Esquire’s Margarita (1953)

Introduction

Step into the world of mid-century sophistication with the 1953 Esquire Margarita Recipe, the first margarita to grace the pages of history. Published as the “Drink of the Month” in Esquire Magazine’s December 1953 issue, this cocktail represents a pivotal moment in margarita lore. As the earliest known margarita recipe, it introduced readers to the bold, tequila-forward flavors that remain iconic today. Let’s dive into this historical blueprint and uncover its timeless charm.

What is the 1953 Esquire Margarita Recipe?

The 1953 Esquire Margarita is a precursor to modern margaritas, offering a simpler take on the classic cocktail. This recipe features a bold ratio of tequila compared to the Cointreau, and lime juice. It highlights tequila as the dominant flavor, making it a tequila lover’s dream. By documenting the margarita for a national audience, Esquire Magazine helped popularize this cocktail and solidified its place in mixology history.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This margarita stands out for its unapologetically tequila-forward flavor. The high tequila ratio sets it apart from sweeter modern variations, offering a bold, clean taste that celebrates the spirit’s agave roots. Its simplicity reflects mid-century cocktail culture, where minimalism and quality ingredients reigned supreme. The 1953 Esquire Margarita captured the adventurous spirit of its era, inviting readers to savor a drink that exuded sophistication and boldness.

The Ingredients for the 1953 Esquire Margarita Recipe

To recreate this historic cocktail, you’ll need:

• 1 ounce Tequila: In 1953, tequila was not as widely consumed in the United States as it is today. However, among the available brands, José Cuervo was the most prominent and widely recognized. Other brands, such as Sauza, were also available but had a smaller presence in the U.S. market at that time.
• 1 dash Triple Sec: A dash typically refers to a very small amount, generally 1/32 to 1/8 of a teaspoon. Cointreau and Combier were among the leading triple sec brands in 1953, with Cointreau being particularly prominent in the cocktail scene.
• Juice of half lime or lemon: Freshly squeezed juice is essential for its bright, tangy notes. Most medium limes yield about 1–2 ounces of juice total, so half would be around 0.5–1 ounce. Most medium lemons yield about 2–3 ounces of juice total, so half would be around 1–1.5 ounces.

How to Make the 1953 Esquire Margarita

Recreating this iconic margarita is simple and rewarding:

1. Add tequila, triple sec, and lime or lemon juice to a glass over ice.
2. Stir.
3. Rub the rim with lime or lemon rind and spin in salt.
4. Pour the stirred drink into the salt rimmed glass.

Comparing the 1953 Esquire Margarita to Modern Margaritas

Flavor Differences: The 1953 Esquire Margarita boasts a bold, tequila-dominant profile. Modern margaritas often balance sweetness and acidity with a higher proportion of orange liqueur or added sweeteners.

Cultural Shifts: Over the decades, margaritas have become more customizable, with countless variations like frozen, fruity, and spicy renditions. However, the Esquire Margarita remains a testament to the purity of the original recipe.

Keeping It Classic: Scaling Up the Original Recipe

We’re all about preserving the magic of a great margarita, and this recipe stays true to its roots. However, the original measurements yield just 1.75 ounces—perfect for a quick sip, but let’s be honest, who’s stopping at that?

For a more satisfying pour, let’s scale it up to a 7-ounce serving that’s perfect for lounging or impressing guests. Here’s how you can make it happen:

• 4 oz Tequila: The bold foundation that defines a margarita.
• 2 oz Fresh Lime or Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed, of course, because nothing else cuts it.
• 1 oz Triple Sec: Adding that sweet, citrusy flair that ties everything together.

This larger batch delivers the same classic taste you love, with a smooth balance of tartness and sweetness. The result? 348 calories of margarita perfection in every glass.

Whether you’re scaling up for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe brings the timeless flavor of a margarita to life—one sip at a time.

Why the 1953 Esquire Margarita Remains a Classic

This margarita endures because of its historical significance and timeless appeal. As the first documented margarita recipe, it laid the foundation for one of the world’s most beloved cocktails. Its clean, bold flavors transport drinkers to a bygone era of sophistication and adventure. Whether you’re a tequila aficionado or a lover of vintage cocktails, the 1953 Esquire Margarita offers a taste of history worth savoring.

Conclusion

The 1953 Esquire Margarita isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a journey into the origins of margarita magic. Its bold flavors and historical significance make it a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. Recreate the 1953 Esquire Margarita and savor the original blueprint of this iconic drink. Share your creations with #TheMargaritaMixologist and join us in celebrating the legacy of this timeless recipe.

¡Salud!