The 16 absolute best margaritas in NYC

A slow and steady spice from house-infused jalapeño tequila gives this glass quite the kick, but lip-puckering lime makes it more fresh than fiery. And though you'd think mescal was giving its agave cousin some help, that craveable smoldering comes courtesy of chipotle-speckled salt around the rim. 

Don’t let the adorable adornments of this Mexican outpost fool you: its signature marg, La Chenteria, is a formidable experience. Mezcal, tequila, Grapefruit, and lime weave a comfortingly familiar story of agave and citrus, but the spicy salt rim and pink peppercorn syrup add a twist ending, demanding that you wake right up and pay close attention to all the bold, beautiful business going down up in The Bronx.

While NYC isn’t exactly known for its Mexican food, Bushwick is definitely home to much of the city’s best Mexican food, and La Lonchería is no exception. This cheeky mezcal margarita comes with a plastic baby on the side, holding on for dear life.

Enrique Olvera, the megawatt Mexico City talent behind Pujol, made his stateside debut with this bare-concrete Flatiron dining room delivering elegant, high-gear small plates that are pristine, pricey and market-fresh. And, of course, the cocktails follow suit, including the mescal- and gin-laced El Ninja that balances tangy shiso shrub and sharp ginger with smooth fresh lime.  

Japanese cocktailing has a reputation for innovation, whimsy, and experimentation–all of which are embodied in the Wasabi Margarita at Dr. Clark, which isn’t as spicy as you’d think, putting Wasabi’s singular aroma and flavor at the forefront without singing palate or sinuses. The place is inconspicuous, on a little spit of nightlife just north of Columbus Park that terminates in NYC’s spooky central bookings. Here, your drink will likely accompany a meal, and considering the fun, tasty fare straight outta Hokkaido, you’ll want to arrive hungry.

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On a list that is simply rife with excellent options (fifty, count ‘em, FIFTY tequilas options are available), the habañero grapefruit is a certain stand out. Tacos from the bar menu help soak up all that booze.

The best margarita at Calabrije’s is, like any make-your-own sundae, sandwich, or salad affair, less a matter of refinement and more about personal taste, mood, and imagination. This spot is a lot of fun with tasty tacos and a lighthearted ambiance. Plus there’s a ton of different margy flavors to choose from, which multiplies if one mixes and matches. Raspberry lime, Peach coconut, Tamarind Jalapeño; rocks or frozen, spicy or mild–go nuts or keep it simple. You are, after all, the señorita bonita of your margarita.

Hibiscus-tinged lime juice is a sweet-tart introduction to this quaff, but the surprisingly spicy rim of hibiscus-and-chili–flecked salt, (plus a generous pour of tequila) bring it to the big leagues: from fruity and floral to a true heavy hitter. Trust us —order a second round for the fun flavor and the killer buzz.

The margarita at Kokomo perfectly embodies the gorgeous melting pot that is Caribbean gastronomy. A Likkle Fiyah is elegant, and straightforward but nuanced, showcasing the flavors from each of its respective ingredients but tuning the composition to perfect harmony. The differentiator here is apricot, which perfumes the drink and departs with a whisper of sweetness that leaves you wanting more.

The namesake classic at this Queens eatery, specializing in the regional cuisine of Cintalapa, Chiapas is available on the rocks or frozen. Pick your poison to enjoy alongside dishes based on family recipes, like chicken mole and cochinito chiapaneco (guajillo-marinated baby pork ribs).

One of our favorite parts of the New York food scene is how food cultures evolve and blend in this deliciously diverse city. Chef-owner Akhtar Nawab felt distinct similarities between the cuisines of Mexico and India—his parents’ native country–so he created a marriage of the two cuisines with exciting flavors and satisfying standout dishes, all of which pair perfectly with the house marg.

A loyal set of neighborhood hipsters and visiting Manhattanites flock to this sunlit Graham Avenue cantina to gorge on expertly prepared, overstuffed tacos and a selection of margaritas made with house-infused premium tequila, muddled fruits and fresh juices. While the classic lime version is sure to do the trick, we recommend mixing things up–if you’ve got a high heat tolerance, go for the “VERY SPICY” habañero variation, which blends especially well with mango juice.

Living up to its name, this frothy, head-scratching marg breaks tradition and makes you ask, "Why not?" The serrano chili gets a little lost underneath a veil of punchy pineapple puree, but you'll welcome that heat-quelling quality once the savory, herbal cilantro comes into play.

Dramatic light fixtures, towering gray cement walls and industrial furnishings create a sleek, almost-dystopian atmosphere at this trendy South Williamsburg restaurant. And the menu is not far behind in its ambitiously modern approach to Mexican flavors, Spanish tapas and defiantly modern cocktails. A prime example of chef Jason Marcus’ unique vision is the deconstructed margarita, which showcases house-infused tequila poured over ice cubes made from seasonal fruit juices, spices and herbs. Be sure to sip slowly for the full effect.

Elaborate chandeliers, a brick-lined, blue-lit bar and 100 different types of tequila set the stage at Añejo, Top Chef fan favorite Angelo Sosa’s stylish Mexican outpost. Adventurous imbibers would do well to sample the Mexican Firing Squad, an intoxicating blend of peppery Tapatio tequila, grenadine and fresh lime juice, finished with a spiced salt rim that acts like a fiesta for your taste buds. Don’t let the brutal name scare you away—this sipper is as refreshing as it is aggressive, making it an ideal companion to Añejo’s dangerously succulent short rib tacos.

From palomas to pulque, this snug Lower East Side eatery’s cocktail game has always been distinctly on-point thanks to seasoned mixologist Alex Valencia (PDT, Apothéke, Little Branch). The Oaxaca Express in particular mixes smoky mescal with jalapeño-infused agave, fresh lime juice and touches of basil and cucumber for an easy-to-drink and superbly refreshing tipple able to hold its own against the menu’s more complex offerings.