Yummy Margaritas in 417-Land

Margaritas aren’t just for Cinco de Mayo. That glorious combination of tequila, lime and whatever else feels right might as well be the official drink of the entire month of May, and the whole rest of the summer. Here in 417-land, there are incredible margaritas available on the menus at local restaurants, including one that gives you the perfect reason to have a little nip with brunch.

Breakfast Margarita

Early Bird Breakfast Pub, 1717 E. Cherokee St., Springfield
What’s to Love: Breakfast and Cinco de Mayo come together in this margarita that’s made with sweet orange marmalade. Also inside: Jose Cuervo Silver tequila, triple sec, agave nectar and zippy lime juice.

Iguana Roja Margarita

Iguana Roja Restaurant, 107 W. Church St., Ozark
What’s to Love: Unlike most margaritas that lean heavily on sweet tastes, the Iguana Roja adds heat to the mix with fresh jalapeño slices. The tequila is infused with pineapple, which tastes incredible with those peppers. It’s the spicy-sweet taste that pairs great with chips and salsa.  

Margareta Mexicani

La Paloma, 3014 E. Sunshine St., Springfield
What’s to Love: Even without any added extras, the margaritas at La Paloma are fresh and delicious. But the Margareta Mexicani has the added perk of a mini bottle of Corona. The beer slowly empties out into the margarita as you drink it.

HoPaloma

The Order, Hotel Vandivort, 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield
What’s to Love: Tequila Ocho Plata adds punch to jalapeño shrub, agave syrup, lime juice and a hop and grapefruit soda. It’s topped with a jalapeño-hop rim. 

The Traditional

Maria’s Mexican Restaurant, 406 South Ave., Springfield
What’s to Love: True to its name, this is the most traditional margarita on this list. But it’s also crazy delicious. It’s made with a simple mixture of tequila, orange liqueur and fresh lime juice. 

Sangarita

Great American Taco Co., 2915 E. Battlefield St., Springfield
What’s to Love: This drink starts with Great American Taco Company’s margarita made with Sauza Blue tequila, triple sec, fresh lime and house-made citrus sour mix. Then it’s all mixed with the restaurant’s tasty red sangria for a killer combination. 

Watermelon Margarita

Arnie’s Barn, Top of the Rock, 612 Devil’s Pool Rd., Ridgedale
What’s to Love: On a menu full of interesting margarita options, this refreshing little number stands out. Watermelon puree adds a sweet, summery freshness and is combined with Maestro Dobel Tequila, triple sec, lime juice and sour mix.

Pineapple Infused Rita

Cantina Laredo, 4109 S. National. Ave., Springfield; 1001 Branson Landing, Branson
What’s to Love: A splash of ginger beer tops this margarita that’s made with fresh lime juice, Milagro Silver tequila, mango puree and fresh mint leaves. It’s like a Moscow mule and a mango margarita had a delicious baby.