The 5 best margaritas in Cape Town

Cape Town is slowly catching on to the rising tide of premium tequila and mezcal, and nowhere in the city offers a selection as impressive as Una Más Mezcaleria. You’ll find more than 90 agave spirits on the menu, from premium imports to a handful of top-notch local varieties.

While you should certainly sample the premium sipping tequila, served in traditional clay copitas, they also do a fine line in Margaritas. The Classic Margarita sticks to the time-honoured recipe of triple sec and blanco tequila, but their signature pushes the boat out. The Una Mas Margarita switches tequila for mezcal; mixes it up with (your choice) a watermelon, papaya or strawberry ferment; then adds a dash of lime and comes served in a glass with a Tajin-spiced rim. Delicious.

Considered by cocktail connoisseurs as one of the best bars in the city, with an impressive collection of rare and bespoke spirits, The Drinkery is hidden away in Heritage Square, with cosy couches indoors or tables outside overlooking the sheltered courtyard. Something of a modern speakeasy, the mixologists here shake up a menu of innovative house cocktails and the classics done properly. Of course that includes a darn fine Margarita, typically using Patron Blanco tequila.

This cosy ‘coastal Mexican’ eatery on Bree Street boasts one of the largest collections of premium tequila and mezcal in the city, which means you are all but guaranteed of a darn fine Margarita at the Hacienda bar. And it’s a cold-hearted cocktail fan who isn’t thrilled by the dusting of honey, salt and tajin that adorns their Margarita glasses. The barkeeps here stick to a classic recipe of 2:1 tequila:Cointreau with a good squeeze of fresh lime juice. It pairs nicely with the Hacienda menu of inspired Mexican plates. Don’t miss the guacamole; prepared to your taste tableside.

In the heart of the buzzy East City Mamacitas dishes up ‘Cal-Mex’ cuisine; their take on the fusion of Mexican food with a Los Angeles bent. There’s a streetwise bustle to the space, and regulars rave about the tacos. The cocktail list takes its cue from the rap culture of LA, with a similarly bold take on remixing the classics.

There are the fruity notes of the Campfire Peach Margarita, and hedonistic Absinthe Margarita. Sour Cherry comes shaken with Don Julio blanco and cherry purée, topped with egg white. There’s a Skinny Margarita, and a Spicy Pineapple – shaken or frozen – with mezcal and pineapple purée. And if you’re feeling flush? The Clase Azul – made with their anejo tequila – is yours for just R1650.

While the focus of the Time Out Market Cape Town falls firmly on the food, with three bars – and a dedicated wine bar – the mixology game is strong here too. Aperol has been the sleeper-hit of the summer, but you’ll also find a top-drawer Margarita served here too. The focus is on the classics done well, so take your pick of blanco tequila to go with the Cointreau, lime and ice. But where to order? For a more elegant experience opt for the upstairs Studio Bar, and sip your drink on a stool at the bar, or head downstairs to the Dry Dock Bar and enjoy it al fresco with those fabulous mountain views.