Culture Clash's Favorite Island Margaritas

By Culture Clash Krewe

For our drink up section this issue we polled our readers to see who they thought had the best margarita on the island. Galveston lays claim that the margarita was invented on the island at the Balinese room in 1948 for singer Peggy Lee. You all voiced which margs you love around the island so we had to try them for ourselves.

Using a rating system below:

• Flavor balance: does the tequila flavor shine through? Is the citrus acidity balanced and fresh tasting? Is the salt rim present and enhances the drink? Are the flavors balanced and complimentary?

• Presentation: Is the garnish appropriate and visually appealing? Is the glass suitable for the style of margarita?

• Texture & consistency: Is the drink properly diluted and not too watery or strong?

• Drinkability: Can this drink ease you into spring break and sustain a steady buzz? Does it go down smooth?

We rated each category on a scale of 1 - 5 lime wedges with 1 being underwhelming and 5 being totally amazing. We taste tested and here are our thoughts on the top voted best four margaritas on the island!

Taquilos

House Margarita

Flavor balance: 4

Presentation: 4

Texture & Consistency: 3

Drinkability: 5

Overall Rating: 4T

Voted the best margarita in Galveston in 2017 and 2018 we knew we had to stop in and try Taquilo’s house margarita. This drink comes on the rocks and is very smooth. This could very well be an all day drink option for those looking to embrace the day drinking spirit. The consistency is a complimentary mix of sour and acidity while not allowing the tequila to overpower. They offer $5 margaritas during happy hour which happens Monday - Friday 11 AM - 7 PM!

Vida Agave

House Margarita

Flavor balance: 3

Presentation: 4

Texture & Consistency: 2.5

Drinkability: 2

Overall Rating: 2.75

Vida Agave boasts the largest variety of tequila and mezcal on the island. Their margarita is on the stronger side and we couldn’t decide if it was the tequila or the mix coming through but after one of these we were feeling quite good! Their presentation is very on point with what you comes to mind when someone says margarita. They have a pretty awesome happy hour that includes bar bites and runs Monday - Friday 2PM - 7 PM.

The Old Galveston Club

Jackson’s on the rocks margarita

Flavor balance: 3.5

Presentation: 3.5

Texture & Consistency: 3

Drinkability: 3.5

Overall Rating: 3.75

Brewchachos

House Margarita - Margaritas on TAP!!

Flavor balance: 3

Presentation: 3.5

Texture & Consistency: 2.5

Drinkability: 3.5

Overall Rating: 3.125

Brewchachos house margarita is a little more on the strong side and definitely for folks that like a little more sour or acidity to their drinks. Their margs are served in a large schooner and dressed with salt and a lime. They also offer a flight where you can select four margarita flavors of your liking to enjoy. Their happy hour is Monday - Friday 3 PM - 7 PM and offers $1 off draft margaritas!

BONUS: The Jean Lafitte - This drink’s drinkability is 10/10. If you like orange juice and raspberry and don’t want to taste your alcohol THIS is the drink for you. This was our editor Jess’s favorite drink of the day!