Santa Fe has become synonymous with margaritas. How fun is that? 

It's partly because that main buzz (TEQUILA!) in the all-mighty margarita is said to have made its way via the Spanish on their treks along the El Camino Rael to Santa Fe in the 1600s. (Click for more tequila and margarita origin stories.) Fast forward to the 1970s and margaritas are an integral part of the culture of The City Different, but then Santa Fe took the typical lime juice, salt, rocks thing one BIG step further.

On Cinco de Mayo 2016, Santa Fe introduced the Santa Fe Margarita Trail to the world. Now, it’s easier than ever to find (and sample) the creative concoctions dreamed up by mixologists throughout the city. In the Trail's 8th year, each of the 50+ locations on the trail has their own special margarita!

Simply grab a Santa Fe Margarita Trail Passport ($3 at the Visitor Centers) or download the app ($3). Here are 8 (get it!?) recommendations to get you started—4 Founding Members from 2016 and 4 Newbie Members from 2023!


TOP 4 MOST FREQUENTED FOUNDING MEMBERS

4 Founding Members SFMT


1. The Shed

Open for more than six decades, The Shed is an institution in Santa Fe. It’s known for its top-notch New Mexican dishes and consistently wins the Santa Fe Reporter’s “Best of Santa Fe” awards for their chile. Pair your red chile enchiladas with the Codigo Coin Margarita, made with Codigo Blanco Tequila and Cointreau.


2. La Fiesta Lounge at La Fonda on the Plaza

While you’re exploring the city’s historic Plaza, swing by La Fonda, where you can finish off your docent-led tour of the historic hotel with the Tamarindo Margarita at La Fiesta Lounge. Note the special Alderwood-smoked salt rim and a proprietary La Fonda Margarita Mix.


3. Coyote Cantina on the Rooftop

The Coyote Cantina on the Rooftop is the wild child to its companion restaurant, Coyote Cafe, and that's a thing to be experienced! Sit right down with their special Norteño Margarita, very simply made with green chile-infused Premium Silver Tequila, lime juice, and their very own sweet & sour mix. The conversation will flow amid street-art murals and brightly patterned oilcloth-covered tables overlooking Water Street, just a block from the Santa Fe Plaza. Try any of their comfort food options, including the green chile cheeseburger piled high with onion rings, bacon, and a fried egg. 


4. Thunderbird Bar and Grill

Lucky you—a margarita with a view of the historic Santa Fe Plaza! Grab a seat here for the Summer Scene concert series and sip on The Paparita Margarita, mixed with Patron Añejo, Grand Marnier, fresh agave, and that always-present, edgy, ample squeeze of lime. The Thunderbird Bar and Grill's innovative twist on Southwestern cuisine makes a tasty accompaniment.


TOP 4 MOST FREQUENTED NEWBIES 

4 Newbie SFMT Members


1. Izanami

It's pretty customary to try the sake here at Izanami, in part because the Japanese izakaya (small plates) restaurant offers the most extensive premium selection for a thousand miles, but new to the Santa Fe Margarita Trail, the Sudachi Margarita is making a splash! Mixed with Don Julio Blanco, sudachi (small Japanese limes), and Taheizan Yuzushu (a liqueur of Japanese fruit), this beverage is indeed special. Try it along with any number of delectables from their exciting menu, including creamy kabocha udon, and relish the high mountain setting.  


2. Tumbleroot Brewery and Distillery

Established in 2018 and new to the Santa Fe Margarita Trail in 2023, Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery is the one participant that distills their own "tequila," which they rightfully call an "agave spirit" because it's not produced in one of the five Mexican states. So check out the local rebel called Tumbleroot Plata Margarita, as well as the lively bar and patio, excellent for enjoying music, hanging out, and general merriment. Food truck on site!  


3. Dragon Room Bar at the Pink Adobe

A special spot with a long, beloved history in Santa Fe is the Dragon Room Bar at the Pink Adobe. It's cozy, fun, and vintage Santa Fe, but surprisingly (and thankfully) new to the Santa Fe Margarita Trail with The Black Dragon, which is sexy simple, mixed with Monte Alban, Silver Tequila, Cointreau, lime, and a splash of Chambord. Come for the atmosphere and stay for the classic Southwestern fare and that special marg!


4. The Alley

How does a mix of bowling and margaritas sound? Great, right!? Or at The Alley, you could be playing pool, darts, ping pong, or shuffleboard, OR you could be enjoying delicious food and catching up with friends and family. It's all possible at The Alley! So, make them feel welcome to the Santa Fe Margarita Trail by asking for The Cantarito by name!


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