There are many tales of the origins of the Margarita.

One thing is certain the base is tequila.
Ah tequila…. This unaged, sometimes clear, distilled liquor is made from the fermented juice of the agave plant. Tequila is about 80 to 100 US proof. It is believed to have been developed after distillation was brought to Mexico.

Legend has it that the traditional tequila shot with salt and lime was turned into a mixed drink, around 1938, for a customer that couldn’t drink hard liquor.

After further research I found a 1937 cocktail recipe with lime or lemon, Cointreau and Tequila.

Another legend tells that in 1948 a Texas socialite created the cocktail for friends, one of which happened to a hotel magnate who then added the drink to his bar menu.

Then I learned that a book of libations had advertised the cocktail in the US in 1945.

There was also a mention of Margaritas in 1953 travel news article.  Interesting…

Whatever you believe, I’m happy this yummy cocktail exists.