Nothing quite compares to a cold drink on a hot summer day, and the unofficial cocktail of Texas fits the bill perfectly. Frozen margaritas in Texas have become the signature drink for many Tex-Mex restaurants. Frozen margaritas were popularized right here in the Lone Star State, by a man with $500 and big dreams – do you know the story?

Next time your thirst is quenched with a refreshing frozen margarita, give thanks to Mariano Martinez. A high school dropout, he started Mariano's Hacienda in East Dallas in 1971 with just $500 and a small business loan.
Bex Walton / Flickr
Martinez didn't invent the frozen margarita, but he definitely popularized it. Inspired by the Slurpee machine at 7-Eleven, he got to work devising a contraption that would allow for mass production of the summery treat.
Bernard Dupont / Flickr
Along with his friend, Frank Adams, Martinez repurposed an old soft-serve ice cream machine to use in the making of frozen margaritas. This very machine, the first of its kind, can be found in the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
Nicole Bratt via Wikipedia

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Even though Martinez wasn't able to patent the machine, his legacy will never be forgotten. Today, you can visit his restaurant and try one of his signature creations for yourself! How yummy does this swirled sangria look?
Mariano's Hacienda Ranch, 6300 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75231, USA
Mariano's Hacienda / Facebook
Also in the DFW area, Blue Mesa Grill is another great place to get frozen margaritas. Just look at that gorgeous turquoise color! Come during Happy Hour for $5 drinks and mouthwatering quesadillas.
Blue Mesa Grill, 612 Carroll St, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
Blue Mesa Grill / Facebook
Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth is located in the historic Stockyards, and their frozen margaritas don't play around. The fresh lime wedge really takes it over the top!
Joe T. Garcia's, 2201 N Commerce St, Fort Worth, TX 76164, USA
Joe T. Garcia's / Facebook
Down in San Antonio, Mi Tierra is renowned for its delicious Tex-Mex food and decadent pastries. The restaurant doesn't get as much attention for its frozen margs, but they don't disappoint! The color of this prickly pear margarita is simply magical.
Mi Tierra, 7800 South Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76134, USA
Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia, 218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery / Facebook

Have you ever tried a frozen margarita in Texas? If so, what’s your favorite place to get frozen slush margaritas near you? Let us know in the comments, and check out our previous article for more bucket list-worthy margaritas as you drink your way through Texas on this margarita marathon.

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Frozen Margaritas In Texas

Chris Muras | January 24, 2024

Where can you find the best margaritas in Texas?
There should be no problem finding a great margarita just about anywhere in Texas. But here are a few places that should be high on your list of locations to find the best margaritas in Texas:

  • Cafe Olé, San Antonio, TX: This River Walk favorite serves up delicious ice-cold margaritas a few minutes walk from La Villita and The Alamo. Enjoy waterfront or indoor seating - one of the best spots is its open-air upper deck patio where you can watch boast on the river while chatting with friends. Of course, you can also enjoy some of the best Tex-Mex in town, too.
  • Austin's Margarita Mile, Austin, TX: If you are a true margarita aficionado you'll want to head to Austin for a little margarita road trip. Cruise the city on a walking tour of some of the best restaurants that serve margaritas just the way you like them - strong and cold. Some of the featured restaurants include the Hula Hut, La Condesa, Licha's Cantina, and Matt's El Rancho.
  • The Margarita Taste-Off, Houston, TX: How does a margarita festival sound? Houston knows how to mix the perfect margarita. This fun festive food and drink festival will certainly whet your appetite. Even better, the proceeds benefit Candlelighters, an organization that serves local children battling cancer. Not only will you enjoy some of the best margaritas around, but you can sit back and relax as live music washes over you sending you to chill town as those big Texas stars come alive at night.

While you are in Austin, Texas, be sure you sign up for a foodie walking tour of some of the best local hot spots. It is a great way to get to know this historic city while filling your tummy with everything from barbecue brisket to burn your buds off tacos.

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