It’s 2021 and margarita concoctions have entered a whole new ball game in Perth. There are more colours and flavours than we ever thought possible with sweet and spicy and influences coming from well beyond Mexico. It’s easy to get carried away, so when in doubt, trust a classic Tommy’s. But then again, who said you could only try one?
Here are Perth’s best margaritas.
El Publico
HIGHGATE
El Publico dish up some of the quirkiest Mexican street food in town and you'll find some equally exciting margs on the menu too, from hibscus with chilli salt rim to ginger with cinnamon sugar. But rest assured these guys have nailed the classic margarita too; the Tommy holds its own as one of the best in Perth.
Clarences Company Store
MOUNT LAWLEY
Clarences may have only just reopened, but it hasn't taken long for us to rekindle our love affair with the popular small bar. Their tasty Mandarin Margarita is reason enough to keep coming back. Complete with a black volcano salt rim, it's zingy without knocking your face off, and all sorts of delicious.
Neon Palms
NORTHBRIDGE
Neon Palms is a Miami-inspired late-night bar serving up plenty of delish tequila-focussed cocktails. You could go a frozen number but we can't go past the signature Neon Margarita—as bright in flavour as it is in colour, this tangy number ticks all the boxes and looks damn cool doing it.
La Cabaña
SOUTH FREMANTLE
If you're looking for a classic margarita, look no further than La Cabaña in South Freo. Team it with their ceviche tostada and you'll be transported to Mexican seaside bliss in no time at all.
El Grotto
SCARBOROUGH
In case you haven’t noticed, we have a pretty big crush on this Mexican rave cave by the beach. Their Tommy’s margaritas are second to none, but we certainly aren’t opposed to their spicy margarita.
La Cholita
NORTHBRIDGE
If you’re after a shade of real deal Mexican fare look no further than this taco and tequila joint. With more than 100 varieties of tequila and mezcal you'll find flavours from chilli and cucumber, mandarin and blood orange to coriander and tamarind flying around, La Cholita is sure to turn any Perth margarita lover on.
Si Paradiso
HIGHGATE
If Italy and Mexico had a love child, we’re pretty convinced it would look like Si Paradiso’s Mexicano Aperitivo. Born from their love of Italo aperitif and tequila, it’s no surprise that they’re really freakin’ good!
Besk
LEEDERVILLE
In a public house designed for local gatherings, everyone is made to feel welcome. So pull up a stool, strike up a conversation and look no further than Besk’s Tommy margarita. The only way to describe it is a tangy, salty hug, in the best way possible.
Caballitos
PERTH
The only thing this underground bar knows better than Mexican food is cocktails and their margaritas are no exception. Grab a friend (or don’t) and order a Lagerita for a double serve marg with a Coronita thrown in. These Don Julio dreams will be sure to have you coming back.
Bib & Tucker
FREMANTLE
Tequila paired with modern Australian food by these legends is the love affair we didn’t know we needed. They’re throwing some pretty spectacular margarita flavours around including burnt orange, vanilla and pineapple but we’re not ready to move past their classic. It’s that good.
Sauma
NORTHBRIDGE
Sauma adds colourful shades of creativity to Indian dining while maintaining a raw charm. Their Tamarind margarita marries corozin blanco with tamarind, lime, ginger, a mescal rinse and chilli salt in a combo that is to die for.
The Flour Factory
PERTH
The Flour Factory brings a touch of class to the historic 100-year-old flour mill and as one of Perth’s best bars, it’s an obvious addition to this list. Like everything else, they absolutely nail their margarita, serving up a glass of zingy Don Julio goodness that will hit the spot every time.
Want more? Here's all the best new spots you should have checked out by now.
Image credit: Nancy Hanna, Neon Palms, La Cholita, Cabalitos