Sipping a $4 morning margarita at Ale Mary's
Saturday morning, I found myself where Fells Point meets Canton, with some extra time on my hands.
Isn't there some old saying about idle hands?
I decided to slip inside Ale Mary's, and on my way in, saw $5 margaritas advertised on the chalkboard. Score! I sidled up to the bar and asked for one of their finest $5 margaritas.
When the bartender typed it into the touchscreen, she realized the margaritas were only $4.
Double score!
"I've got to change the board," she said ...
When the bartender asked me if I wanted some salt on the rim, I politely declined. It was a little too early for big chunks of salt.
Speaking of big chunks of salt, is that authentic? Do they put big chunks of salt on margaritas south of the border? I've never been to Mexico, you know.
The $4 Ale Mary's margarita was served in a Ball jar (nice!) and came with a couple slices of orange and lime. It was also largely composed of liquor, which, consumed pre-noon, was like setting a small forest fire in my belly. I'm not sure how much it normally costs, but for $4, it was quite a deal.
I haven't had too many margaritas around town. And summer is pretty much gone (heck, it was barely here at all this year). But where can I get the best margarita in town?
(Photo by me)
Erik Maza is a features reporter at the Baltimore Sun. He writes for several sections of the Sun paper and contributes weekly columns on music and nightlife. He also writes and edits the Midnight Sun blog. He often covers entertainment, business, and the business of entertainment. Occasionally, he writes about Four Loko, The Block, the liquor board, and those who practice "
Comments
Yeah, it was too early for salt.
My friend from Mexico City used to say that all the American tequila rituals are American or for tourists – the Margarita and especially the salt, lime wedge and shot routine. She said they drink tequila with Squirt grapefruit soda. Who knew?
P.S. Best margarita ever was at the Marriott lobby bar in Panama City, Go figure.
Posted by: Owl Meat Gravy | September 8, 2009 9:37 AM
The Blue Agave has a variety of great margaritas, including a spicy margarita made with habaneros for the daring.
Posted by: good eating | September 8, 2009 10:07 AM
I don't know if salt is authentic or not, but I never get salt on my margaritas. I hate drinking from a straw, and putting my lips and tongue on a rim full of salt just removes all the flavor from the tequila and mixer. Salt is just for downing tequila shots when you're aiming to get wasted, and not wanting to be slowed down by the taste of bad tequila, at least in my opinion.
Posted by: mountchuck | September 8, 2009 10:22 AM
The key to a good margarita is OJ. If it's just the tequila, triple sec and mix it's lacking.
On a tequila side note I tend to get dirty looks every time when I order tequila. As much as I like the good stuff (Patron and other $12 tequila shots) nothing beats the taste of the stuff you find in the rail. I want to really taste my tequila, and have hit punch my tastebuds in the nuts. Bad tequila is the new good tequila.
Posted by: Rich B | September 8, 2009 11:44 AM
The best margaritas I ever had were salted, made with only lime and served by the pitcher full, on the rocks. They were from the legendary Tommy's in the Richmond District of San Francisco. If you go, don't miss it the food is ok, the 'ritas are amazing.
http://www.tommystequila.com/
Posted by: Moondoggy | September 9, 2009 10:53 AM
I want to really taste my tequila, and have hit punch my tastebuds in the nuts. Bad tequila is the new good tequila.
Word. Except you know, I don't have nuts. This almost makes me want to reconsider my self-imposed ban on rail tequila. Best quote ever. :)
That marg sounds delish! I like that it came with oranges too!
Posted by: TAFKA CantonKate | September 9, 2009 2:14 PM
I think the best way to make one is with Agave Nectar and fresh juiced lime. Anyone that is using sour mix is covering up the good tequila with corn syrup and missing out on the taste of fresh citrus.
And if the tequelia being used isnt made from 100% agave you may as well be drinking bleach. I use Sauza Silver for my rail.
Posted by: John Reusing | September 10, 2009 12:48 PM