Our favourite. Born in Mexico. Raised in California. A signature serve in the Black Lines bottled and on-tap range: it’s time to take a look below the surface. Recommend reading with a Spicy Tommy’s Margarita, naturally.

The History of the classic Margarita Cocktail.  

The recipe for the Margarita was printed as early as 1953, in the December issue of Esquire magazine: “She’s from Mexico, Señores, and she is lovely to look at, exciting and provocative”. One-ounce tequila, a dash of triple sec and the juice of half a lime or lemon.   

But its beginnings trace back a decade between the 30s and 40s. An iconic classic that has stood the test of time, there’s haziness around Margarita’s origins. As always, there are a few good stories.

To paint the picture. We’re in the post-World War II era. The real golden era of cocktails had happened just prior during 1920s Prohibition, which saw the invention of so many that we know today. Tequila, a spirit not even on the map until 1937, is on the rise. Crossing the border from Mexico to the US in a big way. 

“She’s from Mexico, Señores, and she is lovely to look at, exciting and provocative.” 

At the time, the Daisy was a popular cocktail. Typically made with Gin, Lemon, and an Orange Liqueur. Allegedly bartenders in Mexico, adding twists and riffs on the classic, replaced Gin with this exciting new spirit, Tequila. Then Lemon with Lime but kept the Orange Liqueur. The very components of the classic Margarita. Our favourite story of its origins, Daisy in Spanish is ‘Margarita’. Go figure.

Another legend tells that the drink was created back in 1938, when Mexican restauranteur Carlos Herrera made it for Ziegfeld showgirl Majorie King. Allegedly Tequila was the only spirit that King could stand, so Herrera started experimenting, adding lime juice and salt.

Others believe that Margarita Sames (aka Margarita), a stylish Dallas socialite, mixed the drink during a lavish vacation in Acapulco. Or perhaps it was named for actress Rita Hayworth, (real name Margarita Casino) at a gig in Tijuana back in the 1940s. 

Whatever its origin, one thing is for sure. From these years the Margarita soared in popularity across the globe, standing today as the most popular cocktail in the world.

 The Story Behind the Tommy’s Margarita.

Stories of the Margarita’s origins are as plentiful as the variations of the drink. Classic, Picante, Mezcal, Smokey, Picador, Frozen… A beauty in all shapes and sizes. But for us, it had to be the Tommy’s.

Created in 1988 by the legendary Julio Bermejo, the Tommy’s was named after his family’s Mexican restaurant and bar in San Francisco. The self-proclaimed ‘premier tequila bar on earth’.

Instead of the traditional combination, Julio replaced triple sec with agave nectar to enhance the base flavours of the spirit itself, and so the Tommy’s was born. All washed down with copious tortillas and salsa. The absolute key: a rocks glass and plenty of ice.

Our Take: The Black Lines Spicy Tommy’s Margarita.

Ours is a take on the modern classic with an added kick. Combining Los Arcos, Agave, Lime and Chilli, our Black Lines Spicy Tommy’s Margarita has a hint of heat - taking the traditional Tommy’s to the next level. Our bestseller, for good reason.

The Perfect Serve At Home.

To start, get your Black Lines bottle in the fridge along with your rocks glasses. For the banker serve: fill with plenty of cubed ice and pour. Garnish with a wedge of lime. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few ways the team like to elevate our Spicy Tommy’s Margarita. A singular large square cube of ice (5cm by 5cm), keeps your drink colder for longer, battling dilution and maintaining your perfect serve. We love a Tajin rim for something a little different, or top with a chilli for an added kick.

Where can I have a Black Lines Spicy Tommy’s served for me?

We like your thinking. The Spicy Tommy’s can be poured for you on-tap and by the bottle at venues aplenty. Our top spots include our very own Little Lines bar, The Standard, Noci, Otherworld, Mercato Metropolitano. Head to the map to find your nearest location.

Buy the Black Lines Spicy Tommy's Margarita.