MARGARITAS WORTH CELEBRATING
Here at Descanso we believe life is too short for mediocre margaritas, especially when you’re on vacation in the desert. So with your drinking pleasure in mind, a few members of our hospitality team went in search of the best margaritas in Palm Springs. To make our list, the margaritas had to be really, really good and the location had to have a great ambiance. And as luck would have it, many of our favorites are within walking or biking distance from Descanso. Here’s the only margarita guide you’ll need for your Palm Springs escape.
El Mirasol at Los Arboles
An easy 15-minute stroll from Descanso towards downtown, this hidden gem serves up deliciously good margaritas in a pretty courtyard ringed by fruit trees. You’ll find all the classics done very well here, and the prices are reasonable enough to splurge on Patrón reposado or Don Julio silver. Whether you go in the afternoon or after dark, El Mirasol is a relaxing spot to linger with a friend over drinks.
https://www.elmirasolrest.com/location/north-el-mirasol-at-los-arboles/
Boozehounds
This local favorite in the Uptown Design District shakes up a shockingly good margarita. Made with El Tesoro reposado, Ancho Reyes liqueur, citrus-infused agave cordial, chili tincture, and smoked citrus salt, our crack tasting team found the Boozehound Margarita “super tasty with a nice hint of spice to it!” Boozehounds is also within easy walking distance of Descanso, or pedal over on one of our cruisers in under five minutes. This place has a super friendly vibe. Sit out on the spacious patio and make some new two- and four-legged friends!
Blue Coyote Bar & Grill
Home of the “World Famous” Wild Coyote Margarita, guaranteed to make you howl! Seriously though, the Wild Coyote is a really good classic margarita made with fresh lime juice, and we can see why it’s been voted best in the Coachella Valley. Order it by the mug, pitcher, bucket, quart … you can even get it delivered to Descanso! Popular for happy hour, the large outdoor patio is equipped with misters for sunny afternoons.
https://www.bluecoyotegrill.com/
Tac/Quila
This popular Jalisco-style Mexican spot boasts an impressive list of tequila and mezcal, but the must-try here is the Margarita Flight of four different tastings. The current offering includes fresh Kiwi Mint, Guavamente, Prickly Pear, and Avocado. Can you say fit for foodies?! Sit inside and soak up the eclectic ambiance at the bar or nab a seat on one of the outdoor patios.
El Patio
Tucked into a colorful courtyard space that’s heavy on vacation vibes, family-owned El Patio is all about fresh and authentic Mexican food and drink done right. These folks are serious about their margaritas with more than 15 reasonably priced options on the menu, including unusual flavors like Tamarindo, Mango & Tajin, and house-brewed Jamaica (hibiscus flower). Their classic Cadillac Margarita is hands-down one of the best we’ve tried, and the jalapeno-infused Spicy Margarita is also a winner. The same family also runs Felipe’s, a quieter spot near the airport with equally good choices.
https://www.elpatiopalmsprings.com/
https://apps.felipespalmsprings.com/
Azúcar at La Serena Villas
Located on the south end of downtown, the margaritas at adults-only Azúcar are just as tasty as the scenery. Sit inside under the watchful gaze of Frida Kahlo in the Instagram-ready dining room, or outside on the Sugar High rooftop deck with a view of the San Jacinto mountains. No screaming kids or mariachi bands, Azúcar is where modern Mexicana meets California cool. Our tasting team recommends the Blood Orange Margarita -- tequila reposado, blood orange purée, fresh lime, and agave nectar with a ground chili rim. ¡Salud!