National Margarita Day and the impending patio season have us in a marg-sipping state of mind. With so many options in the Mile High City and surrounding areas, it wasn’t easy to narrow down our favorites…but these eight spots offer the best al fresco vibes and tastiest ’ritas around. 

Centro Mexican Kitchen

Centro Mexican Kitchen’s Centro margarita, crafted with El Charro silver tequila, muddled orange, and lime juice, might ring in at a hefty $11, but it manages to get the hard-to-nail sweet-sour balance just right. It also pairs perfectly with chef Johnny Curiel’s stewed lamb tacos. Nab a patio seat near the fire pit—preferably when the sun is setting behind the Flatirons—for the ultimate tequila cocktail experience. 950 Pearl St., Boulder

Señor Bear

Señor Bear’s Pan-Latin fare has been the talk of Denver since it opened almost two years ago, so it’s no surprise that the LoHi eatery fills up quickly for its daily “hora loca” (happy hour). Pop by from 3-6 p.m. for the classic $5 house margarita, made with Espolòn Reposado tequila, fresh lime juice, agave, and a half-salt rim. If you’d rather sip your hooch straight, opt for a tequila shot: pours of blanco and reposado Altos Tequila will cost you just $4 and $6, respectively. 3301 Tejon St.

Los Lounge

The RiNo location of Troy Guard’s popular Los Chingones taqueria has a late-night sister restaurant: Los Lounge. Located next door to the original, the Lounge serves up an abbreviated version of Los Chingones’ Mexican menu, including its creative margaritas. Relax on the patio with one of the spicy infused margaritas, which pack a kick thanks to serrano-habanero-jalapeño-infused tequila. It’s $8 regularly, but you can snag it for just $5 during the weekday happy hour from 3-6 p.m. 2461 Larimer St.

Tatarian

If you’re looking for the consummate high-end margarita drinking experience, head to Tennyson Street’s year-and-a-half-old cocktail lounge, Tatarian. Its $14 Drunken Tree is a play on the classic margarita, marrying the classic components of tequila blanco and lime juice with a spicy ginger syrup and clove tincture. It’s a refreshingly unexpected take on the drink. 4024 Tennyson St.

Tahona Tequila Bistro

As the name suggests, this Pearl Street Mall bistro in Boulder knows its agave spirits. Not only does it stock more than 100 types of tequila, but the bartenders here churn out perfectly mixed margaritas, including a just-sweet-enough prickly pear iteration. Sip your poison on the front patio where you can people watch on sunny days. Bonus: On National Margarita Day Friday, Tahona’s happy hour lasts from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. 1035 Pearl St., Boulder

Masa Mexican Cocina

One-month old Masa in Broomfield will fulfill all your National Margarita Day needs. If the spicy cactus margarita isn’t your jam, the house version keeps it classic with Pueblo Viejo Silver tequila, fresh lime, and triple sec. The house beauties will cost you just $6 all day Friday in honor of the holiday. 8181 Arista Pl., Broomfield

Mythology Distillery

On Friday, this hot new LoHi bar/tasting room will debut a (literally) hot new margarita. Dubbed the Global Warming Margarita, this dangerous Mythology Feather Jester rum-based drink packs true heat thanks to a serrano-infused ice ball. Pair it with one of Mythology’s cuban empanadas or its smoked andouille sausage plate. 3622 Tejon St.

Que Bueno Suerte

If you’re looking for more than just a tequila libation to commemorate this delicious holiday, drop by Que Bueno Suerte’s National Margarita Day party for live music from Denver-based family band Mariachi Vásquez and buy-one-get-one margaritas with complimentary add-ins like puréed fresh mango or basil. 4-11 p.m., 1518 S Pearl St.

Editor’s Note, February 19, 2019: This article was updated with new information. Cheers!