MARGARITAS, PERFECTED
We believe life is too short for mediocre margaritas, especially when you’re on vacation in the desert. So with your drinking pleasure in mind, a few members of our hospitality team went in search of the best margaritas in Palm Springs. The margaritas that made our list were deemed extra special and surprisingly good -- the perfect combination of tangy, salty, boozy, and refreshing. And because we like to keep things interesting, not all of our favorites skew traditional. Here’s the only margarita guide you’ll need for Palm Springs.
Located on the south end of downtown, the margaritas at adults-only Azúcar are just as tasty as the scenery. Sit inside under the watchful gaze of Frida Kahlo in the Instagram-ready dining room, or outside on the Sugar High rooftop deck with a view of the San Jacinto mountains. No screaming kids or mariachi bands, Azúcar is where modern Mexicana meets California cool. Just a 20-minute walk from Santiago, our General Manager Charles Zalepski recommends the Blood Orange Margarita -- tequila reposado, blood orange purée, fresh lime, and agave nectar with a ground chili rim. ¡Salud!
Tucked into a colorful courtyard space off the main drag downtown, family-owned El Patio is all about fresh and authentic Mexican food and drink done right. These folks are serious about their margaritas with more than 15 reasonably priced options on the menu, including unusual flavors like Tamarindo, Mango & Tajin, and house-brewed Jamaica (hibiscus flower). Their classic Cadillac Margarita is hands-down one of the best we’ve tried, and the jalapeno-infused Spicy Margarita is also a winner. The same family also runs Felipe’s, a quieter spot near the airport with equally good choices.
This local favorite in the Uptown Design District shakes up a shockingly good margarita. Made with El Tesoro reposado, Ancho Reyes liqueur, citrus-infused agave cordial, chili tincture, and smoked citrus salt, our crack-tasting team found the Boozehound Margarita “super tasty with a nice hint of spice to it!” This place has a super friendly vibe, is great for groups, and has a daily happy hour. Sit out on the spacious patio and make some new two- and four-legged friends!
This popular Jalisco-style Mexican spot boasts an impressive list of tequila and mezcal, but the must-try on the craft cocktail menu here is the Margarita Flight. That’s right, four innovative mini-flavor bombs for your tasting pleasure! The current offering includes Kiwi Mint, Guavamente, Prickly Pear, and Avocado. Yes, please! The food is equally surprising. Sit inside and soak up the eclectic ambiance at the bar or nab a seat on one of the outdoor patios.
Home of the “World Famous” Wild Coyote Margarita, guaranteed to make you howl! Seriously though, the Wild Coyote is a really good classic margarita made with fresh lime juice, and we can see why it’s been voted best in the Coachella Valley. Order it by the mug, pitcher, bucket, or quart … you can even get it delivered to Santiago! This is a solid spot for happy hour, and the spacious outdoor patio is equipped with misters for sunny afternoons.
This hidden gem took us by surprise! Located downtown in a pretty courtyard ringed by fruit trees, El Mirasol is a relaxing spot to linger with a friend over a refreshing margarita. You’ll find all the classics done very well here, and the prices are reasonable enough that you might be tempted to splurge on Patrón reposado or Don Julio silver. After all, you’re on vacation, right?!