FEBRUARY 22, 2018 | NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY | NATIONAL CALIFORNIA DAY | NATIONAL CHILI DAY | NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY
NATIONAL MARGARITA DAY
National Margarita Day is observed annually on February 22nd.
Known to be the most common tequila-based cocktail served in the United States, the margarita is a cocktail that consists of tequila, triple sec and lime or lemon juice. A key ingredient is the freshly squeezed lime juice. In the United States, the most common lime is the thick-skinned Persian lime. When margaritas are made with lemons, they have a much softer taste.
When it comes to sorting out the legends associated with the origin of the margarita, there are many. Two things are certain; the cocktail included tequila, and the bartender edged the rim of the glass with salt. In Mexico, when drinking straight tequila (especially if the quality was bad), the best course of action was to down it in one swallow, suck on a wedge of lime and lick a dash of salt off the back of your hand.
It makes sense that the salt followed the lime and the tequila to the margarita glass. Today, lime is not the only flavor of margarita, and the specialists behind the bar have gotten creative mixing dried herbs, infused sugars and exotic salts to enhance both the presentation of the glass and the flavor of the cocktail.
Margaritas can be served on the rocks (shaken with ice), frozen (blended with ice), or straight up (without ice).
There are many different stories and myths, beginning as early as 1938, as to how and when the margarita was created.
In the December 1953 issue of Esquire magazine, the margarita cocktail was the “Drink of the Month”. The recipe as printed was:
1 ounce tequila
Dash of Triple Sec
Juice of 1/2 lime or lemon
Pour over crushed ice, stir. Rub the rim of a stem glass with rind of lemon or lime, spin in salt—pour, and sip. (Wikipedia)
The margarita was further popularized with the 1977 release of Jimmy Buffett’s song “Margaritaville”.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Get a margarita and use #NationalMargaritaDay to post on social media. Remember, always drink responsibly and never drink and drive.
HISTORY
National Margarita Day is claimed to have been founded by a few dozen bartenders, so it’s hard to trace its exact origin.
NATIONAL CALIFORNIA DAY
On February 22, National California Day recognizes the Golden State.
For more than a century, Spanish missionaries settle California. Manifest Destiny and the Mexican American War would play a pivotal role in making California a U.S. Territory. Under the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico sold California along with its territories north of the Rio Grande for 15 million dollars.
Only days before the treaty was signed, gold was found at Sutter’s Mill in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The gold rush of 1849 would set off an era of settlement unlike any a new territory had ever seen. Two years later, California became the 31st state.
While many think of sunny beaches and orange groves, California has a diverse climate. Each region boasts an opportunity for seasonal outdoor adventures. Whether surfing or downhill skiing is on the agenda, it’s sure to be found. If hiking among giant redwoods or touring historic missions is more to your liking, you’ll discover it here.
Of course, we can’t overlook Northern California’s wine country. Beautiful road trips and wine tastings along the magnificent Napa Valley or Sonoma County are a must for wine lovers.
Swimmin’ pools and movie stars, Califonia has those in large numbers. While moving pictures weren’t born in California, Hollywood sure made them flourish. By the turn of the 20th century, Hollywood built a foundation of movie studios that continued to grow and many of which still exist today.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Take a tour of California and find something new to discover! Join National Day Calendar as we explore the 31st state’s history, people, and culture. Uncover hide-a-ways, mysteries and incredible landscapes. Use #NationalCaliforniaDay to share on social media.
NATIONAL CHILI DAY
The fourth Thursday in February honors one of America’s favorite winter dishes–chili, which is also known as chili con carne (chili with meat).
In Spanish, chili refers to “chili pepper” and carne means “meat”.
Chili is most commonly made up of tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, meat, garlic, onions and cumin. However, there are many variations to the basic chili.
Chili is often a favorite dish in cook-offs.
American frontier settlers used a “chili” recipe of dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers and salt, which was all pounded together, formed into bricks and dried. The bricks could then be boiled in pots on the trails.
At the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, the San Antonio Chili Stand helped people from all over the United States appreciate the taste of chili. Because San Antonio was a significant tourist destination, it helped Texas-style chili con carne spread throughout the South and West. In 1977, House Concurrent Resolution Number 18 of the 65th Texas Legislature designated chili con carne as the official dish of the U.S. state of Texas.
Before World War II, hundreds of small, family-run chili parlors (also known as chili joints) were found popping up throughout the state of Texas as well as other places in the United States. Each new chili parlor usually had a claim to some kind of secret recipe.
