Frozen Margaritas Are The Unofficial Cocktail Of Texas

Nothing quite compares to a cold drink on a hot summer day, and the unofficial cocktail of Texas fits the bill perfectly. Frozen margaritas were popularized right here in the Lone Star State, by a man with $500 and big dreams — do you know the story?

Next time your thirst is quenched with a refreshing frozen margarita, give thanks to Mariano Martinez. A high school dropout, he started Mariano’s Hacienda in East Dallas in 1971 with just $500 and a small business loan.

Flickr/Bex Walton

Martinez didn’t invent the frozen margarita, but he definitely popularized it. Inspired by the Slurpee machine at 7-Eleven, he got to work devising a contraption that would allow for mass production of the summery treat.

Flickr/Bernard Dupont

Along with his friend, Frank Adams, Martinez repurposed an old soft-serve ice cream machine to use in the making of frozen margaritas. This very machine, the first of its kind, can be found in the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

Wikipedia/Nicole Bratt

Even though Martinez wasn’t able to patent the machine, his legacy will never be forgotten. Today, you can visit his restaurant and try one of the signature creations for yourself! How yummy does this swirled sangria look?

Facebook/Mariano’s Hacienda

Also in the DFW area, Blue Mesa Grill is another great place to get frozen margaritas. Just look at that gorgeous turquoise color! Come during Happy Hour for $4 drinks and mouthwatering quesadillas.

Facebook/Blue Mesa Grill

Joe T. Garcia’s in Fort Worth is located in the historic Stockyards, and their frozen margaritas don’t play around. The fresh lime wedge really takes it over the top!

Facebook/Joe T. Garcia’s

Down in San Antonio, Mi Tierra is renowned for its delicious Tex-Mex food and decadent pastries. The restaurant doesn’t get as much attention for its frozen margs, but they don’t disappoint! The color on this prickly pear one is simply magical.

Facebook/Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery

Have you ever tried a frozen margarita? If so, what’s your favorite place to get ‘em in Texas? Let us know, and check out our previous article for more bucket list-worthy margaritas: Drink Your Way Through Texas On The Margarita Marathon.