditional Margarita and requested white Tequila to be used. The drink was mixed by hand, in front of us, with freshly squeezed lime – no pre-made mixes were used and that made all the difference.  The Tequila didn’t overpower the drink and it had a nice lime flavor, which we feel is the test of a good Margarita.  Also, the complimentary basket of chips and salsa they plopped in front of us was a nice compliment to the drink – they just seem to go together.

So for Margarita’s in Point Loma, Miguel’s is the place. Let us know where you get your favorite Margarita in Point Loma at info@aftertaxwealth.com. Have a wonderful Cinco de Mayo!