There are many ways that people enjoy the great taste of chili, some of which include:
Chili dogs
Chili burgers
Chili cheese fries
Chili stuffed baked potatoes
“Frito pie”chili spaghetti
Chili mac
Chili rice
HOW TO OBSERVE
Enjoy the following chili recipes:
Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili
Chili-Corn Chip Pie
Spicy Slow-Cooked Chili
Spicy Chicken Chili Stew
Biscuit Bowl Chili
Use #NationalChiliDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Within our research, we were unable to find the creator of National Chili Day.
NATIONAL COOK A SWEET POTATO DAY
National Cook A Sweet Potato Day is celebrated across the United States each year on February 22nd. The sweet potato is eaten and loved, each day, by millions of people across the nation.
Either Central America or South America is thought to be the center of origin and domestication of sweet potatoes. It is known that in Central America, sweet potatoes were domesticated at least 5,ooo years ago. Peruvian sweet potato remnants dating as far back as 8,000 BC have been found in South America.
The sweet potato is an excellent source of vitamin A, which supports good vision, the immune system and bone growth. Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin B-6, magnesium and vitamin C. It’s also great for the complexion.
High in fiber and low in fat and calories, this root vegetable is a healthful alternative to snack foods when prepared without added butter, sugar or salt.
Unlike other potatoes, sweet potatoes like long, hot growing seasons. This might explain why it is the state vegetable of North Carolina.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Give these sweet potato recipes a try:
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Louisiana Sweet Potato Pancakes
Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Sweet Potato Casserole with Crunchy Pecan Topping
Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole
Sweet Potato Cake
Use #CookASweetPotatoDay to post on social media.
HISTORY
Within our research, we were unable to identify the creator of National Cook a Sweet Potato Day.
CLOSE Stop by your local Mexican restaurant for a classic margarita in celebration of National Margarita Day on Feb. 22, 2018. Video by Luann Manderville Posted Feb. 20, 2018
Bahama Breeze is offering a collection of margarita-inspired nail polish colors: Hot for Hibiscus; (Blood) Orange Ya Thirsty?!; and On the Rocks, a lime color inspired by the restaurant’s Classic Margarita. A limited quantity will be available at www.sophinailpolish.com , as well as at restaurants. (Photo: Bahama Breeze)
Updated: 6 p.m. ET with more discounts.
National Margarita Day starts before 5 o'clock Thursday.
After all, drinkers hoping for an early start to their imbibing always say, "It must be 5 o'clock in the world somewhere."
At bars and restaurants across the country, National Margarita Day is actually an all-day celebration of America’s most common tequila-based cocktail marked with discounted drinks.
Some salt-rimmed specials are available frozen and others on the rocks and a few come with a freebie for the made-up holiday.
The day's deals
Participation and offers vary by location — sometimes because of state and local laws — so check with your closest location before heading out.
Abuelo’s: Hand-crafted margaritas are $6.95 Thursday “where allowed by law,” according to the chain’s website.
Bad Daddy's Burger Bar: Get the “Badass Rocks Margarita” made with fresh limes for $5 Thursday.
Bahama Breeze: Classic margaritas are $2.22 Thursday. Plus, each location will give away 100 free bottles of margarita-inspired nail polish with purchase of food or drink Thursday. The special nail polishes are also available for $5 each starting at 10 a.m. Thursday at www.sophinailpolish.com/margaritas.
Baja Sharkeez: The Cadillac 18k Margarita is $5 from 11 a.m. Thursday to 2 a.m. Friday at the California-based company, including Panama Joe’s in Long Beach. Sister restaurant Palmilla Cocina y Tequila has a $5 Cazadores Tamarind Margarita Thursday.
Blue Goose Cantina: Frozen margaritas are $2 all-day Thursday.
Blue Moon Mexican Café: Get $5 margaritas Thursday including the Skinny Margarita, the Blue Moonarita and The Wolf. All locations will have giveaways at a Patron promo party from 6 to 8 p.m.
Buffalo Wild Wings: The chain is celebrating Thursday through Sunday with $5 House Margaritas, $4 Street Tacos and $3 chips and salsa.
Carlos O'Kelly's: On Thursday and Friday, lemon-lime rocks jumbo margaritas are $3 and served in a take-home collector’s cup while supplies last.
Cheeseburger in Paradise: This chain calls itself the “home of the $1.99 margarita” but Miramar Beach and Myrtle Beach locations are excluded from the promotion.
Chevys Fresh Mex: Participating locations will have happy hour from 3 p.m. to close or 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, depending on location, with $4, $5 and $6 specials.
Chili’s: The chain’s newest margarita and margarita of the month, the Chambord Flirt, is $5 all day, every day in February.
Chuy’s: Celebrate with all-day drink specials including $1 floaters and $1 off seasonal Frozen Blackberry and Frozen Blood Orange Margaritas.
