• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore® logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Holiday » Cinco de Mayo » Discovering Santa Fe’s ‘Margarita Trail’ (with recipes)

    LAST UPDATED: February 27, 2021 • FIRST PUBLISHED: April 10, 2016 By Toni Dash 30 Comments

    Discovering Santa Fe’s ‘Margarita Trail’ (with recipes)

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Margaritas and Santa Fe are a perfect pairing and visitors and locals can try the best margarita recipes Santa Fe has to offer with the Margarita Trail! We sampled several and have the scoop (and best margarita recipes to share)!

    Discovering the Margarita Trail (Santa Fe, NM) with best margarita recipes collage

    For any who have sought the enchanting experience that is Santa Fe, New Mexico, the food landscape has surely drawn your attention. Santa Fe is absolutely one of my personal favorite food towns, and one where I’d gladly make the six-hour drive for a good northern New Mexican meal.

    The smoldering, spicy, soul-warming cuisine has an obvious cocktail partner: the Margarita. They are almost inseparable, the food and the cocktail, especially while lazing on outdoor Santa Fe dining patios in the summer months, filled with desert serenity and the sense no schedule could be more important than the current delicious moment.

    Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail

    Recently I dodged some large snow storms to make my way to Santa Fe to preview what I personally feel is no less than a stroke of pure genius: The Margarita Trail. Kicking off on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) this year, a number of Santa Fe restaurants and bars (thirty-one to be precise) will be offering up a signature margarita representing their establishment for patrons of the Margarita Trail to enjoy.

    Santa Fe\'s Margarita Trail logo | BoulderLocavore.com
    The official logo of Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail

    Passports: How The Margarita Trail Works

    Passports will be available for purchase for $3 at the three Tourism Centers, as well as the participating margarita venues, and will entitle the passport holder to purchase a margarita at any of the participating locations at a discounted rate. A stamp will be given in the passport for record keeping as patrons make their way selecting from venues of choice.

    Every type of establishment may be found on ‘the Trail’, from posh hotels to laid back bars locals love. There are prizes for accumulating stamps as well; five stamps gain a Margarita Trail commemorative t-shirt, twenty stamps a signed ‘The Great Margarita Book’, and completing all stops will reward with a home Margarita Bartender Kit. To keep the program enjoyable and safe, only two passport stamps will be issued in a given day.

    For those wondering ‘how different can one margarita be from another?’ I’m here to tell you, quite different. To date, without any overt planning, no two venues are serving the same margarita which speaks to the individual mixology voice of each participating location.

    A Taste of Santa Fe’s Best Margarita Recipes

    I spent a few days hopping between a handful of the locations to sample and snap some photos to give you a taste! Some recipes have been included here (note links in margarita names) and the recipes for all the Margarita Trail margaritas will be included in the program passports.

     Juliarita Margarita (La Posada de Santa Fe)

    The Juliarita Margarita (The Staub House Bar at La Posada de Santa Fe)

    Built in the 1800’s, the original Staub mansion was constructed by wealthy merchant Abraham Staub for his bride, Julia. It was a center for society entertaining hosted by the elegant Julia.

    Included on the lovely grounds were apricot trees planted by Julia and her friend, Archbishop Lamy, who founded the nearby Santa Fe cathedral.

    An original apricot tree still stands today and produces fruit which is the inspiration for the Juliarita margarita. Homemade apricot-infused tequila (infused with the apricots from Julia’s tree), Cointreau, lime and a slice of apricot make up this sophisticated sipper which can be enjoyed outdoors on the patio or in the art-filled Staub House Bar.

    Incidentally it’s said that Julia has never left her beloved property. Evidence of her ghost have been observed over the years.

    I wonder what she’ll think of her namesake cocktail? My guess is that she’ll be very, very pleased. I was smitten with the charming thought behind this margarita as well as the luscious flavor and rich spirit of the cocktail (no pun intended).

    Strawberry-Jalapeno Margarita (Inn at Loretto) - BoulderLocavore.com

    Strawberry-Jalapeno Margarita (Inn at Loretto)

    The highly photographed Inn at Loretto features a fresh Strawberry-Jalapeno Margarita. The fresh flavored spicy-sweet cocktail is a refreshing addition to the Margarita Trail.

    A walk around the property conjures the spirit of Santa Fe in the architecture and furnishings of The Living Room, their ample cozy lounge with a crackling fire, and comfortable leather furnishing.

    Click here to view/print the Strawberry-Jalapeno Margarita recipe.

    Tequila Mockingbird Margarita (Derailed at Sage Inn) - BoulderLocavore.com

    Tequila Mockingbird Margarita (Derailed at the Sage Inn)

    Recently opened Derailed, is an independently owned restaurant at the Sage Inn on bustling Cerrillos Road. They are serving a unique jalapeno-infused tequila margarita that includes St. Germaine liqueur.

    Perfectly spicy with a well-balanced flavor, the Tequila Mockingbird Margarita would be comfortably sipped in their bright comfortable lounge indoors or on the outdoor patio by the fire pits (they offer blankets too!).

    A signature of the restaurant is their use of essential oils in cooking rather than traditional herbs and spices. Definitely a cool venue to visit.

    Click here to view/print the Tequila Mockingbird Margarita recipe.

