Shake it Up the FL Way for National Margarita Day!

Florida doesn’t just drink margaritas—we perfect them. From the salty shores of Key West to the neon glow of Miami, we’ve been shaking, stirring, and squeezing our way to citrusy greatness for decades. And with National Margarita Day on Saturday, February 22, it’s time to take marg matters into your own (salt-rimmed) hands. 

First rule of Florida margaritas: ditch the store-bought mix. Want real Florida flavor? Go for Indian River oranges—they're in their prime right now and will stay sweet through May. And with March around the corner, Valencia oranges are about to hit their peak, bringing that extra-juicy, naturally sweet goodness. Pair your pick with smooth tequila, a local sweetener, and a spicy rim, and you’re on your way to margarita royalty.

Your No-Nonsense Florida Margarita Formula

• Fresh-Squeezed Sunshine – Skip the sad, bottled juice and grab the good stuff. Swing by Peterson Groves in Vero Beach or Nelson Family Farms in Fort Pierce for fresh Indian River oranges, or wait a little longer to hit up Schacht Groves for peak-season Valencia oranges.
  
  
• Tequila That’s Worth It – 100% agave or bust. No regrets. For top-shelf selections, check out Primo Liquors or Big Daddy's Wine & Liquors in Fort Lauderdale.
  
  
• Sweetness with a Local Twist – Ditch the mystery syrup, because Florida does sweetness the right way. Clewiston, aka America’s Sweetest Town, has been churning out sugarcane for decades, thanks to rich soil and nonstop sunshine. The U.S. Sugar Corporation doesn’t sell directly to shoppers, so you’ll have to hit farmers’ markets or specialty grocers to score the good stuff. And don’t forget to drizzle in some Winter Park Honey—Whole Foods, farmers' markets, and Publix are your best bets.
  
  
• Rim It Right – Upgrade from plain salt to smoked sea salt or a sugar-lime mix from specialty spice shops like The Spice & Tea Exchange.
  
  

Want to flex your mixology muscles? Muddle in some Plant City strawberries, now at peak season and available fresh at the Florida Strawberry Festival through March 9. Next, just add a splash of coconut water or throw in jalapeño for a fiery kick. However you shake it, this is your Florida margarita, and it deserves to shine.

Now you know how to mix, sip, and toast to National Margarita Day like a true Floridian! But if you're in the mood to let someone else do the pouring, check out Florida’s top-rated margarita spots at www.guidetoflorida.com/food-drink. Cheers, you cocktail connoisseur, you!