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 9th 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 recommendations to get you started—4 Founding Members from 2016 and 4 Newbie Members from 2023!

TOP 4 MOST FREQUENTED FOUNDING MEMBERS

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. Del Charro Saloon

As "Santa Fe's Watering Hole," you know you must go because what establishment even calls itself that anymore!? Well, Del Charro Saloon does, and it's super conveniently located right downtown, friend, so come and get your classic Santa Fe Trail Margarita. It'll wash down the tastiest and heartiest of reasonably priced items on the menu. And if you love a good patio, you're all set!

TOP 4 MOST FREQUENTED NEWBIES 

1. The Bull Ring

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 Lisarita 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. Palace

With a new name and re-inspired look and feel, the Palace is back on the top of everyone's list! It's got a lotta swank and promises sophisticated fun. So, get yourself on the Santa Fe Margarita Trail with Hot Tropix, which is sexy south of the border simple, mixed with habanero-infused tequila, pineapple rum, amaro montenegro, pineapple gum, and of course, fresh lime. Come for the posh and stay for the flavor! 

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!

AMONG THE MOST UNIQUE

Meow Wolf

What would you expect from the original of immersive art experiences but a colorful, cotton candy-topped cocktail called the Meowgarita. Find it in the multiverse at the Float Bar inside Meow Wolf's House of Eternal Return. Enjoy this fusion of reposado tequila, cointreau, agave, fresh lime juice, and butterfly pea flower tea during a respite from the interactive 70+-room journey to discover just what happened to the Selig-Pastore family.  

Get a taste of The City Different! Order your Official Santa Fe Visitors Guide now or browse our deals and specials to help you plan your next trip to Santa Fe.