For us, every day is a margarita day. But National Margarita Day on 2/22 means $1 floaters and $1 off the delicious Frozen Blackberry and Frozen Blood Orange Margaritas, too! #ChuysRitaDaypic.twitter.com/WLWEf5HyoJ — Chuy's (@ChuysRestaurant) February 18, 2018
Cyclone Anaya’s: Get the Jumbo House Margarita for $5 with purchase of an entrée Thursday at the Houston-based chain.
Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen: The Internal Affair, made with Tequila Avíon, jalapeño, pineapple and basil, is $7 during Thursday’s happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m.
Duffy's Sports Grill: Get $3 Sauza Tequila and $7 Patron margaritas all-day Thursday.
El Fenix: To celebrate National Margarita Day and the Texas-based chain’s centennial anniversary get eight-ounce margaritas served on the rocks or frozen for $1 through Feb. 28.
Felipe’s Mexican Taqueria: Get a buy-one-get-one deal on the chain’s “Key-Lime Margarita” Thursday.
Hooters: At participating Florida locations, get a $7.95 margarita with a free souvenir glass.
Hy-Vee: Get $2 margaritas at Hy-Vee Market Grille and Market Grill Express locations Thursday.
Mad Mex: The Pennsylvania chain will have its “Happy Hora” prices all-day Thursday on all “House Margs.” Prices include $3 for a 12-ounce, $5 for a 15-ounce and $7 for a 22-ounce drink.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant: Get a margarita flight of four flavors for $10. Plus, two winners from every location will win a pair of Boston Bruins tickets.
Celebrate National Margarita Day with us this Thursday, for a chance to win a pair of Bruins tickets!#NationalMargaritaDaypic.twitter.com/n49lW09iuT — Margaritas (@MargsMex) February 21, 2018
Margaritaville: Get $3.99 traditional margaritas Thursday and $10 off any $50 retail purchase. There also will be a 4 p.m. class on how to make the perfect margarita and a toast at 5 o’clock at participating locations.
Max & Erma’s: Max’s Margaritas are $2 and chips and salsa are $1 Thursday at participating locations.
Miller’s Ale House: House and watermelon margaritas are $2.22 Thursday.
On the Border: Through Thursday, the signature House Margarita is $2 when you ask for the special. Price and participation varies and in select markets including Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and South Carolina the House Margarita may be priced at $3 because of local liquor taxes and surcharges, according to a news release.
Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina: All margaritas are two for one, any size and flavor Thursday.
We’ve got $2 margs every day til 2/22. Now you can be that guy who says “next round’s on me!” 🙌 MSG 21+ https://t.co/NXQbVKWqaGpic.twitter.com/rwR3Txezrs — On The Border (@ontheborder) February 16, 2018
Rocco’s Tacos: From midnight to close Thursday night, all Florida locations will offer $2 tacos and $5 specialty cocktails and margaritas, and half-off select shots from the Wall of Tequila as part of the chain’s After Midnight Happy Hour.
Taco Cabana: Get $3 margaritas and $2 off any size quesadilla all-day Thursday at the fast food chain.
#MangWhoa! In honor of #NationalMargaritaDay, we are bringing back our Mango Margarita for a limited time. Plus, all-Day Happy Hour with $3 Margaritas & $2 off all Quesadillas on February 22. *restrictions apply pic.twitter.com/OC3UrgeZXJ — Taco Cabana (@TacoCabana) February 21, 2018
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina: Milagro Margaritas are $2.22 Thursday.
Tony Roma’s: Through Sunday, get a hand-shaken Classic Romarita for $4.
Twin Peaks Restaurants: Margaritas are $4 Thursday at participating locations.
Voodoo Doughnut: Get a free Jose Cuervo-themed margarita doughnut Thursday at all doughnut shops except for the CityWalk Hollywood location, according to the company’s website. One per customer while supplies last. The special doughnuts also will be available Friday and Saturday.
National Margarita Day just stepped up its game. Stop by a @VoodooDoughnut on #NationalMargaritaDay, February 22nd, to start the day right with a margarita doughnut from Cuervo. #CuervoForBreakfast#TomorrowIsOverrated#VoodooDoughnutpic.twitter.com/QGo1vhy0g9 — Jose Cuervo (@JoseCuervo) February 20, 2018
Wood-n-Tap: All house margaritas are $3 all-day Thursday.
More deals: Check locally owned restaurants' Facebook and Twitter accounts for additional deal announcements.
Shake it up yourself
Staying home on National Margarita Day but still want to celebrate?
Check out these videos for recipes and more.
Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES How to make the chili cucumber margarita at Agave | 1:52 National Margarita Day is Thursday, so we share some of the unique flavors found around Naples, including the chili cucumber margarita at Agave in North Naples. Jamie Stoddard/Naples Daily News 1 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES Cocktail Culture: Masa’s Margarita de Diabolita | 1:13 The Margarita de Diabolita is a pinky orange drink that gets its color from the blood orange pomegranate juice which also lends its sweet taste. 2 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES Video: How to prepare the famous maserita from Tacos and Tequila | 1:10 Here is how to prepare the famous Maserita from Tacos and Tequila. Jamie Stoddard/ Naples Daily News 3 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES How to make blueberry margarita slushies | 0:59 A sweeter, smoother margarita made with real fruit. Buzz60 4 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES How to make sweet tea key lime margaritas | 1:00 This vodka-based margarita is the perfect warm-weather cocktail – it's got sweet tea, tangy key lime juice, margarita mix, and simple syrup. Try blending with ice to make it frozen, or pour the chilled cocktail in a rimmed glass over ice. Time 5 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES DIY strawberry margarita spritzers | 0:47 These fresh, fruity margarita spritzers provide just the right amount of fizzy sweetness. Club soda, whole strawberries, and frozen daiquiri mix set these light cocktails apart. Double the batch to make crowd-pleasing refreshments for a party. Time 6 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES Avocado Margarita anyone? | 1:00 There's a new drink in town: The Avocado Margarita. That's right, it's a margarita that contains guacamole. Buzz60's Aaron Dickens has the details. Buzz60 7 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES 'Golden Hour' tequila cocktail | 1:00 Reimagine the margarita. Buzz60 8 of 9 Skip in Skip x Embed x Share CLOSE VIDEOS: MARGARITA RECIPES This strawberry margarita milkshake is the perfect boozy dessert | 1:04 Tequila and ice cream are a surprisingly delicious combination. Reviewed.com 9 of 9 Last VideoNext Video How to make the chili cucumber margarita at Agave
Cocktail Culture: Masa’s Margarita de Diabolita
Video: How to prepare the famous maserita from Tacos and Tequila
How to make blueberry margarita slushies
How to make sweet tea key lime margaritas
DIY strawberry margarita spritzers
Avocado Margarita anyone?
'Golden Hour' tequila cocktail
This strawberry margarita milkshake is the perfect boozy dessert
Kelly Tyko is a columnist for Treasure Coast Newspapers and TCPalm.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. This column reflects her opinion. Read her Bargainista tips at TCPalm.com/Bargainista and follow her on Twitter @KellyTyko. Sign up for her weekly newsletter at www.tcpalm.com/featured-newsletter/bargainistabest.
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National Margarita Day is finally upon us, and restaurants across the country are celebrating with margarita tastings, flights and special prices that dip as low as $2 per cocktail.
We've rounded up a list of spots where you can score your National Margarita Day deals, so grab some friends, grab a drink and look no further than the following restaurants for a reason to celebrate.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurants
Celebrating their own namesake, Margaritas is offering a flight of four of its tastiest margaritas for only $10.
JIMMY BUFFETT'S BROADWAY PLAY 'ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE' RUNS OUT OF MARGARITAS
Bahama Breeze Island Grille
Bahama Breeze Island Grille is offering up its Classic Margarita for just $2.22. The first 100 guests at each restaurant will also be able to bring home a bottle of their margarita-inspired nail polishes.
On the Border
At just $2 per margarita, it’s hard to pass up a couple of icy cocktails as you dine over classic Mexican comfort food.
Chili’s
You can always count on Chili’s for a deal on margaritas. This year, Margarita Day is no exception, with select margaritas priced at just $5 during happy hour at partipating locations.
Tony Roma’s
Until February 25, celebrate "Romarita Day" with Tony Roma’s take on a refreshing margarita for just $4.
Margaritaville Restaurant/LandShark Bar & Grill
This Jimmy Buffet-inspired restaurant invites you to step into the Margaritaville state of mind with $3.99 margaritas all day. Head over at 4 p.m. to learn how to make the perfect margarita, and stick around for a toast at 5 p.m. Follow this link to find a participating location near you.
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Abuelo’s
Abuelo's is serving up a Margarita Day deal that will blow your mind: Order up a handcrafted margarita for just $6.95.
National Margarita Day 2018: Where to find drink deals around Central New York
By Jacob Pucci | jpucci@syracuse.com
Happy National Margarita Day! It's snowy and cold in Syracuse today (what else is new?), which is all the more reason to sip on a cold margarita and pretend like it's summer.
Where's your favorite place to drink a margarita? Leave a comment and let us know.
