National margarita day 2011's Flavorful History

February 22nd is National Margarita Day 2011. What, you don't think this is a real holiday? Perhaps you are unaware of the drink's great cultural heritage. Or perhaps you just haven't had a margarita yet.

Before imbibing the sugary drink, take a moment to reflect on the history of the margarita. According to Robb Walsh, author of The Tex Mex Cookbook, "The margarita is a success with a thousand fathers (and a few mothers.) Among those claiming credit for the original drink's invention are a San Antonio society dame, Mrs. William (Margarita) Sames, who first served her Margarita's cocktail at a party in Acapulco in 1948."

While various bartenders claimed credit for the invention of the margarita, it's hard to argue with the woman who gave the drink its name.

This original margarita was not the frozen drink that was the number one mixed drink in America in 2008, according to Cheers On-Premis Handbook. The invention of the frozen margarita took place in the 1970s, when an intrepid bartender converted a soft-serve ice cream machine into a margarita mixer. A legend was born.

Today, the majestic margarita ranks as one of America's favorite drinks. The U.S. is actually the world's largest tequila market, thanks in no small part to our sweet, frozen beverage.

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