FOOD & DRINK

These are the best margaritas in Indianapolis

Amy Haneline
Indianapolis Star
The Margarita Estacional from Festiva features blood orange, habanero, hibiscus and citrus.

I’m not going to pretend like I love margaritas. I’m more of a bourbon-on-the-rocks kind of girl. So I don’t expect you to listen to my recommendations for the best margaritas in the Indianapolis area.

That’s why I asked readers, ones who actually drink margaritas, to tell me where to find them. Plus, there are a few occasions where a good marg seems appropriate: National Margarita Day (Feb. 22), Cinco de Mayo (May 5), National Tequila Day (July 24) or maybe just that first sunny day after winter (feels like never).

Whatever the occasion — it’s five o’clock somewhere — here are your favorites. Bring on the chips and guac.

The House at La Margarita

No frills. 1800 Silver, agavero, simple and lime.

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

The Bakersfield Margarita

Grab some friends for the $32 pitcher. El Jimador Blanco, triple sec, agave nectar, and fresh lemon and lime.

Bakersfield, 334 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 635-6962, bakersfieldtacos.com.

A beer boot and margarita at Bakersfield, 334 Massachusetts Ave.

Margarita Estacional at Festiva

A pure, no-brainer party margarita, says IndyStar food and dining reporter Liz Biro. Maestro Dobel Silver tequila, blood orange, habanero, hibiscus and citrus.

Festiva, 1217 E. 16th St., (317) 635-4444, festivaindy.com.

[What is reposado? Check out these 5 Indy bars for Tequila 101]

Nadarita at Nada

El Jimador with house Curacao, agave and fresh lime. Classic, refreshing and available by the glass or liter. 

Nada, 11 W. Maryland St., (317) 638-6232, eatdrinknada.com.

Nada's prickly pear margarita (left) and the house Nadarita, which blends honey, tequila, triple sec and lime juice. Nada is at Circle Centre Mall, but the restaurant's entrance is at 11 W. Maryland St., between Meridian and Illinois streets.

Spicy Margarita at Revolucion

Turn up the heat with this 100 percent agave cocktail in a chili salt-rimmed glass served with a fiery chili pepper garnish.

Revolucion, 1132 Prospect St., (317) 423-9490, facebook.com/revolucionindy.

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

Margarita at Delicia

The margarita is on point — Sauza 100 percent blue agave reposado tequila, triple sec, orange blossom water, fresh lime juice and agave nectar. But don't forget about the Fire N' Ice with jalapeno infused tequila, hibiscus/basil/habanero reduction over a tres chiles ice ball.

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

An Instagram shot of Delicia's Fire 'N' Ice cocktail.

Coconut Margarita at Salty Cowboy

Served in a mason jar, this margarita has Casa Pacific blanco tequila, coconut rum, agave nectar and a house-made mix. One reader called this the perfect combination of pina colada and margarita. Bonus: Margaritas are always half price on Tuesdays. 

Salty Cowboy Tequileria, 55 E. Oak St., Zionsville, (317) 344-0926, saltycowboytequileria.com.

The coconut margarita at Salty Cowboy Tequileria in Zionsville.

Call IndyStar reporter Amy Haneline at (317) 444-6281. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @amybhaneline, and on Facebook.