Where to Find Sarasota’s Best Margaritas, Just in Time for Cinco De Mayo

You could celebrate Cinco De Mayo without margaritas, we guess, but we're not sure why you'd want to. Here are some of our favorites.
Casa Maya
8126 Main St., Lakewood Ranch, (941) 907-9449, casamayalwr.com
Two words: margarita pitcher. Why have one margarita when you can share a pitcher with friends? Bring a crowd and stay for live music while the drinks keep flowing.
Circo
1435 Second St., Sarasota, (941) 253-0978, circosrq.com
We know, we know. Why would a spot that advertises itself as a taco and bourbon joint have a margarita worthy of this list? Trust us—it does. Order one by the glass with several flavor options, or bring some friends and order a margarita jug.
El Melvin Cocina Mexicana
1355 Main St., Sarasota, (941) 366-1618, elmelvin.com
El Melvin's hot and spicy menu, prime location and bumpin' music add up to Cinco De Mayo perfection. Try the "Sarasota Sunset" margarita, with orange agave nectar and passion fruit. The "El Diablo," mixed with red wine, is another nice option.
Jack Dusty
1111 Ritz Carlton Drive, Sarasota, (941) 309-2266, ritzcarlton.com
Looking for a refreshing, delicate drink? The reddish-hued Italian liqueur Casoni makes Jack Dusty's marg pretty in pink—and lovely to drink.
Mi Pueblo
8405 Tuttle Ave., Sarasota, (941) 359-9303; 4436 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, (941) 379-2880; 530 U.S. 41 Bypass, Venice, (941) 486-0005, mipueblomexican.com
You'll find 10 margarita options at Mi Pueblo, from one with orange and cranberry juices to one with mint leaves and even one with powdered sugar.
Mr. Tequila
3969 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, (941) 312-5110; 491 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, (941) 751-9006, mrtequilas.com
Grab a pitcher to share at this Mexican joint. From frozen to flavored to mixed with a splash of sweet sangria, there's something for everyone.
The Old Salty Dog
1601B Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, (941) 388-4311; 5023 Ocean Blvd., Sarasota, (941) 349-0158; 1475 Tamiami Trail S., Venice, (941) 483-1000, theoldsaltydog.com
Blue skies, sunshine, a salty breeze—we'd be hard-pressed to find a better place in Sarasota to kick back. And the Grand Marnier floater on this 'rita only adds to the bliss.
Reyna's Taqueria
935 N. Beneva Road, Sarasota, (941) 260-8343, reynastaqueria.com
This taqueria may only have one marg on the menu, but one is all it needs. No wonder "reyna" translates as "queen." The house-made lemon-lime margarita reigns in our book.
Rocco's Tacos
243 N. Cattleman Road, Sarasota, (941) 477-8226, roccostacos.com
With more than 300 tequilas to choose from, you're guaranteed to find just the marg for you at Rocco's—or you can opt for one of the 11 margaritas from the cocktail list. If you’re feeling margarita-ed out, try the “Coco Cabana,” a spin on the classic painkiller made with plenty of coconut and blanco tequila.

State Street Eating House + Cocktails' margarita.
Image: Chad Spencer
State Street Eating House + Cocktails
1533 State St., Sarasota, (941) 951-1533, statestreetsrq.com
Tequila that's barrel-aged in-house and mixed with fresh lime juice, Bauchant orange liqueur, a secret simple syrup recipe and fancy peach salt from Australia make State Street's margarita a winner.
The Grasshopper
7253 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 923-3688, thegrasshoppertexmex.com
They say never mix beer and liquor, but sometimes you have to break the rules. Have some fun with the Coronarita, made with tequila and a 7 oz. cold Corona beer.
Wicked Cantina
1603 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, (941) 706-2395; 101 Seventh St. N., Bradenton Beach, (941) 281-2990, wickedcantina.com
As its name implies, you're guaranteed a wicked time at this cantina, which serves nine different margs. Kick back with the "Sweet Heat," made with mango purée and muddled jalapeño, or the "Tiki," made with Don Julio Blanco tequila, triple sec and pineapple.