Where to find the best margaritas in Melbourne

Daydreaming of a Mexican beach break? Try these Melbourne margaritas for a sensory getaway. Close your eyes and sip on that classic combo of tequila, triple sec and lime.

Bottomless margs at The George

If you love margaritas but you're in the mood for some heat, head to The George on Collins. The bar's take on a spicy marg is served with Herradura silver tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime and hot chilli. Calm your tastebuds and order the mango and coconut bavarois for dessert. The George also does a weekly bottomless margarita brunch. Visit on Sundays in February for tacos, bottomless cocktail jugs and customisable salt rims.

Classics in Kensington

Kensington institution La Tortilleria needs to be well up there on your marg tour of Melbourne. Start your Mexican street food feast with tacos, chilaquiles and ceviche. Wash it down with an ice-cold, freshly shaken, salt-rimmed margarita. The classic is always on the menu, but recent specials have included a spicy Cholula-laced concoction.

Garden cocktails at The Commons Collective

Warm weather calls for a sun-soaked beer garden. Sip your cocktails in a stunning rosé garden, hidden inside a heritage-listed space at The Commons. The team does a cracking take on the spicy marg. It comes with Olmeca Altos Plata Blanco Tequila, triple sec, lime juice and agave nectar. But it gets its kick from the spicy house-made syrup.

Happy hour cocktails at Carlton Yacht Club

At specialist cocktail bar Carlton Yacht Club you'll be able to sip on a marg any day of the week. Be met with a cosy and friendly indoor vibe, or enjoy the Melbourne sunshine in their outdoor seating. Opt for the classic, citrusy margarita or go all out and grab the spicy alternative. Happy hour comes every day from 4pm to 7pm at the Yacht Club. Pop in early to sip cocktails for less.

Signature margarita at Mejico

Mejico is mad for mezcal and tequila. The margarita menu swings from the classic to the spicy jalapeño. We love Mejico’s signature margarita – El Jimador Plata tequila, lemon, triple sec, agave and egg whites. It’s like a whisky sour by way of Oaxaca. Grab a marg for only $10 on Mondays. Or head upstairs to discover the new tequila bar and margarita lounge, open until 3am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Rooftop spicy margs at Farmer's Daughters

Pair your farm-to-table bar snacks with a spice-loaded drink on the Farmer's Daughters rooftop. This lush green space serves all Australian spirits with garnishes grown on site. With a cocktail menu inspired by the seasons, it's ever changing. Try the jala-pinot for an afternoon kick, made with jalapeno and grapefruit infused tequila and a pinot noir reduction.

Mexican cantina at Tres a Cinco

Hosier Lane houses a Mexican cantina oasis in the form of Tres a Cinco. Fresh bites like crab-loaded tostadas, habanero oysters and crispy fish tacos make for a refined street food feast. The marg menu is just as stacked, with six styles, each varying with different tequila. There's chilli margs, frozen margs, classic margs, and so much more.

Classic margaritas at Mamasita

Make tracks for Mamasita, the most Melbourne of Mexican restaurants. Head up that narrow staircase, take a seat at the bar and have a chat with the in-house mezcalier. Order the classic, made with Coralejo Blanco, triple sec, agave, lime and salt. Want an extra kick of flavour? The tamarind margarita with Peloton mezcal, triple sec, lime and chipotle salt is a bev you can't skip.

Orange and passionfruit margarita at Hello José

This super fun, laid-back taqueria doesn’t overthink the margarita. At Hello José, the team like to keep things straight up. You can get a classic or, if you want some heat, you can add jalapeño. Want to beat the heat? You can get either of them frozen. But we like the tropical vibe of the orange and passionfruit marg.

Ghostface killah at Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde has been letting the Mexican good times roll for a long time now. Being home to one of the country’s largest collections of tequila and mezcal helps. The margarita menu here is expertly crafted, with room for creativity. You can even customise your marg with a choice of the house-salts. But we think the devilish 'ghostface killah' is where it’s at. It has habanero chilli, dark agave nectar and bonfire-smoked salt.

Tommy’s margarita at Bodega Underground

Slip into this basement bar at the top end of Chinatown and sip on a restrained classic – Tommy’s margarita. This one is a simple combo of tequila, lime and agave on the rocks. Pair it with the classic fried fish tacos with chipotle mayo and cabbage slaw. Don't skip the weekend bottomless brunch either!

Frozen margarita jug at El Sabor

This super cute Mexican restaurant in North Melbourne knows margaritas are best enjoyed with a few amigos. At El Sabor, the team can set you up with a one-litre jug of frozen margaritas for summery good times. Make a meal of it with a bumper share plate of cheesy fajitas – served on hand-painted traditional Talavera trays.

Hidden basement bevs at Miranda Tequila Bar

Tucked away in a hidden basement on Flinders Lane is Miranda Tequila Bar. Try the very unique and summery Mexican mule. It's got 1800 Reposado tequila, lime, ginger beer, and fresh mint. Or, learn everything there is to know about tequila agaves at a masterclass with a tequila ambassador.

Always drink responsibly.