    Santa Fe Margarita Trail Buffalo Thunder Margarita (Iguana Cafe)

    The Buffalo Thunder Signature Margarita (Buffalo Thunder Hilton)

    It was no surprise the Iguana Café and Cantina at the Buffalo Thunder Hilton 15 minutes north of Santa Fe would be a stop on the Margarita Trail.

    I visited them last year when they had just reopened the Iguana Café to feature a walk up Guacamole Bar where a sous chef will customize the guac to your preferences.

    Additionally, they feature over 30 uniquely developed margaritas including the signature Buffalo Thunder Margarita which will be featured as part of the Margarita Trail.

    It is a great classic margarita served in an ample glass with my new favorite garnish (that gained rapt attention on Instagram too). It’s a very unique property featuring a warm welcome and elements from all the local pueblos.

    Click here to view/print Buffalo Thunder Margarita recipe or for details on the Buffalo Thunder Resort and their guacamole recipe.

    Basil White Peppercorn Margarita (Pranzo Italian Grill)

    Basil White Peppercorn Margarita or Pista Basilica Margarita (Pranzo Italian Grill)

    *As of February 2021 Pranzo Italian Grill is listed as ‘permanently closed’. On their Facebook page they have posts of a remodel in progress at a new location in September 2020 but no future updates. We’ll keep our eye out and post an updated link if they reopen.*

    I’ll throw myself on the sword on this one. When this tasting was arranged I found myself figuratively scratching my head trying to put together the idea of a margarita and an Italian restaurant.

    What a fantastic surprise this was! Pranzo’s Basil White Peppercorn Margarita got my ‘most inspired’ vote for combining the Italian flavors we know so well with a margarita.

    It has a wonderful blend of heady flavors I loved. And as though receiving divine concurrence, when I started to take some photos the light outside went black with only one shining ray falling on the cocktail.

    Anejo tequila finished in bourbon kegs, basil, grapefruit and more make this marg one you won’t want to miss.

    Santa Fe Trail Margarita (Del Charro Saloon at Inn of the Governors)

    Santa Fe Trail Margarita (Del Charro Saloon at the Inn of the Governors)

    Uber popular award-winning Del Charro Saloon hit it out of the park with their green chile infused tequila Santa Fe Trail margarita.

    The thoughtfully developed cocktail is perfectly balanced between spicy and lightly sweet, with an attention-grabbing green chile powder, red chile flake and salt rimmed pint glass. A signature tequila-pickled jalapeno garnishes the margarita.

    Del Charro Saloon is a few blocks from the Plaza with roaring fireplaces, a pop-up roof for their light, airy dining area as well as street side windows that fully open to enjoy summer breezes.

    Their burgers rock too. Just sayin’.

    Click here to view/print the Santa Fe Trail Margarita recipe.

    A plate of food on a table, with Santa Fe and Margarita recipe
    Del Charro Saloon’s Black Bean Veggie Burger with Sweet Potato Fries.

    Click for full list of all participating Margarita Trail venues with a map and their signature margarita.

     

    « Southwestern Sub Sandwich with Chipotle Mayonnaise
    Millionaire’s Shortbread recipe: Gooey No Bake Gluten-Free Bars »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    5 FAST & EASY 15-MINUTE RECIPES
    Spending too much time in the kitchen?
    These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for every occasion.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says

      April 18, 2016 at 12:55 am

      I need to get in on that! I love me some Margaritas! I had the best one I have ever tried on a press trip to brandywine valley. I had no idea that my margaritas needed bourbon in them! That specialty drink at Vudu Lounge was the best one I have ever tasted, I think I am going to LOVE The Margarita Trail a lot! 🙂

      Reply
      • Toni Dash says

        April 18, 2016 at 7:10 am

        I’ve actually never heard of a margarita with bourbon in it Tracy. Sounds like a riff on a margarita to me. If it’s good, that’s all that matters. You won’t find bourbon in any of the margaritas on Santa Fe’s Margarita Trail however. Those I sampled stuck to the traditional tequila, cointreau (or other orange liquor), lime, agave, etc.

        Reply
    2. Zaria says

      April 16, 2016 at 3:17 pm

      Hi Toni,

      The strawberry margarita looks so nice! Now I know where I want my next destination to be!

      Zaria

      Reply
    3. Amy @ Marvelous Mommy says

      April 15, 2016 at 3:14 pm

      Such gorgeous photos! The Buffalo Thunder Signature Margarita looks amazing!

      Reply
    4. Kiwi says

      April 14, 2016 at 2:58 pm

      Loving all the drink descriptions! I want to go on this trail this is right up my ally!

      Reply
    5. Tracey says

      April 13, 2016 at 4:18 pm

      I love margaritas and now I think I need to visit this trail! Those margaritas looked to die for!

      Reply
    6. Seattle Travel Blogger says

      April 12, 2016 at 7:07 pm

      You have some wonderful pictures here.
      Makes me want a margarita 🙂

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

    AS FEATURED ON….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Easy Dinners

    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe
    • Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket title image Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket: an Easy One Pot Meal
    • Shrimp Salad title image Shrimp Salad Recipe
    • Green Chile Stew title image Hearty New Mexican Green Chile Pork Stew

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Hummingbird Cake title image The Best Hummingbird Cake recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • LIMEADE IN A GLASS WITH ICE Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe
    • cilantro lime rice title image Easy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
    • Easter Rice Krispie Treats title image Easter Rice Krispie Treats: Fast & Festive with a Surprise Ingredient!

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2023 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.