Upstate margarita guide

Ahh, margaritas. A favorite at Mexican restaurants and backyard summer parties, this festive drink is made with a little triple sec, a little lime or lemon juice and a whole lot of tequila...or at least that’s how we prefer them. But just dumping loads of tequila in a tall, ridiculous glass isn’t the only way to make a margarita. So we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites to steer you in the right direction.

Biggest margarita: Corona’s (Greenville, Spartanburg), The Monster
The Monster Margarita at Corona’s is 64 ounces of citrusy goodness. And it’s not just big, it’s good. Some places bring out that big ol’ glass with nothing but mix in it. But not here. If you tackle this one, you’d better bring a friend. Or two.

Coldest margarita: Cantinflas, downtown Greenville
If it’s possible for a margarita to reach absolute zero, I’m pretty sure Cantinflas has done it. Maybe it’s because their margaritas are best consumed sitting outside basking in the sun and people watching. Whatever it is, I’m not complaining. They’re cold. And delicious.

Best frozen margarita: Compadres Mex Mex Grill, West End Greenville
The margaritas at Compadres aren’t only cold, they’re a rainbow of tequila deliciousness. Not in the mood for a traditional one? Try strawberry. Or peach. Or even mango. If only I’d had these kinds of slushies when I was a kid…

Best rocks margarita: Rey’s, downtown Greenville
You wouldn’t think that a bar known for its extensive beer selection would make a great margarita, but they do. In addition to adding in extra orange juice, they mix in their own special blend of juices to give their margaritas a taste like none other.

Cheapest margarita: Fluor Field at the West End
A few Wednesdays throughout the season, the Drive offers happy hour margarita specials at home games. For $2, you can chill with a frozen margarita while you watch your Greenville Drive play ball. Sure, they’re not the biggest. But it’s still pretty cheap for a ball park.

Wackiest flavor margarita: El Charro, Clemson
This was the first time I’d encountered a banana margarita. And it’s actually pretty darn good. You can only get it frozen, but that’s fine with me. Not in the mood for banana? They still have peach, strawberry, mango and original. And Wednesday night is ladies night—buy one get one free. Yeah, I’ll see you Wednesday.

Best strawberry margarita: Molina’s, Taylors
Molina’s seems like a standard, unassuming Mexican place. But the strawberry margaritas there are divine. Mix in some live music on Wednesday nights, a basket of chips and salsa, and it’s on.  I recommend a little whipped cream on top. But what doesn’t taste better with whipped cream?

“Healthiest” margarita: Don Pablo’s Mexican Kitchen, Greenville
I must admit, I felt funny even typing that in. But once I heard about Don Pablo’s Slenderita, I figured I’d give it a shot. The tequila’s still there, but it’s mixed with a reduced-carb, low-cal sweet and sour mix. And you can’t taste the difference. Where have you been all my life, Slenderita?

Most interesting margarita: Smoke on the Water, West End Greenville
Smoke mixes Don Eduardo Silver Tequila with Tuaca (or as I call it, Chewbacca) and lime for a really unique, buttery margarita that I can only describe as interesting. And delicious. And worth a try. By the way, they’re pretty cheap during happy hour.

Strongest margarita: Monterrey’s, multiple locations
OK, I’m sure it depends on who the bartender is and what time you go, etc. But I’ve had the margaritas here a few times, and they’re consistently some of the strongest around. I’m sure I’m gonna catch some flak for even naming a “strongest” one. But I stick by it.

Biggest variety of margaritas: Chili’s
With nine specialty margaritas, Chili’s has the stuff to please every drinker. Whether you’re looking for a top-shelf traditional margarita, a fruity tropical blend, or even a frozen strawberry mango ’rita, Chili’s has it. My personal favorite is the Tropical Sunrise Margarita. Something about pineapple juice and grenadine always makes drinks go down just a little smoother.

Classiest margarita: Chili’s (making it yet again on the list)
Not only is this top-shelf margarita made with liquors good enough for a president, it also comes with its own special shaker, glass, and, if you’re up for it, sidecar of tequila. Sure, it’ll run ya a little more than the standard margarita, but it’s worth it. And you’ll look pretty classy drinking it.

Most surprising place to find a great margarita: Lieu’s Chinese Bistro, The Presidential Margarita, Greenville
OK, so you don’t normally think “Chinese bistro” for one of the best margaritas in town, but Lieu’s makes a mean one. Their Presidential Margarita is made with Sauza Gold, Grand Mariner, and freshly squeezed juices. And it goes great with their Mango Chicken.

The opinions expressed here are the opinions of writer and margarita-lover Stacy Hammac and only Stacy Hammac. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Metromix or the Upstate community. In other words, disagree? Leave a comment. Agree? Also leave a comment. We want to know what you think!