Drink Your Way Through Wisconsin On The Margarita Marathon
There’s nothing like the refreshing kick of an ice-cold margarita. The salty lime and tequila cocktail is so popular because the basic recipe is a classic, but it’s also open to a ton of interpretation. Margaritas can be made in thousands of different ways with a million different flavor combinations. From the simple salted rim and version to those made with house-infused vodkas, it’s pretty tough to find a margarita gone wrong. No matter what your taste, you’ll find something to sip on and love on this amazing walking tour that takes you to ten different spots in Madison within a 3.6-mile path. No designated driver needed here – just your two feet and the motivation to get to the next place for another drink. This path through Madison’s isthmus is the thing of margarita-induced dreams.
You can find an editable version of this map here.
This short and sweet path takes you on a 3.6-mile walk to 10 different spots in Madison serving up some of the best drinks you'll find anywhere. From classic, salt-rimmed lime favorites to some new and unusual takes on the standard recipe, you'll find margarita perfection along this easy walking path.
Adding Pedro's makes this a bit more than a walkable trip, but voted one of the best cocktails in the city, it would be a shame to leave this margarita off the list. Just two miles away from Tex Tubb's, if you've got a driver or are willing to start your day with an Uber or Lyft, you definitely want to start this trip at Pedro's.
Address: 3555 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI, 53704.
There are 10 different types of margaritas on the permanent menu here. They add in house-flavored tequilas, various juices, mezcal and more to create a whole page of margarita goodness for you to choose from. There are also frozen margs, and they offer a frozen sampler for those who can't make a decision.
Not only do they have an extensive menu, but margs are half price here on Mondays and Tuesdays. They've also got a build-your-own margarita menu where they lay out the different types of tequila and mezcal and offer options like Cointreau or Grand Marnier to kick it up even further.
Address: 1344 East Washington Avenue, Madison, WI, 53703.
Alright, this is admittedly some outside-the-box thinking about margaritas, but this spot puts a Thai spin on the tried-and-true margarita with mango and chile-infused tequila. You won't regret keeping an open mind about what exactly makes a margarita after you try this one.
Address: 10 N Livingston Street, Madison, WI, 53703.
For the ultimate in freshness, this is where you go. They fresh-squeeze the lime juice and mix your marg up right in from of you, fresh from the shaker.
These folks excel at flavors. Cucumber, pineapple cilantro, pomegranate, melon, strawberry mint... the list goes on. These margaritas are fresh and bright and pack a flavorful punch.
The non-traditional Ancho & leftie has black pepper-infused mezcal and chile liqueur, among other amazing flavors. Definitely not your standard margarita, but interesting and delicious, nonetheless.
Address: 131 E Mifflin Street, Madison, WI, 53703.
Yup, we're sending you to a farm-to-table Italian restaurant. This isn't a traditional margarita, but it's pretty amazing. It's the marriage of negroni and margarita and house-infused serrano vodka, Campari and grapefruit. It's smoky and unique and so, so good.
Address: 122 W Mifflin Street, Madison, WI, 53703.
Coffee shop by day, specialty liquor bar by night. These folks know their products and they aren't afraid to try something new. They've got all kinds of flavored syrups, bitters and liqueurs to make your marg marvelous.
Address: 127 West Washington Avenue, Madison, WI, 53702.
You know it's going to be good when the tequila and mezcal have their own page on the menu. These folks know their liquor and they treat the margarita with the reverence it deserves. Definitely try the prickly pear option if it's in season.
Address: 111 South Hamilton Street, Madison, WI, 53703.
