One margarita will be crowned the best in Dallas. Who will it be?

The history of the margarita runs deep in Texas and no matter if it’s frozen or shaken, Dallas loves a great margarita. The frozen margarita was actually invented in Dallas a little over 40 years ago. With the heavy Tex-Mex culture here in the North Texas area, we’re always looking for reasons to celebrate.

Dallas Margarita Meltdown 2013 is a celebration and contest bringing the best margaritologists together to crown the best margarita in Dallas. Created by Tony Fernandez (Espumoso Cafe) and Nico Ponce (Sunset Lounge), the Margarita Meltdown will take place during Memorial Day weekend on Sunday, May 26th, 2013 from 5 pm­- 10 pm in Dallas’ historic Bishop Arts District.

How to Make a Mexican Margarita

The margarita is a Mexican cocktail consisting of tequila mixed with Cointreau or similar orange-flavoured liqueur and lime or lemon juice, often served with salt on the glass rim. It is the most common tequila-based cocktail in the United States. The drink is served shaken with ice (on the rocks), blended with ice (frozen margarita), or without ice (straight up). Although, these are the ingredients the spectrum can vary greatly on the liberties a mixologist may take in creating the end product. That’s why there are contests. With 20+ competing restaurants there is no doubt you’ll find your fave. If that favorite happens to the popular with others, you’ll have a new happy hour spot for you and your friends.

Dallas Margarita Meltdown 2013 Competing Restaurants

Asador, El Fenix, Meso Maya, Veracruz Cafe, Ten Bells, Oak Cliff Social Club, Outpost, Victoria’s, Mesa, Espumoso Caffe, El Ranchito, La Calle Doce, Iron Cactus, The Standard Pour and last year’s winner Whiskey Cake will return to defend their title. New to the mix this year will be Bowl & Barrel, La Duni, Pozo, DeLat, Sunset Lounge, Lark in the Park, all from Dallas, La Margarita from Irving and The Ranch in Las Colinas.

Dallas Margarita Meltdown Prizes for Bartenders

The stakes are high and some of the best bartenders in the city will compete for $1,000 and the prestigious title of “Best Margarita in Dallas”. Various happy hour events leading up to the Margarita Meltdown will begin in May at participating establishments in Oak Cliff, Uptown and Downtown.

Choosing the best Dallas Margarita is a heft task. All attendees will have the opportunity to sample each ‘rita and vote on their favorite one via text message. Over 5,000 people have attended the Margarita Meltdown over the past two years and over 2,000 are expected to attend this year.

Tickets for this event are $20 and part of the proceeds benefit La Voz del Anciano (The Voice of the Elderly), a local non­profit that helps serve the needs of the elderly Latino population. Vendor opportunities are still available. Visit the website for more information.

How to Win Tickets to Dallas Margarita Meltdown

ILiveInDallas.com is giving away two tickets to 3rd Annual Dallas Margarita Meltdown, which is a $40 value. All it takes is two steps. The winner will be chosen at random.

1) Like the Margarita Meltdown Facebook page

2) Go to the ILiveInDallas Facebook page and hit “Share” on this article so it posts to your Facebook timeline/wall ( you might have to Like our fan page first)

For more information, visit www.DallasMargaritaMeltdown.com