For some Texans, Feb. 22 is the most important day of the year: National Margarita Day. That classic concoction of tequila, lime or lemon juice, and an orange liqueur like triple sec — with salt on the rim of the glass, of course — is a drink as beloved in Texas (and many other states) as the other Mexican beverage Topo Chico. (Our love for that sparkling water is a story for another day.)

Here are a couple of margarita recipes that will satisfy your craving on the most important holiday: one as traditional as can be, another that riffs a bit by using mezcal, a slightly smoky spirit that also derives from agave plants grown on Mexico's rugged landscape. The Juan to Juan also serves up spiciness with the use of Ancho Reyes, a chile liqueur with a reborn recipe dating back to 1927.

The Horseshoe Margarita

2 oz. Tequila Herradura

1 oz. fresh lime juice

3/4 oz. agave nectar

Garnish 1 lime wedge

Combine all the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake hard so that some of the ice melts. Then strain over fresh ice. Garnish with the lime.

— Tequila Herradura

Juan to Juan

1 oz. Montelobos Mezcal

1 oz. Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liqueur

3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice

1/2 oz. simple syrup

2 dashes Angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Serve in a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a lemon wheel.

— Montelobos Mezcal

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC