National Margarita Day 2022: Where To Get The Best Food Freebies And Deals
National Margarita Day, February 22, may sound like one of those made-up holidays invented by some Madison Avenue type hoping to gin up interest in a client's tequila brand. But the truth about this auspicious day that has been set aside for appreciating America's favorite mixed drink (via Beverage Industry and VinePair) is something else entirely.
National Margarita Day was conceived and made a reality by one Todd McCalla, a Nashville real estate professional, around 15 years ago, as McCalla told Mic. His reason? "I really like margaritas." And because late February is such a "sad, gray time of year for people," McCalla thought, why not make the day brighter with a nice margarita? Especially one made with fresh lime juice and simple syrup, as opposed to some high fructose corn syrup-laden "low quality mix," which McCalla views with disdain.
Over the past decade and a half, McCalla has managed to bring National Margarita Day into the public consciousness, although something tells us he didn't have to try all that hard to convince people the margarita is worth celebrating. An increasing number of establishments have thrown their sombreros into the ring to get in on the promotion (something also tells us he didn't have to try that hard to convince tequila brands to get in on the hype, either). In other words, it is ultimately Todd McCalla fans have to thank for all of the following National Margarita Day-related food freebies and deals.
Jose Cuervo is giving away limes — and another big prize
The fact that National Margarita Day 2022 falls on the second day of the second month of the 22nd year of the second millennium since ancient times, which also happens to be Taco Tuesday, has inspired Jose Cuervo to give away 22,222 limes. After all, no one who wants a margarita should ever be put in the untenable position of having to use lime juice concentrate in theirs.
According to Jose Cuervo's website, there's still time to sign up to receive a free lime by mail. But even if the tequila giant has already run out of limes, you still might want to think about signing up. Signing up for the free lime also enters you into a sweepstakes, the grand prize of which is a "trip for two to visit Tequila, Mexico and Latin America's oldest distillery, La Rojeña, where Jose Cuervo is produced, followed by a weekend in Cabo San Lucas, relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Mexico." The winner also gets a golden lime, according to a press release sent to Mashed.
Bahama Breeze wants to 'make it a double'
Tequila is, by definition, a Mexican spirit, per CNBC. But that doesn't mean that you can't find some truly inspired margaritas outside of Mexico and Mexican restaurants. For example, Chilis and other Southwestern restaurants are known for their margaritas. And Bahama Breeze, which specializes in Caribbean cuisine, wants you to "marg" your calendar with a reminder to celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22 with its $5 Classic Margaritas.
If you don't have time to sit and nurse that refreshingly buzzy sweet and sour concoction, Bahama Breeze still has your National Margarita Day needs covered. Per the Bahama Breeze website, guests can take theirs "on-the-go" with the restaurant's "Mar-GO-Rita," which is essentially the Classic Margarita in a handy to-go pouch. (Just don't accidentally give this to your kid in their school lunch.)
On the Border is keeping the celebration going through October
If the world's largest casual Mexican dining brand doesn't have a promotion planned for National Margarita Day, can it even be National Margarita Day at all? Fortunately, we won't have to find out, at least not this year. On the Border is promoting its margaritas and its "meltdowns" with a sweet deal to coincide with National Margarita Day and its 40th year in business, per a company press release.
All day on February 22, On the Border's generously sized House Margaritas will cost customers just $5. In addition, from now through October 2022, On the Border is offering its Grand Marnier Meltdown (pictured above with a House Margarita) with any margarita for a mere forty cents.
Chili's has a lot on tap for National Margarita Day
Something you may not know about this Southwestern-themed chain of casual restaurants is that Chili's has been honing its margarita recipe for as long as the chain has been in business, per Thrillist. But, honestly, how much does that little tidbit even matter when the margaritas in question are just $3 apiece all day on National Margarita Day?
If you're looking for a margarita that promises a bit more in the way of craftsmanship and panache, Chili's has fans covered with its Margarita of the Month, which it's offering for $5 all month long. This month, it's the "Grand Romance 'Rita," which features "Grand Marnier, Lunazul Blanco Tequila, Monin Pomegranate, and fresh sour."
In addition, Chili's "Presidente Margarita," which features Sauza Conmemorativo Tequila, Patrón Citrónge, and E&J Brandy, shaken by hand 25 times, will be available all day on February 22 for $5. ("Premiums" will cost $2 extra.)
A margarita at Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant will help end childhood hunger
Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant is getting in on the National Margarita Day promotional action with a sweet deal that will satisfy you in more ways than one. "For each regularly priced premium margarita sold at any of its restaurants, Abuelo's will donate $2 to No Kid Hungry, a national campaign that is working to end childhood hunger in America," according to a company press release.
In addition, if you purchase a "premium hand-crafted margarita at Abuelo's on National Margarita Day," you'll get a "No Kid Hungry" sticker to raise awareness and interest (and to offer all the charitable margarita lovers a sweet little metaphorical halo). You are also welcome to donate to this worthy cause Beverages included in the National Margarita Day fundraiser for No Kid Hungry are the popular El Jefe Margarita, Platinum Hand-Shaken Margarita and Skinny Margarita. Guests can also donate to the cause without purchasing a margarita.
Considering you can make a donation by enjoying any of the Abuelo's El Jefe Margarita, Platinum Hand-Shaken Margarita, or Skinny Margarita, why not imbibe?
Chuy's
If you're trying to decide which popular chain restaurant to go to celebrate National Margarita Day, you could certainly do worse than Chuy's (assuming you live in one of the 17 states where Chuy's has an outpost). According to Mashed's ranking of popular chain restaurant margaritas, Chuy's performed admirably. Sweetening the February 22 deal is the offer Chuy's is making to upgrade any regular "House Rocks" or "Frozen 'Rita" into a "Grande" for just $2 more. (Plus you get to keep the "commemorative cup," per Chuy's Tex-Mex.) Or, if you prefer, you can top your favorite margarita with an extra pour of tequila (a "floater," as Chili's calls it) for an additional $1.
In addition, and perhaps in the interest of making sure no one drinks on an empty stomach, Chuy's is also offering "$5 Queso appetizers, in-store, weekdays" for a limited time between the hours of three and six p.m. For another dollar, you can add seasoned ground beef, guacamole, and pico de gallo.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar is giving away free margaritas
In a slight variation of the National Margarita Day theme the chain went with in 2021, Hopdoddy Burger Bar is offering free four-ounce margaritas to guests. And when we say "free," we mean it — no purchase is necessary to get in on all the fun. The only pre-requisite for Hopdoddy's National Margarita Day promotion? You just have to be of legal drinking age (21 in all 50 states, per NYRA).
It's not clear whether you can nab more than one, but even if you can't, four ounces was once standard cocktail size. If that offers no comfort, then there's always the possibility of leveling up to a full-size margarita for the price of somewhere between eight and 12 dollars, per Hopdoddy Burger Bar.