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Of all the outrageous food and booze holidays, National Margarita Day, February 22, is one of the best. And here in Denver, Wednesday’s high-70s forecast should offer unseasonably fitting tequila-sipping weather. The Mile High City is home to an overwhelming amount of spots at which to imbibe the sweet-tart libation, but here are seven of our favorites.
Illegal Pete’s
If you’re looking for value, this popular local burrito chain offers tasty $4 Sauza tequila margaritas during happy hour every day from 3 to 8 p.m. Plus, free chips and salsa. Multiple locations
Adelita’s
Known for its authentic southwestern Mexican food, this Platt Park spot’s margaritas offer the perfect balance of sweet and sour. Try the Soldaderas Skinny, a classic margarita made without the sweet triple sec (don’t worry, you can’t tell), which is only $5 during happy hour (3 to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, daily). Use the dough you saved to indulge in Wednesday’s $5 chimichanga special. 1294 S. Broadway, 303-778-1294
La Cocinita
Grab a seat on the patio and soak in the sunshine at this family-owned Highland destination, where $14 scores you a delicious pitcher of margs, either frozen or on the rocks. For $4 more, you can upgrade to a pitcher of gold, which offers a tangy hint of orange flavor. 4935 W 29th Ave., 303-458-0932
El Charrito
This Ballpark dive bar will fulfill all your National Margarita Day needs. If the spicy cilantro margarita isn’t your style, you can build your own from the three-step menu. Choose your agave or flavored syrup base (options include lime, ginger, chai, or seasonal), your juice flavor (orange, grapefruit, pineapple, cranberry, sour, or lemonade) and an optional liqueur (Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, St. Germain, Ancho Reyes Chili, or Domain De Canton Ginger). Bonus: On “Weird Wednesdays,” DJ Goast spins house music all night. 2100 Larimer St., 303-523-1688
Los Chingones
When it comes to one-of-a-kind margaritas, Troy Guard’s popular Los Chingones has you covered. In honor of National Margaita Day, bartenders will be mixing up an array of specials, including the spicy pina, made with house-infused pepper tequila, pineapple, orange and lime juices, and a touch of agave. Best of all, this creation will only set you back $5 on the holiday. Pair it with a $2 margarita chicken taco while you’re at it. 2463 Larimer St., 303-295-0686; 4959 S. Newport St., 303-567-4258
El Jefe
Drop by this new farm-to-table Mexican spot in Sunnyside for a classic marg done right. The house version features Centinela Clásico Blanco, triple sec, lime, and agave, and it’s only $4 during happy hour (4–6 p.m. daily). If you’re looking to mix it up, try the Last Word-inspired “El Ultimo” cocktail, a blend of Milagro tequila, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, and lime juice. 2450 W. 44th Ave., 720-389-7615
La Loma
Tired of regular old lime margs? Head to La Loma’s new downtown location and you can order yours in flavors ranging from strawberry to mango to (our favorite) peach. If you like, you can also add a float of Corazon Tequila and Gran Gala orange liqueur to kick up the booziness. Whatever you do, don’t miss the grilled pineapple and jalepeño margarita, which La Loma’s bartenders crafted especially for the holiday.1801 Broadway, 303-433-8300