Houston has arguably some of the best restaurants in Texas, and every Texan knows that no Tex-Mex meal is complete without a margarita. The Original Margarita recipe is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. First created in 1948 by Texas socialite Margaret “Margarita” Sames while she was holidaying in Acapulco, Mexico, The Original Margarita recipe calls for Cointreau, tequila and fresh lime juice.
The story goes that Margarita Sames, who was known for her extravagant parties, needed a creation for one of her soirées. Naturally, she mixed her two favorite spirits—Cointreau and tequila—added some fresh lime juice, and the famous cocktail was born. Frozen, on the rocks, spicy—however you like to enjoy the Tex-Mex staple, these four restaurants have their own delicious takes on The Original Margarita, made with Cointreau.
Lupe Tortilla
1511 Shepherd Drive, Houston, tex-mex.com
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Known for its homemade tortillas, popular steak fajitas and refreshing margaritas, Lupe Tortilla has a comfortable atmosphere with festive decor, a patio with fire pits and a screened-in sunroom. The restaurant also offers brunch options like breakfast tacos and chilaquiles, which can (and should) be accompanied by one of their hand-shaken cocktails. Crafted with Cointreau, tequila and lime, their Platinum Margarita is the perfect summer beverage to sip on a hot Houston day.
Pier 6 Seafood & Oyster House
113 6th Street, San Leon, pier6seafood.com
Featuring the freshest Gulf Coast seafood and oysters, culinary creations from Executive Chef Joe Cervantez and vibrant craft cocktails by drink consultant duo Ladies of Libation, Pier 6 offers a memorable dining experience overlooking Galveston Bay. A 2022 James Beard Award Semifinalist for Best New Restaurant in the country, the elegant eatery uses Cointreau in all of its margaritas. For a classic summer beverage, the frozen house margarita is made with Cointreau, tequila, citrus and agave, or indulge in a little heat with the shaken Spicy Rita.
Pico's
3601 Kirby Drive, Houston, picos.net
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From traditional Mexican dishes to innovative fusion creations, Pico’s serves up a diverse menu inspired by Latin American flavors. The 35-year-old restaurant, located in the prestigious Upper Kirby District, is committed to using only the freshest, high-quality ingredients in both its food and its cocktails. Cointreau is a key ingredient in several of their drinks, from their classic Diamante margarita, a precise blend of Cointreau, tequila, fresh lime and agave nectar, to one of their deeper flavored cocktails, The Noir, crafted with Cointreau Noir.
Alicia’s
12002 Richmond Ave., Houston, aliciasmexicangrille.com
Named after owner David Herrera’s wife Alicia, who often comes in to chat with diners, this family restaurant is beloved for its warm and inviting atmosphere. Along with tortillas made in-house and a plethora of authentic Mexican dishes, Alicia’s knows that all Tex-Mex must be washed down with a fresh, high-quality margarita. Their popular namesake cocktail, the Herrera Margarita, is a perfect and timeless combination of Cointreau, tequila, fresh lime and agave nectar. By the time you finish drinking it and leave Alicia’s, you’ll feel like one of the family.
Photography by: Courtesy of Remy Cointreau