ENTERTAINMENT

10 places to enjoy a margarita on Cinco de Mayo

Leslie Bailey
leslie.bailey@indystar.com

In honor of Cinco de Mayo (May 5), we're bringing back our list of some of the best margaritas in Indy -- with a few new additions. From the tried and true traditional to spicy new takes on the classic, here are 10 places where you can celebrate.

1. Adobo Grill

Adobo Margarita $7.99 from Adobo Grill, 110 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3725 (317) 822-9990.

You'll show up for the guacamole but you'll stay for the margaritas. Choose from a selection of fresh fruit muddled infusions; straw-raspberry, black-blueberry, peach-mango -- served on the rocks ($9.99). Traditionalists can get the house margarita, made with Corazon blanco 100 percent agave tequila, Gran Torres orange liqueur and fresh lime juice ($8.99).

If you have the cash, Adobo Grill has the Maria Félix. This high-rolling margarita is prepared table-side using Patron Burdeos and Grand Marnier 150-year, with a squeeze of lime juice and a sea salt rim ($60). With the exception of Maria Félix, cocktails range from $7.99 to $10.99, or $22.99 for a pitcher.

110 E. Washington St., (317) 822-9990, www.adobogrill.com.

2. Bakersfield

A mug of beer and a house Margarita made with fresh-squeezed sour mix at Bakersfield restaurant at 334 Massachusetts Ave.

Enjoy the Bakersfield Margarita, made with el Jimador Blanco, Triple Sec, agave nectar, fresh lemon and lime ($6 or $24 for a 64 oz pitcher) with your tacos or splurge for the Premium Margarita, made with El Arco Blanco, Cointreau, agave nectar, fresh lime, and Grand Marnier float for $12.

334 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 635-6962, www.bakersfieldmassave.com.

3. Delicia

There's no question the margarita at Delicia (sauza 100 percent blue agave reposado tequila, triple sec, orange blossom water, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, $8) is, well - delicious. But those looking for a little spice in their life will most enjoy the Fire 'N' Ice margarita, made with jalapeño infused reposado tequila, hibiscus, basil, habanero reduction and a tres chiles ice ball, $10.

5215 N. College Ave., (317) 925-0677, www.deliciaindy.com.

4. Javier's Hacienda

This is a group of tequila drinks from Javier's Hacienda, formerly known as El Sol de Tala Mexican restaurant, 2444 East Washington Street.

Start with the basic house margarita ($5.95 small, $12.95 for large) and work your way up to the Frieda Kahlo made with Herradura silver tequila, Cointreau, gran gala and fresh lime juice ($20.95).

For a fruitier flavor, choose from strawberry, raspberry, mango, banana and peach -- or make your own mix ($6.95 small, $13.95 large). Health nuts will enjoy the Casa Organic Margarita, made with Casa Noble Reposado tequila, fresh lime juice and 100 percent organic agave nectar ($10.95).

Warning: When combined with a frozen margarita, El Sol's large, colorful straws are the perfect recipe for brain-freeze.

2444 E. Washington St., (317) 636-1250, www.javiershacienda.com.

5. Cancun Mexican Restaurant

The tasty 44-oz Loco Monster Margarita is at Cancun Mexican Restaurant.  This one is at the 1268 West 86th St. restaurant.

Choose from one of 16 styles of 27-ounce margaritas, ranging from $8.55 for the Classic Panchita 'Rita to the Cinco de Mayo, made with acai pomegranate and blueberry fruit juice, $9.65 -- or go straight for the Loco Monster Margarita, a 44-ounce margarita, made with Centenario Azul tequila for $13.35.

Looking for something with wings? Cancun also offers a Red Bull Margarita ($9.25).

If you just can't get enough, Cancun's classic margarita mix is available for purchase by the gallon for $28.95.

Four Indianapolis-area locations, www.cancun-indy.com.

6. La Margarita Restaurant and Tequila Bar

Here is the bar at  La Margarita restaurant, 1043 Virginia Avenue

Holding true to its name, La Margarita serves a variety of margaritas made with freshly squeezed juices like grapefruit and lime, along with fresh muddled fruit like pears, strawberries, and even pureed watermelon -- one of the most popular summer selections.

The margarita specials change daily and range from $7 to $10, almost all of which start with a base of fresh lime juice, your choice of tequila, Agavero orange liqueur and a splash of club soda.

1043 Virginia Ave., (317) 384-1457, www.lamargaritaindy.com.

7. Chuy's

Chuy's offers Tex-Mex cuisine at its newest location in Noblesville

Based out of Austin, Texas, Chuy's offers Tex-Mex cuisine at its new location in Noblesville. Picky about sour mix? All of Chuy's margaritas are made with fresh squeezed lime juice.

14150 Hamilton Center Blvd., Noblesville, (317) 770-5996, Facebook.com/ChuysHamiltonTownCenter.

8. La Hacienda

Exactly how much tequila can you handle? At La Hacienda, choose from five sizes; 12-ounce ($3.99), 16-ounce ($4.25), 27-ounce ($6.50), 34-ounce ($7.25), and 46-ounce ($9.25) or for a group, a pitcher, small ($9.25) or large ($14.25).

Take the flavor up a notch and a make it a Texas, with your choice of premium, top-shelf tequila starting at $4.50 for 12 ounces -- or add a flavoring for 50 cents extra.

6825 Graham Road, (317) 577-2689, www.lahaciendaindy.com.

9. On the Border

We would be remiss not to mention On the Border. With three Indianapolis-area locations, choose from 14 different kinds of margaritas including the Cactus made with Corazón Blanco Tequila, Patrón Citrónge premium orange liqueur, prickly pear juice, and fresh lime-agave mix or the Jalapeno Popper made with Corralejo Reposado Tequila, fresh jalapeño, cilantro, Cointreau orange liqueur, fresh lime and agave nectar.

Four Indiana locations, www.ontheborder.com.

10. Revolucion

The spicy margarita with the special chili rim at Revolucion, 1132 Prospect St. in Fountain Square.

Find a spot at the Tiki bar, sit back and enjoy one of Revolucion's spicy margaritas. Made with a chili salt-rimmed glass, the 100 percent agave cocktail is served with a fiery chili pepper garnish for those who dare to indulge ($5.50). Flavored and blended margaritas are $6.50 -- the lilikoi (passion fruit) adds a unique spin.

1132 Prospect St., Fountain Square, (317) 423-9490, www.facebook.com/RevolucionIndy.

Call Star reporter Leslie Bailey at (317) 444-6094 and follow her on Twitter @Lesalina.