If you are reading The Sauce on Monday, today is National Margarita Day. If you are reading it on Tuesday, you missed it! But raise a glass, and let’s declare that it’s Margarita Week here in the 818—an area we believe is very much like Margaritaville—only without the salt around the edges.

While local mixologists often go crazy with the margarita concept, by definition a margarita must contain agave spirit (tequila or mezcal), orange flavor (usually liqueur) and citrus, says the El Silencio Mezcal company. Unlike tequila agave, mescal agave is roasted in underground pits to give it a smoky flavor.

Valley restaurants serving El Silencio margaritas this week and onward include Burbank’s Cascabel and Studio City’s Cocina Condesa and Mexicali. Or make them at home with these recipes from LA mixologist Marco Tello.

 

Smoking Mandarine Blossom

1.5 ounces El Silencio espadin

.75 ounce Mandarine Napoléon liqueur

.75 ounce St. Germain

.75 ounce fresh lime juice

Shake with ice and strain into a cocktail glass.

Cocktail Coupe – Lime Wheel

 

Blood & Smoke

2 ounces El Silencio espadin

.75 ounce agave nectar

.75 ounce fresh lime juice

.75 ounce fresh blood orange juice

Shake with ice and strain over rocks.

Rocks Glass – Lime Wheel